Camp Julia Crowell/Hilaka Historical Walking Tour

Starting point: Grass area in front of North House

Clarence J. Neal built North House in 1928. Old bricks were salvaged from some of the original buildings around Public Square in Cleveland and used in its construction. Coach house, next door, provided a garage and additional living quarters.

 
Amity lawn and side porch area 1957 – The Cleveland Girl Scout Council purchased the land around this lake. It was next to Camp Julia Crowell. All of this area had been part of the Freeman Farm, once one of the largest apple orchards in Ohio.

Amity House was built in the early 1930’s, also by the Neal family. The two stones in the porch fireplace are the original hitching posts from the Freeman Farm.

Interesting points – The architecture of the house; the sundial across the road. The lake is called Linnea in the honor of Mrs. Linnea Friede, a volunteer who started her Scouting career in 1921.

1960 – This camp was named Hilaka and dedicated on June 12, 1950 by Mrs. Stanley T. (Margaret) Bates, third vice-president of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Camp Margaret Bates is named in her honor. Troop Campers and Day Campers used the site. The name “Hilaka” is coined phrase referring to the Upper Lake (Linnea).

1967 – George Gund Dining Hall – This building was completed in 1967 along with Beaumont Pool, Cargin Valley Cabin and tent units. The summer of 1967 was the first full season of resident camping at Camp Hilaka.

Fork in Road – Point out direction to Seely Cabin, Waterfront Tents, Beach and Boathouse. (Take a walk there if you wish.)

Gas Cut - This cleared area is where a major gas line runs from Maumee, near Toledo through our part of Ohio. It serves as a rough boundary between the Julia Crowell and Hilaka parts of camp.

Wonken Tonken – The name of this tent until means “Light at the top of the hill” in an Indian tongue.

Mable Smith Shelter – Erected in 1958. (This is a good spot to rest and talk about the history of Richfield). The name Richfield originated from a weed called “Ox Balm”. It grew abundantly and people called it “Rich Feed”. This weed drew settlers to the are where most farmers raised livestock for a living. The original India residents of the area were Wyandotte and Ottawa’s.

1818 – The “Hinckley Hunt” took place. This is what people believe started the buzzards annual return to Hinckley Reservation, about 4 miles from this camp. The hunt was organized to clear the territory of “Wild animals menacing the frontier.” On December 24, 500 men formed a huge circle with weapons and noisemakers. The killed 400 deer, 17 wolves, 21 bear and uncounted smaller game. It is through to be the largest recorded hunt in U.S. history, with the exception of buffalo hunts out west.

1820 – 57 families lived in Richfield. Most of the settlers came from New England.

1840 – 1300 residents lived here. They had two hotels, stores, a carriage factory, bobsled factory, harness shop, cheese factory, tanneries and lumber mills, By mid-century, Richfield was at its peak. John Brown, legendary man who later tried to free the slaves at Harper Ferry during the Civil War, moved to Richfield with his large family. He was unsuccessful at whatever business venture he tried and people did not take him seriously. Four of his children died of diphtheria and are buried in the East Richfield cemetery. One of his homes was a station on the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves.

1888 – The West Richfield Hotel was built. It is now the “Tavern of Richfield”.

1890 – 1900 – Population declined as 1) cities of Akron and Cleveland grew and people moved to them for jobs 2) transportation was poor.

World War I –

1917 – Paved roads build to Akron and Cleveland for the first time.

1937 – Garfield Hall – Camp Julia Crowell was purchased by the Cleveland Girl Scout Council in 1937 and named after the first Board President. It was part of the Oviatt Form until 1919 when Mr. James Kirby, engineer and inventory, bought the land. Mr. Kirby built the original Hilaka dam and the lower dam, which created this lake. From chestnut timber cut and saved on the site, the Kirbys built what is now Garfield Hall as a recreation lodge. The main floor was built on railroad boxcar springs from dancing. It was used by campers at resident camp for a dining hall.

Interesting points – The Kirbys stocked the lakes with fish, brought in water lilies and imported frogs from Canada. The boathouse was built by the Girl Scouts for camping.

Cricket’s Corner – Notice the great white oak next to Kirby House. It is more than 200 years old. Kirby House was the Kirbys’ home.

Kirby House Stone Chimney – Note the shape of the stones inset in the chimney. The tell us what year the house was built; can you see? (Answer: 1921)

The Mill – the mill and waterwheel were built by Mr. Kirby to create electrical power. During construction the foundation of an old gristmill on the same site was discovered. This mill is in the National Registry for Historical Landmarks, which will reserve its place in history. Inside the mill is the history of Lake Erie Girl Scout Council. Points of Interest: The Kirby’s Sundial on the mill green. Camp Manager’s house, over 100 years old, the former Oviatt Farm house.