Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 8, 1941.
North Porter County Site Of New Recreation Camp For Steel Workers’ Use
CHESTERTON, Feb. 6ーA ‘dream’ playground is being shaped among 65 acres of beautifully wooded grounds in north Porter county, and when completed this summer will provide a recreation spot for hundreds of children in Porter and Lake counties, whose fathers are employed at the Carnegie-Illinois steel works in Gary.
The “dream” which is now becoming an actuality was that of E. Earl Moore, who as general superintendent of the Gary Works of the Carnegie-Illinois corporation visualized a country refuge for the children of the mill workers.
About six months ago Moore, who was the owner of eight acres of land a few miles south of Porter, across from the historical Bailly estate (the Baillys were the first white settlers in this county), donated this property to the corporation, with the understanding that it be used for recreation purposes.
The proposition was presented to the Gary Works Good Fellowship club, an organization with the company, and steps were soon taken to make the dream a reality.
Buy More Land
Agreeing to make the project sufficiently large to accommodate hundreds of young people, the Good Fellows, purchased 57 additional acres of land, surrounding the plot donated by Moore.
The ironic chapter of the story is that just recently, after seeing the beginning of this vast piece of work taking shape, the sponsor, Mr. Moore, was transferred to Pittsburg, as vice-president of the industrial department of that corporation.
This 65-acre tract lies on the west side of what is known as the Howe road, a short distance northwest of U.S. road 20, and was formerly owned by P.G. Larson, well known farmer. The Baileytown road lies directly north.
The spot is described as one of rare beauty, where can be found almost every variety of tree grown in Indiana, and through it winds the picturesque Little Calumet River. Here stands the famous “Marriage Tree”, planted ninety-nine-years ago by one of the Bailey daughters as a child, and under which she was married when she grew to womanhood. The tree is in reality two trees, planted together, which so entwine each other as to appear to be one.
Plans Ambitious
The plans for the “recreation center” include a large administration building 120 feet by 60 feet, 2½ stories high, eighteen cabins, a large oval shaped parade ground, 750 ft. by 350 ft; an inland lake for canoeing and boating, a large field for out-door games, including soft ball, baseball and tennis, and an amphitheater where band concerts may be held, and moving pictures shown. Later a swimming pool may be added.
A few short weeks ago, materials began arriving, and workmen started erecting steel girders for the administration building. Today the steel structure is complete, and is being closed in with sheeting. The outside logs will be of northern Michigan pine, while the inside will be finished in knotty cedar. After completion, the whole will be varnished for preservation and added beauty.
Workshop Included
The first floor of this immense building will include the mess hall, kitchen and lounge. On the second floor will be found the administration offices and observatory, and the basement will be turned into a work-shop, where boys may learn craftsmanship of various kinds. There will be two fore placers, a modern heating plant, showers, and every facility for the comfort of the guests.
There are to be two miles of roadway winding through the grounds, constructed of gravel and slag, about half of which is completed.
After completion of the large building, work will immediately start on the cabins, sixteen of which will be for the use of girls and boys, who will arrive at different times for periods of several weeks, one cabin for three groups councilor and the last for showers.
When completed, which those in charge hope will be by the middle of June when vacation-time begins, the Good Fellows will be able to take care of 250 or more young people at one time.
A nurse will be employed regularly, and there will be medical provisions and special care for undernourished children.
At the entrance will be employed regularly, and there will be medical provisions and special care for undernourished children.
At the entrance will be erected a massive stone gateway.
Moore is succeeded by L.F. Burress of Gary, who is the decision superintendent, and S.M. Jenks, general superintendent.
James F. Considene, of Gary is in charge of the erection and construction of the project.
