Camp Tanadoona

The Formative Years 1924 -1940

1924

In July 1924 the Camp Fire Girls took option of former Minn. Governor, John Lind's summer estate. The local Rotary Club underwrote the entire amount of $27,000 for the estate ( $18,000 for the property and $9,000 for equipment and remodeling) on behalf of Camp Fire. One of the prize possessions from this transaction is the original preemption certificate of the camp site from Abraham Lincoln to one William Tilton, who sold the land to John Lind.

Gov. Lind, through the US Dept. of Agriculture, secured and planted many rare trees from all over the world, including Russian Olive, Tamarack and Ginkgo. Many survived--even one rare Ginkgo tree still stands near Lind Mansion.

1926

First summer of camp programming at Camp Tanadoona

1928

Campers begin sleeping in screened cabins, instead of tents. The fee for a week-long stay was $2.00.

1935

The rows of cabins were moved to form the current Corona Circle of cabins. Horseback riding was added to the program.

Excerpt from a 1935 scrapbook:

The "Building" Years: 1941 - 1960

1942

Shangra Lodge (arts & crafts center) is built through a generous donation from the estate of Frances Engstrom

1944

Pegasus Shelter (Day Camp pole barn) is built as the riding stable.

1948

Blue Bird Lodge (younger campers' sleeping quarters/activity center) is built. It
was entirely remodeled in 1982.

1952

Katawa (the camp office) was built with funds from Camp Fire's former fundraiser donut sale. It was remodeled in 1995.

1954

Tasiago (the Dining Hall) is built. A primitive camping area for older campers was developed and named Tenterra.

The Beginning of a New Era: 1961 - 1980

1961

The Camp Fire Pole was carved from wood by Camp Fire members and placed in front of Tasiago Dining Hall. Inspired by the magnificent totem poles created by some Native American tribes, the Camp Fire Pole has several creatures that each symbolize a Camp Fire value such as, "give service", "pursue knowledge", and "be trustworthy."

1974

Camp Fire welcomes boys into its programs, including at Camp Tanadoona.

1976

Tasiago (the Dining Hall) becomes a heated building.

The "Adventure" Years: 1981 - 2000

1981

The arrival of flush toilets at camp!

1983

The Amphitheater was built by Tree Trust (and then rebuilt in 1998 by the Boy Scouts).

1991

The Archery Range was built and archery was added to the program.

1993

The Nature Center was put in the basement of Lind Mansion complete with it's own set of flush bathrooms.

1997

The 40-foot Climbing Tower is built.

Camp Tanadoona History