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:
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.
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:
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:
The ‘baby pool’ AKA “The ‘P’ Pool”.
After construction of the first T-Learner – 1963:
The second T-Learner was built in 1972.
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 