Our Family's Ancestors: Chippewa Trail Camp for Girls

The Chippewa Trail Camp for Girls was started in 1927, with Lena T. Morgan being the founder and first camp director.

"It was Peter Marks (PM) that helped Miss Morgan find the spot to build the camp. He was the one that built the fireplace, including the symbols of "T" for Miss Morgan and the small candle symbolizing the 'Flame of Friendship'. At least this is what I've been told. I have a large picture of PM in the Lodge." [from facebook]

Peter Mark / Nahwekezhick died 14 Jun 1926 in Leelanau county, at the claimed age of 106. He was actually about 83 and living in Aarwood prior to his death. That means it is possible that he did help Miss Morgan prior to the camp opening.

"I can't remember his name but we were told after lunch every summer about the Legend of The Spirit of the Returning Indian, which was this man. I believe many of us saw him late at night. I can vividly see Shorty telling the story of how he helped build the stone fireplace in The Lodge for Tee and then Shorty would point out the 2 pieces of stone up on the fireplace that made a "T" in honor of Tee. I loved hearing the story every year." [from facebook]

The Jackson News - 29 May 1921

The Times Herald - 2 Aug 1927

Jackson Citizen Patriot - 1 Jan 1928

Battle Creek Enquirer - 14 Jun 1928

Jackson Citizen Patriot - 1 Jan 1929

The Ann Arbor News - 26 Aug 1929

Alton Evening Telegraph - 14 Nov 1930 - obituary of L.T. Morgan (Lena 'Tee' Morgan's father)

Bellaire Record - 2 Aug 1934

Jackson Citizen Patriot - 13 Jan 1935

Bellaire Record - 8 Aug 1935

Kewadin

"The Chippewa Camp girls were guests at the Indian church in a boy Sunday evening, and gave a musical program. The Indians presented them with a book of Indian Legends, written both in English and Indian hanguages."