LOCALadk Magazine

Spring 2020 LOCALadk Magazine 43 LOCALadk Tucked away on Upper Saranac Lake near Gilpin Bay is a 117-year-old Adirondack architectural gem! In 1903, banker and former New York governor Levi P. Morton put the fin- ishing touches on his Eagle Island Great Camp. Designed by architect William L . Colter, wide, covered porches connected the major buildings, and provided sweeping views of Upper Saranac Lake and the surrounding mountains. The complex included a Lodge, Family Cabin, Boathouse, Dining Pavil- ion, Guest Cabin, and Guide House. It was the tail end of the "Gilded Age," when wealthy families would arrive at "camp" with a large contingent of ser vants, who presumably made sure that "rustic" did not mean "uncomfortable." Morton was nearly 80 when he built the camp, and did not occupy the 30 -acre property for long. He sold the island to Henr y Graves, Jr., in 1910. The Graves family had four young children and enjoyed summers at Eagle Island for many years. Period photos show women in long white dresses re- laxing at the Boathouse. One Graves son was an avid hunter, and filled the rooms of the Lodge, Dining Pavilion, and Fami- ly Cabin with his taxidermy trophies, in- cluding an enormous moose head above the main fireplace. In the late 1930s, the Graves family be- gan thinking about selling Eagle Island. Through friends, they heard that the Girl Scouts in Essex County, New Jersey, near their year-round home, were looking for a new camp. And so the 30 -acre island was donated to the Girl Scouts, with the hope that "children may always play" on Eagle Island. The camp opened in 1938. The Great Camp buildings were kept largely intact, and tent platforms and washhouses were built in the wooded sections of the island, where the campers would sleep out- doors. For 70 years of continuous operation, thousands of girls and young women enjoyed life-changing adventures on and off the island, ranging from basic swim lessons to multi-day canoeing or backpacking trips. Camp Eagle Island sailors took part in weekly races on the lake. These programs promoted self-confidence and independence, increased leadership skills, and instilled a love of the outdoors. Former campers fondly remember waking up on pristine summer mornings to the sound of water lapping at the island shores. Sadly, in 2008 the Girl Scouts decided to close the camp, and in 2010 the property was offered for sale. Camp Eagle Island alumni were brokenhearted. Many had been return- ing regularly to Eagle Island after their Girl Scout years, for Women's Weekends and Family Camp. In 2011 they formed the nonprofit organization Eagle Island, Inc. (EI), with the goal of purchasing the island and returning it to use as a youth camp. They began fundraising, but the purchase price seemed out of reach until November 2015, when the group was able to acquire the property through the generosity of a donor who strongly believed in their mission. Hurrah! Now what? EI needed to get some idea of what shape the buildings and systems were in after seven sum- mers of disuse. The historic architecture firm Crawford & Stearns was brought in to evaluate the building complex, which had been granted National Historic Landmark status in 2004. A second firm, AES Northeast, completed an evalu- ation of the fresh water and septic systems. Also, executive director, board member and former camper Paula Michelsen was hired to help the all-volunteer board administer what was starting to look like a ver y big project. The reports were daunting: 100+ years of Adirondack winters had taken a toll. All the historic buildings needed foundation work and new roofs, not to mention a few heaved floors and some rotten porches. And not much of the older fresh water and septic systems was usable. But there was good news too: the buildings were mostly quite solid and ser viceable despite the long list of costly repairs. In the spring of 2016, a call for volun- teers was sent out, and EI's supporters jumped at the chance to get involved. The volunteers were mostly female alumni, but many brought their friends, families, and partners. They also brought toolboxes, drills, work gloves, and paint- ing clothes. There was no potable run- ning water, and the septic system was not operational, so volunteers lived with bottled water and Porta Potties. During the next few summers, a visi- tor to Eagle Island would have seen volunteers happily en- gaged in serious and messy work. They cleaned, painted, in- ventoried, replaced rotten shingles, re-glazed windows, and hauled trash. Former tent-mates re-connected, and new con- nections were formed. Ever yone was delighted to be back on Eagle Island. "It was amazing to me that all these people felt so con- nected and were willing to come back after all these years," said Chris Wubbolding, EI board president. Chris had been in- volved with Girl Scouting, but had never been to Eagle Island. She picked up her hammer on her first visit, and continues to be inspired by the remarkable group of volunteers that Eagle Island attracts. Key volunteers with specific skills have been vital to the effort. Former camper LeeAnn Millar is a school nurse. She coordinated volunteer efforts for several summers, and also provided first aid know-how. Kathy Gilroy teaches woodwork- ing at a middle school in New Jersey. Among other projects, she spearheaded the Health Center renovation. Alumna Han- Erika Bailey

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