Norman B. Barr Camp, Geneva Lake, Williams Bay, Wisconsin

This is down at the waterfront at Norman B. Barr Camp.  The camp celebrated it's 100th anniversary in 2009!  It was founded by Rev. Norman B. Barr, pastor of then Olivet Church in Chicago.  The mission of the camp was, and still is, to provide a place for underpriviledged children to have a summer lake experience.

The pavilion by the lake.

From their website, "Over the years, the mission of NBBC became focused on the children’s programs as help for working women became less of an issue. A new children’s dormitory was built and later, new showers were added just for the children. Summer programs with a Christian theme continue to be offered and counselors are carefully selected. Religious services (Sunday services, Sunday school and weekly vespers) have been a tradition since Olivet Camp opened. Meanwhile, cottagers spend countless hours maintaining and improving the camp facilities and grounds. Several new structures have been added while others undergo repairs each year.

As a result of the dedication and effort of the volunteers over one hundred years, NBBC remains a vibrant and living memory of Rev. Norman B. Barr and his selfless mission in life devoted to the less fortunate, particularly children. An estimated 14,000 children have camped at NBBC since Rev. Barr established the camp in 1909. As he is quoted, “All the heaven and earth is right here. This camp should go on forever.”

I just spent a wonderful week with cousins at the camp.  Their father started coming when he was 3 months old and passed away three years ago at the age of 97. 

On Holiday

I'll be back next week.  I'm at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin at a cousins reunion this week. Shalom

Kentucky Coffeetree

These are seed pods from a Gymnocladus Dioicus or commonly known as a Kentucky Coffeetree. At least that's what I've identified it as according to the beloved Internet.  There is one that grows pretty centrally in Wooster Square.  I don't have a photo of the tree but picked up pods from the ground while out walking Milo.  I love the colors and they are the subjects of my botanical watercolor.  Stay tuned.

On the way into New York City

All photos have been taken through a dirty train window.  Leaving from New Haven on the Express you hit every stop practically until Stamford, then it is express until 125th Street - Harlem. 

The Train Yards at Union Station

So we're out of the tunnel from yesterday's post and on the platform viewing one of the Metro North Commuter Rail trains and the train yards.  Metro North is our communter line into New York City and Grand Central Station.  It takes about 1.5 hours to get into Grand Central.  From there you then have to get to wherever your final destination is.  I dunno - you'd have to pay me a pretty penny to be a commuter from New Haven.

The Tunnel at Union Station

This tunnel connects the beautiful old train station terminal to the train tracks all underground.  It's a little eery and unique perspective.  That's New Haven for you.

Union Station

The next few days I'm going to show you Union Station in New Haven.  This photo was taken at dawn when I had to get the train to New York City.  New Haven is about 1.5 hour train ride into the Big Apple.  It's a grand building that seems to have been refurbished with high ornate ceilings and these wonderful windows.  The building was desinged by Cass Gilbert in 1920 who also designed the Woolworth building.