Garages at the bottom of the parking lot. Always open and full of sharp tools & dangerous chemicals. ca. 1987
Garages
Category Archives: 1980s
Posts are listed in chronological order based on date of posting – newest posts first.
The Peewee / Muppet Unit Area
Early views – 1959:
The shelter shown below was later moved to the Patio (outside the kitchen) View is looking north west with garages visible in the background:
During construction of the T-Pool in 1964:
Barbecue Pit
Barbeque Pit
Clockwise L-R:
Barbecuing behind the A-Frame. Lower Field in the background. ca 1965
A permanent barbecue was built in the same location. This photo taken in 1969. Tent in the background is on the upper field beside the Nature Hut.
Same barbecue ca. 1989.
Commando Course
Still not Tire-D of Summer, Lana, left, and Jenna, take advantage of a spot of good eather in an otherwise chilly summer to scale a wall of tires at Forest Valley Day Camp in North York. Toronto Star. July 17, 1992
Photography Hut
The Photography Hut was built in 1965 for the purpose of housing the motor and mechanicals for the ski lift as seen in these screen captures from the ski video:
When the ski program ended in the late 60’s, the equipment was removed and the building was re-purposed. Many of the large electrical switches remained; the reason for them was a mystery until the history was learned. A porch was added in the 70’s.
Here are some photos of the building during its use as the Photography Hut:
Promotional Items
I have all of these items!
Pocket Knife
Gift to bus drivers – 1988
Fridge Magnet
Fridge Magnet. ca. 1990
Used exclusively for mailings to parents.
Watch
1985
Binders
Regular and Anniversary (1990). Larger versions were given to Supervisors.
Pen
25th Anniversary Pen – 1980
Name Button
Colour-coded for each unit.
Painter Cap
Provided to campers in spring mailing – 1988.
Key Ring
Gift to Bus Drivers – 1990
The Auditorium
After completion:
Interior Views:
The “Fireplace”:
See also:
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:
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.
T-Learners
After construction of the first T-Learner – 1963:
The second T-Learner was built in 1972.
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
Promotional Photos
The photos were taken by Del Schwartz (mainly in 1983) and used for promotion. Some were used in brochures. Others were blown up and hung in the office.
These photos were produced from the original negatives:
Forest Valley Day Camp 1956 - 1993 