The Dead Gamers Camp, in Allenwood Pa

 

Each year, the Dead Gamers Association , a fraternal organization based out of Lancaster, would load up several train cars with supplies, then travel to a location to set up camp for a week or two. Their elaborate camps included a full orchestra, which gave concerts each night, "one of the best kitchens in the state", and even a barbers tent.

Photos of the campers show them posing for humorous photos, even wearing fake noses, and generally being silly.

In 1906, 1908, and 1909,   the Dead Gamers chose the town of Allenwood as their destination.  Guests were welcome, and according to local papers, a large group from Milton visited the camp in 1908. 

The Dead Gamers Camp was located in Allenwood, "the grove where the tents will be pitched is delightfully situated at the junction of White Deer Hole Creek and the Susquehanna River.  It is about two acres in extent ,and is covered with a virgin forest of black oaks, while fine species of the birch, laurel, and shell bark families abound.  The fishing is excellent within this vicinity.  The equipment of the club is very complete, consisting of ten sleeping tents, music tent 32x34; dining, cooking, commissary, tonosorial [Barber] and lavatory tents, and on the staff of each tent is a fine flag, while two specimens of Old Glory are suspended from ropes fastened to the trees."

For the 1909 outing to Allenwood, the club purchased a number of 15 foot paper balloons, and a considerable number of fireworks. The Dead Gamers Orchestra held a concert each day.

The 1908 camping trip was scheduled to last 10 days, in Allenwood.  Plans included a trip to Williamsport "try to cheer the Red Roses [baseball team] on to victory." the association took three musicians, a pianist, a violinist, and a cornetist, in addition to the associations drum corps.

"The campers are never at a loss for sport or entertainment. In the river pike, pickerel and bass abound, while the surrounding forest contains game for the hunters. There Is an abundance of clever talent among the members. Their own orchestra, led by Prof. Shaberg, give daily concerts, while others in the party provide amusement with clever dramatic talent. ...

"A mock trial was held on Monday, and every attention was paid to detail, with judge, jury, attorneys, etc. A touch of realism was imparted by the presence of Deputy Sheriff Stumpf, who filled his accustomed role without the need of a rehearsal. Howard Boyd and Ben Frailey were sentenced to be thrown into the creek and the sentence was carried out. Time passes in a round of pleasure for the Dead Gamers, who will be loth to depart from their camp when the time arrives to strike tents." - Lancaster Era, Aug 1909

In 1908, a number of Miltonians visited the Dead Gamers Camp.

A 1908 letter describing the camp in Allenwood said: 

"there are about 10 large A tents, containing 6 cots each; the mess tent has a seating capacity of 50 persons; the concert tent is fitting up with a sweet toned piano, wood floor, and camp stools; besides the aboce Old Glory is everywhere; at night the camp is lighted with gas lamps."

"They occupy fifteen large tens and their equipment compromises absolutely everything that could contribute to their comfort.  The Dead Gamers are famous for their cordial hospitality and visitors to their retreat are simply showered with kindness"

The Lancaster New Era, Aug 1909

About 1911, the club purchased 13 acres near Safe Harbor, as their new camp.  The club had been camping annually for 12 years, at locations in Lancaster, Perry, Union, and Bedford Counties.

Aug 4, 1909

For more stories and history from the Central Susquehanna Valley 

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In 1903 the club camped in Blain, Perry County
In 1905 the camp was held at "a desirable point on Chesapeake Bay, below Perryville a short distance"

In 1907 the club camped at Point Lookout, along the Lancaster, Oxford, and Southern Railroad.

In 1906, 1908, and 1909, the camp was in Allenwood Pa

1906

About 1911, the club purchased 13 acres near Safe Harbor, as their new camp.  The club had been camping annually for 12 years, at locations in Lancaster, Perry, Union, and Bedford Counties.

In March of 1902, The Dead Gamers Club threw a "house-warming dinner and smoker" in their new headquarters.  According to the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal, the club was an offshoot of the Old Dead Gamers Camping Association, but was a distinct organization.  It's new rooms were on the third floor of No. 5 South Queen Street, and they had been "done up in a fine style".

At the 1902 party, the Iroquois Band, under Prof. Ad Stork, was on hand for the party.

The club serenaded Mr & Mrs Fralick at their wedding ceremony in October of 1914.  "The Dead Gamers crack fiddlers rendered some fine music."