After completion:
Interior Views:
The “Fireplace”:
See also:
The Auditorium
All posts by ForestValley
Cabin Photos
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
Staff Group Photos
Tractor Rides
It is uncertain exactly when tractor rides began. It is logical to assume that it was after the stagecoach was taken out of service in 1977. However, the photo below is from 1964 which means that tractor rides began much earlier, and concurrently with stagecoach rides.
This is the original tractor car in the Peewee unit area:
In 1963, beside the T-Learner,
A larger car was built around 1982:
Jerry (Laidlaw) driving:
Lou Glait driving while visiting in 1983:
Dominic driving:
Bert on the Trampoline
Bert on the trampoline, Circa 1965. Trampoline is located where the outdoor patio would later be built. Mini golf course in rear.
Several years later, the trampoline was relocated behind mini-golf and placed in a pit to bring it level with the ground.
The Hill
In 1965, using fill excavated for the Spadina Expressway, Bert constructed a ski hill on the western edge of the valley. The fill was essentially free and created yet another source of revenue – this time during the winter months.
Auditorium Under Construction
Bert in front of the auditorium during construction.
1964
Shingle application. 1964
Basketball
Likely the first year on the site. Looking west toward the hill.
ca. 1957
Boat Races on the River
Boat races on the river. 1961. Before the G. Ross Lord Dam was built – just north of camp – the level of the river changed regularly with the rainfall. When water levels were low, the river was accessible for activities like the one seen here. After storms, the river would run very fast and very high and signs were posted warning campers and staff to stay away. After the dam was built in 1973, the water level was kept consistently higher and the river essentially became off limits to camp activities. The following aerial photos show camp before and after construction of the G. Ross Lord Dam:
1974 Brochure Map
Aerial photo – labelled.
ca. 1974
Daily Schedule
First Bus Pickups: 8:00 am
Bus Arrival at Camp: 9:10 am – 9:30 am
First Period Begins: 9:50 am
First Lunch: 11:20 – 12:00
Second Lunch: 12:10 – 12:50
Third Lunch: 12:55 – 1:35
Snack: 3:50 pm
Buses Load: 4:00 pm
Bus Departure: 4:15 pm
Buses Cleared: 5:30 pm
Suspension Bridge
In 1973, the grade ten students from Downsview Secondary School built a suspension bridge across the ravine as part of their workshop experience. The bridge crossed the river from the Pottery Field. It was dismantled around 1980 when it was considered an insurance liability.
Location of bridge shown below:
Horseback Riding / Stables
View across the river to the ponies grazing in what later became the Ranger Area. The stables were set back about 100 feet from this spot and were accessible along a path that met the original bridge.
The pony program was discontinued in mid-1970’s. Photo ca. 1969:
The Pony Carousel as shown in the second camp brochure. ca. 1960. Trivia: Bert received the carousel and a stagecoach as settlement on a debt.
1967:
I-Learner Pool and the “Peewee” Pool
Dimensions: Learner: 20′ x 36′ Peewee: 20′ x 10′
The ‘baby pool’ AKA “The ‘P’ Pool”.
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear standing guard at the bottom of the parking lot.
Attendance Card
A camper attendance card from 1977.
Aerial View
Aerial view showing newly constructed office, auditorium and terrace. An additional office would be built 2 years later in front of the one on the left and joined via a corridor. Future location of tennis court shown as open field on right.
1964
Pottery
Pottery in the 80s and 90s:
Bert’s Business Card
Bert Fine’s business card
ca. 1970
T-Learners
Dimensions: 20′ x 36′
After construction of the first T-Learner – 1963:
The second T-Learner was built in 1972.
Below, replacing the concrete deck with pavers in 1988:
Soapbox Derby
The Soapbox Derby was an annual event for many years. Cabins in the older units built cars and raced from the top of the parking lot to the bottom.
Early 1960’s race:
Building cars for one of the last races in 1982:
Early 1960’s:
Soapbox Derby with narration from Bert – 1988
Forest Valley Day Camp 1956 - 1993 