The Chapel

Above added 11/4/2011 - postcard from the same series as the one below showing the chapel.

Above added 8/1/11: Postmarked 1941 - look closely in the upper left to see postmarks bleeding through the trees. Interesting perspective, too, looking north/northwest across the cove or beach area from the central camp above.

Update: The above postcard image added 4/18/09, and was provided courtesy of Dee (Dorothy) Giriat. It's apparent this image predates the picture postcard displayed directly below, which shows the chapel. But in the above there's no evidence of the chapel peeking from behind the trees, suggesting it wasn't there when this picture was taken. The only obvious structure is Charlie Giriat's cabin, which was constructed in 1939. Therefore, a good guess would date the above 1940, and the below around 1945. Also note the comparative name changes printed on these two postcards: "The Living Christ Conference and Camp Ballard For Boys," vs. "Lakeside Bible Conference." So, in the reflective words of Charlie Chan, "Vedee, vedee, interesting!"

(Click on pics to enlarge)

The first photograph was taken when Lake Ballard was utilized as a seasonal Baptist camp (c. 1940's). Of course, things changed after we arrived; god left town... on to holier pastures he went, lamenting the flood of Catholics. The photo itself is a postcard, apparently to promote, or identify, the camp - and captures "The Chapel".

Update: The second photograph, taken by Jim Molloy, shows the same scene today (August, 2008).

When the cabins were converted (c. 1950) into summer rentals, the chapel was also made habitable, and subsequently became known as "The Mitchell's." The Mitchell's occupied and improved what is shown above as the open end of the structure. In addition, Tex Mitchell added a substantial dock, including a ramp that led up to their lake-side door - plus a wooden gangway which allowed others to access the dock without tracking through the house (chapel). Mitchell's dock became a favorite gathering place for camp dwellers, especially us kids.

The boat in the foreground appears to be "Denny's" (Denny Giriat), that is, the rowboat he inherited from the former Baptist camp. On the day the above picture was taken, it was apparently used to transport the photographer. That he/she noted "Holmes, N.Y." as the Ballard Lake location - and not "Pecksville" - will remain a religious mystery.

In any case, it's a great picture, and thanks to Jim Molloy for providing it.

And don't forget to click on "At The Lake With Bill & Lori, 2008..." under Links, for a special photo-tour around the lake.

UPDATE (4/27/08): I must be losing my mind! The chapel was divided into three units; the center space was occupied (and improved) by the Kwasnicki's (sp?), and it was Bill Kwasnicki -according to the old woman yelling in my ear - who came up with the idea of using wood pallets, that is, the boards salvaged from the pallets, to accomplish the interior improvements. Meanwhile, the last or third unit was occupied by the Kilga's.

This is only to point out the weakness of [my] memory, and why you must leave corrective notes, essays, and monographs in comments! Or, just say a few words to let us know you're here, an official member of the Ballard crew. Also, contact me if you would like to share pictures/images/text, or have suggestions - email: davewrite-at-gmail-dot-com.