Dick Victor's Camp For Boys (Camp Ellwood/Allegheny) - Wayne Twnp PA

Dick Victor’s Camp For Boys, a summer camp for boys aged 6-16, was opened along the banks of the Slippery Rock Creek in the summer of 1924. The 100-acre camp cost $50,000 to construct and was named for owner and camp director Dick Victor, whose bio reads “Student of the Ministry and Medicine, Scout Master and Boys’ Worker of Long Experience.” Victor and most of his staff hailed from Pittsburgh. The camp, which in 1927 ran for most of July-August, had an office in the Oliver Building in Pittsburgh and many of its attendees came from that city. The majority of the camp counselors were college students who enjoyed the outdoors and were earning money for school. (1927) Full Size

The camp, with a $350 tuition and a $38 uniform fee, was quite successful and by the late 1920’s was hosting 175 boys for its 55-day session. A special P&LE train transported the boys and staff to Elwood City. The camp, located just above VanGorder’s Beach, was acquired by I. A. Simon in late 1933 and renamed as Camp Ellwood for the coming season. Sometime in c1946 the camp was acquired by the Salvation Army and renamed as Camp Allegheny. It’s still in service today as a Salvation Army-run summer camp and its website says the camp “…is focused on Christian principles and promotes an awareness of God in nature and a relationship with Him.” (1927) Full Size

The Pittsburgh-based staff of Dick Victor’s Camp For Boys during the summer of 1927. Somewhere in this photo is Dick Victor, owner and Camp Director, Richard Victor Sr., Associate Director and head of the Victor Health Institution, Mr. J. F. Moore, Associate Director and principal of the Brookline and West Liberty Schools, and James Mates, Associate Director and principal of South Hills High School. (1927) Full Size

A typical dorm-style cabin in the early days of the camp. (1927)

The boys all lined in their Sunday best prepare to march off to the chow hall. It appears by the photos that parents – or even other visitors – were welcomed at the camp of Sundays. (1927)

The caption of this photo reads, “A boy at this camp soon learns to appreciate the results of physical development through exercise, proper food, rest and sunshine. (1927)

The camp had a stable of thirty horses and the boys are all schooled in the art of riding. (1927)

The caption for this photo reads, “The many beautiful spots of the camp are used by Sunday visitors for the their picnic lunches.” (1927) Full Size

The inside of the woodworking shop. (1927)

Canoeing on the Slippery Rock was a popular activity of the campers. (1927)

The boys involved in a tense volleyball game. (1927)

This odd promotional photo has a caption that reads, “Just a happy, healthy bunch of enthusiastic Midget campers giving one of the camp yells. Are they happy? Look them over.” (1927)

This photo is captioned, “A camp scene every Saturday Morning. All beds are out for an airing while the cottage is being scrubbed and disinfected.” (1927) Full Size

A young rider at Camp Ellwood lets his horse cool off in the creek. (c1936) Full Size

Young boys enjoy swimming activities at Camp Allegheny. The Salvation Army acquired the camp in c1946 and continued its operation. (c1965)Full Size

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