Camp Alton:
The Final Chapters
Special thanks to Michael Kupersmith for the pictures of the camp grounds.
These pictures were taken on Michael's 2nd visit to the hallowed grounds in 1995.
To enlarge the pictures just click on them! Michael writes:
My second visit, the following year, was surreal. At times I felt like I had come upon the sound stage for "Apocalypse Now". At this time, all of the bunks had been removed. Piles of burning brush and rubbish were everywhere; the air was filled with acrid smoke. Photo 1 is taken along the bunk line at about where bunk "E" used to be. A number of photos were taken around the area of the main buildings and show the remaining physical features through the smoky haze.
The main buildings, which used to house the dining rooms, and Chief's Office and quarters had been totally demolished except for a few foundational granite/masonry foundation pillars and the fireplaces. In various photos, you can seethe fireplaces still standing!
Also at this time, the demolition of the Rec Hall was in full swing. You can see that the roof, the lodge and the back-stage areas have been removed. (In one shot, a truck is loaded with the ceiling trusses to be hauled away. If you look carefully at the photo from the up-hill side of the Rec Hall, through the stage opening, you can see one of the demolition workmen taking one of the last basketball shots ever taken at the old arena.
Several shots show the new road across the old A-Field. 3 or 4 homes were under construction. Also what appeared to be a condominium structure just off the beach.
What used to be Bunk E |
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View from what used to be the main buildings. |
All that was left of the main buildings. |
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More remains of the main buildings |
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As Chief or Peter finished talking you can see everyone dashing up the stairs to the dining room |
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What used to be the third base line!! |
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This would sure make catching fly balls hard! |
I think the base path is a little crooked! |
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Everything at the beach looks normal! |
Looks can be deceiving! |
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Alton Rec Hall Today |
The Wrecked Hall! |
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The Rec Hall side view |
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