Folks associated with Camp Highlander often have fond memories of their special time at camp. Whether you’re a camper, alumni or staff member, we all share the mountain and could tell thousands of stories about our magical mountain home. I have been blessed to be able to call Highlander my home away from home for more than four decades, and I am happy to reminisce about the past through rare photos found in the camp archives.
Wrestling at Camp Highlander
For nearly 40 years, Camp Highlander’s gym has seen just about every activity possible – from square dances and talent shows to bombardment games and scavenger hunts. In this photo taken in 1975, campers are participating in wrestling on the stage of what is now called the Gillespie Gym in the Mills River location. Back in the 1970s, wrestling was a very popular activity among campers. It helped that our own Mr. Harris was a wrestling coach and was able to provide useful tips that were typically reserved for the kids on his wrestling team.
A really interesting feature of this photo is the mat that is being used. It’s made of horsehair and was an early style of wrestling mat. You can see the stitching and lines drawn on the mat to indicate where the wrestlers should stand. As far as the location inside the gym, this is the right side of the stage and the door in the background leads to the current EP room.
Although we don’t have wrestling as an activity anymore, we do have dozens of activities in the gym that are of interest to today’s campers. Come to think of it – the Gillespie Gym actually has some pretty incredible history. In 1951, Albert Gillespie, aka Mr. Albert, was living nearby in the white farmhouse on the first curve of Dalton Road and was the lead carpenter on construction of all of the original camp buildings prior to 1969. When he was asked if he could build a gym on site, he answered, “I’ve never seen a gym, but I can certainly build a big barn!” The area was cleared and the timber was cut into rough cut lumber. Believe it or not, the playing surface floor of the gym is still the original oak floor from trees that were cut from camp property. We were lucky to have Mr. Albert’s unique craftsmanship – his handiwork has stood the test of time and the Gillespie Gym remains an iconic building at Camp Highlander. What is your favorite memory of the gym while at Camp Highlander?
By the way, if you think the name “Gillespie” sounds familiar, that’s because Mr. Albert was Mac Gillespie’s father. Mac was the caretaker at Highlander until the mid-1980s and still lives nearby. Many of you probably know another Mac at Camp Highlander – Big Mac Bishop!
That’s what is so special about Camp Highlander. Glimpses of our rich history can be found all over the mountain, with each passing year adding to the magic that has been carried on generation after generation.
One Love,
Gaynell
About Gaynell Tinsley
