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
Commando Course
The T-Pool
Built in 1964, the design was based on another pool:
The photo below was taken in 1961:
Dimensions:
Filtration:
(From David Morrison) The T-Pool water was kept clear by a diatomaceous earth filter housed underground, below the T-Pool Locker Room. The filter had to be backwashed, generally twice daily, and a new application of diatomaceous earth applied each time. During my tenure at the camp, it was mostly me or Dominic who performed this function.
Unfortunately, no one at the time fully understood the dangers of inhalation associated with crystalline diatomaceous earth (which, while not asbestos, is an asbestos-like substance), so we didn’t wear masks to prevent it. In today’s environment, doing that kind of work without a mask would be unheard of. I shudder to think of how much of that stuff we inhaled. Fortunately, the summer was only 60-some-odd days long, so I doubt that any permanent harm was done to either of us, although the damaging effects are cumulative, since the fibres never really leave one’s system. In any event, whaddaya gonna do?
TRIVIA: The first people to swim in the T-Pool were Ellen (Eli) Sobel, Jeff Levy, Jackie Sugarman, Janice Langer and Myrna Mosoff.
See also:
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:
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 “P” Pool
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
Forest Valley Day Camp 1956 - 1993 