May 05-13

Past-E-Mail: Cam Notes - 2013: May: May 05-13
Gitche Gumee Bridge in the 50's    ...scroll down to share comments
Photos courtesy of Gitche Gumee
Same spot in the 80's    ...scroll down to share comments
 Photos courtesy of Gitche Gumee
Bridge on the Pasty Cam in the 90's    ...scroll down to share comments
Photo by Jonathan Hopper
Major renovation    ...scroll down to share comments
Photo by Charlie Hopper
From the Tabernacle side    ...scroll down to share comments
Photo by Charlie Hopper
Construction update    ...click to play video


By
Charlie at Pasty Central (Chopper) on Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 07:57 am:

Rev. and Mrs. John Rader appear first in today's Shoebox Memory, as we give an update on a project here in Eagle River. The Rader's started Gitche Gumee Bible Camp back during the Depression, and John was its Director until his death in the late 50's, at which time Charles Hart (his son-in-law) took over the leadership role. We've had some campers ask for news about re-construction of the rustic bridge that spans Garden City Creek which winds through the middle of the Camp. So many folks have memories of this spot, some have expressed apprehension that it is going to change.

old postcard
As you can see in the video included above, the current plan is to elevate the deck of the bridge, eliminating the steps at either end. This will make the Tabernacle more accessible from the Dining Hall. The bridge was changed a few years back - to provide more protection on the sides, and you can clearly see those steps up which so many Junior Campers have skipped, and Senior Saints have tripped:
2001 Revision
Change can be uncomfortable, subtly modifying our memories, but also exciting to see the new-improved. We'll bring you another update closer to camp season, when the new span is complete.
2012 photo


Have a good Week :o)
By
Shirley Waggoner (Shirlohio) on Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 08:40 am:

That really looks like a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, unfortunately it's a little too far for me. Hope all you Yoopers get to spend some time there in the coming warmer and drier weather.:)
Hope you have a good week too, Charlie!


By Deb S. (Usedtobeayooper) on Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 10:05 am:

Gorgeous pictures, and so peaceful!!


By Thomas Baird (Thomas) on Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 10:10 am:

Nice bridge(s).


By kay Moore (Mskatie) on Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 11:01 am:

Having never been to this camp, can you give a little more history about it? What is the purpose of it and where can it be found. Who can visit there? Thanks...


By Allen W. Philley (Allen) on Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 11:45 am:

All those that have visited before and view old pictures will hold fond memories of the "Old Bridge" but I am sure everyone will admire the easier access and then have fond memories of the new bridge. I don't like change, but!


By Paul Roberts (Grizzlyadams) on Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 01:01 pm:

Thanks Charlie! I will miss that old bridge but
such is life. I think it's more just that the bridge
is like a bookmark in the pages of history, not only
of Gitche Gumee but also so much more for so many
people.


By Scott King (Sparky79) on Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 04:19 pm:

Absolutely love family camp at GG.


By jbuck (Jbuck) on Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 08:03 pm:

As a caregiver for someone confined to a wheelchair,
the change to the bridge, or more specifically the
approaches on either side, is a positive. Tho i do
agree, the things we see in our memories' eye are
very precious and we hate to have them change.

Thanks for the pictures and the video, Charlie!


By LoisHart (Lhart) on Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 08:06 pm:

It's tough sometimes to be able to "remember when...", as necessry changes occur in our favorite spots. Another one of those changes along the bridge is the gradual disappearance of birches, aspen, thimbleberry bushes and other forest growth that enhanced the beauty and peacefulness of this spot with their shade, fragrance, and soft "whispering" branches. Attrition by high wind damage, construction work, etc. have left the banks beside the falls barer than those earlier days. Here's hoping they will eventually come back or be replaced.


By Philip Thomas (Bugone777) on Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 10:09 pm:

Hope and Pray the best for this Bible Camp.

Nice to have a Spiritual Retreat these days.

GOD BLESS THEM and You All.

PPT BST USA =+=


By David J. Brown (Davbrown) on Friday, May 10, 2013 - 10:38 am:

I attended Gitchee Gumee as a teenager. Then when I
was at Michigan Tech I remember shoveling snow off
the roof of the Tabernacle one weekend.
It is a great place to vacation.
I look forward to the pictures of the new bridge and
I even may get up that way this summer to check it
out myself.
Thanks for featuring Gitchee Gumee in Eagle River.


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