Visit the Archives Room
Where can you find a letter dated February 25, 1959, to Mrs. Belle Brubaker of Robinson Ill., thanking her for donating a parcel of land that was to become Camp Ondessonk? Where can you see staff and camper pictures from all the way back to 1959? Where can you find unit shirts that span six decades of Camp? Where, you ask? In the Camp Ondessonk Archives Room, located in the lower level of St. Noel.
The Archives Room has come a long way. It still has a long way to go! With that said, there is plenty of interesting information that can be learned by visiting the room.
You will find information about Camp Ondessonk’s early years, complete with pictures, newsletters, Souvenir Books, and Yearbooks. Many binders are filled with pictures and documents dating back to 1959. There are binders with Frontier Trip information; an old staff manual; pictures of all past and present executive directors are displayed; and the glass display cases hold items from Camp’s history, including an entire case of Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha memorabilia, along with examples of the various Lodge Sashes. In addition, one of the cases holds souvenirs that were available for sale in the Trading Post throughout the years. Examples of arrowheads, old and new, are framed for viewing. There is even a door from one of Camp’s first trucks, along with the original bass drum used during inspection in the early years!
Many Camp Friends have donated items to the Archives Room, and we are appreciative of their support in preserving Camp’s history for future generations. You are invited to visit the Room to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s past. In order to access the room, please contact Jess Horvath, Program & Hospitality Director, who will be able to open the room for you. Please email her at jess.horvath@ondessonk.com or call 618-695-2489, ext. 104 to set up a time to visit the Archives Room.
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s history.
