Summer Camp

Between 1944 and 1965, the Philharmonic Society of Tuscarawas County operated a summer camp at Camp Muskingum on Leesville Lake. The week-long program offered music studies—symphonic, chamber and choral—along with drama and art. As many as 200 students attended each session.

Carol France, a violinist with the Philharmonic, attended the camp as a teenager, and she recalls studying under the direction of Gilbert Roehm, as well as requisite camp activities, such as swimming, crafts and nightly bonfires. “It was just a fun time,” she said. “The people involved with the camp were all so dedicated.”

Rev. Roy Grams was general director of the camp, and Roehm was artistic director. James Baker, Vernon Beddows and Betty McCreary taught as well.

Postcard of camp scene. Click on picture for larger view. Use Back button to return to this page.

James Baker conducts a chorus at Camp Muskingum.

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