
|
Kiwanis
Fresh Air Camp in Niles, Ohio
1924 - 1942
Click on
any photograph to view a larger image.
To
purchase a high-resolution print of any listed photograph on this page
without the visible watermark, E-Mail
Us
Use the image ID Example: PO1.1023 |
Individual Membership: $20.00
Family Membership: $30.00
Patron Membership: $50.00
Business Membership: $100.00
Lifetime Membership: $500.00
Corporate Membership:
Call 330.544.2143
Do you love the history of Niles, Ohio
and want to preserve that history and memories of events for future generations?
Click
here to donate:
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization,
your donation is tax deductible. When you click on the Donate Button,
you will be taken to a secure Website where your donation will entered
and a receipt generated.
|

|
A
photo of the Niles Kiwanis Fresh-Air camp, sponsored for the benefit
of children who were under a certain income level, on the basis
that if they had a healthy summer, they wouldn't get so sick in
the winter. The camp was located on Mines Road in Howland Township.
Fresh Air Camp (1925) shows boys and
girls in the fresh air camp with the teachers behind them.
P10.38 The picture was taken by P. T. Alfonsi,
Niles Photographer |
|

John Wilder
Niles industrial leader

Volunteers pouring cement for sidewalks. PO2.731 |
KIWANIS FRESH AIR CAMP
Niles Kiwanis Club was formed in 1922. In 1924,
Mr. John Wilder, Niles industrial leader, was president
of the Niles Kiwanis Club. He was largely responsible for involving
all Trumbull County Kiwanis clubs in this new venture. They set
up a Fresh Air Camp for special children. In 1926 a stock company
was formed. A four-acre wooded campsite on the north side of Mines
Road, about a half mile east of the Niles-Cortland Road was purchased
for $2,400.
The camp was established to provide a healthy
atmosphere for children from 6-12 years old who needed dental
work, had nutritional deficiency, or might be susceptible to tuberculosis
infection. They were chosen by Ann Llewellyn, the county
public health nurse and they stayed at the camp from six to eight
weeks.
A 80 foot deep well, equipped with an automatic
electric pump, supplied plenty of pure water. There was a mess
hall, and a dorm that housed the boys at one end and the girls
at the other end. The office and personal quarters of the supervisor
were in the center of the building. There were four paid supervisors
and three volunteer staff who helped teach the children to be
kind, helpful and thoughtful at all times. Volunteers guided the
children in playing games, doing art work, caring for the pets
of the camp, and also they told stories around the camp fire.
The recreational equipment was donated by business and individuals.
There was a tree house built in 1933 and rested on three sturdy
tree trunks about 30 feet in the air. The long sloping stairway
beckoned the youngsters to visit this adventurous area.
The Fresh Air Camp did wonders for every one of its young campers.
Every child gained weight, was stronger and had a much healthier
body at the end of the season. Their strict daily routine was
a very important factor in making this project uniquely successful.
By 7:30 every morning they had brushed their teeth, washed their
face and put their clothes on and were ready for breakfast, which
consisted of cooked cereal, fruit, bread and milk. Lunch was a
full dinner and the evening meal consisted of soup, sandwich,
fruit and milk. Mary Lukick was the camp cook for many
years and served very healthy meals.
Over the years, many people volunteered and gave financial assistance.
By 1940 the camp could accommodate 72 children. Soon however,
World War II broke out and that program, like many other community
projects had to be put on hold. Now, all that remains are memories
and a picture that hangs on the wall in the Westenfield Room
at the Niles Historical Society Ward-Thomas Museum.
|
|

Fresh Air Campers (unknown date).
P10.37 The picture was taken by P. T. Alfonsi,
Niles Photographer. |

Kiwanis Camp with open air tents and
wooden shower/kitchen area. PO2.372 |

Fresh Air Camp (1931) with boys and
girls in front of shower and camp kitchen building.
The picture was taken by P. T. Alfonsi,
Niles Photographer. |
|

P02.610
|

P02.613
A Christmas party for the campers
from the "Fresh Air" camp sponsored by the Niles Kiwanis
Club in 1954. Dinner is being served at "Ma Perkins" Chicken
Inn on Route 422 in McKinley Heights. |

PO2.611
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|