Camp North Woods (Pellston, Mich.)

The property for Camp North Woods was purchased in 1923 by Wilbur Bowen and Paul Sampson, who were both professors at the Normal School at Ypsilanti, now Eastern Michigan University (EMU). At the time, EMU wanted to develop a field training area for students intereted in pursuing the burgeoning camping and outdoor leisure business, although it did not have the funds to purchase the necessary property. Professor Sampson had been very active in operating boys camps, and Professor Bowen was very interested in heart-related exercise, so they bought and operated the camp themselves. Female college and some high school students attended the camp and participated in canoeing, swimming, tennis, baseball, riding, plays, vaudeville performances, and other outdoor activities and trips. When Wilbur died in 1928, his wife, Lois, sold her half of the property to the Sampsons. The camp ceased to operate during the 1930s. The property was sold by Mrs. Elsie Sampson around 1963 to an unsuccessful developer. The property was finally divided and sold in the late 1980s. The original owners are all deceased. (This information is from the Bowen's grandson, Stuart Case, who currently lives, in 2006, on property which was once part of the camp.)

From the description of Photograph albums, 1926,2006. (Clarke Historical Library). WorldCat record id: 63256344