Thursday, July 2, 2020

Beulah Beach in the News – Part 1

My post on Beulah Beach from the middle of June contained very little information about its history. To rectify that, here are some various newspaper clippings from over the years that tell the story of its growth and development.

The earliest mention of Beulah Beach in available online newspapers dates back to the summer of 1921, when it was already a destination for fun, as well as Bible conferences.

Sandusky Star-Journal, July 15, 1921
Sandusky Star-Journal, August 17, 1921
That was also the summer when it was announced that the property was purchased by the Christian Missionary Alliance.
Sandusky Star-Journal, August 23, 1921
The article notes, “The association has erected a 100-room hotel at the beach but this year it was necessary to provide 100 tents to accommodate the overflow."
By the next year, it was common to see ads in the newspapers for the annual convention, as well as small personal ads announcing the attendance of some local citizens.
The News-Messenger, August 12, 1922
The News-Messenger, August 25, 1922
Here are the ads from the Fremont News-Messenger announcing the 1924, 1925 and 1926 conferences.
The News-Messenger, August 7, 1924
The News-Messenger, August 8, 1925
The News-Messenger, August 18, 1926
This article from the Akron Beacon Journal of August 9, 1928 notes the large amount of Akronites that would be attending the summer conference at Beulah Beach. “More than 100 tents have been erected at the beach to accommodate the visitors who will come from every section of the country,” the article observes.
Akron Beacon-Journal, August 9, 1928
This article from the News-Journal of June 8, 1929 provides a little background of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. It points out that the mission fields are in 25 different countries in all parts of the world, with more than 500 missionaries.
This article from the August 8, 1930 Sandusky Register reveals the activity schedule for the opening day of the annual conference.
Beulah Beach made the newspapers several times in the spring and summer of 1932, with articles about a March series of meetings, promotion of the summer meeting and even the selection of a Postmaster.
Sandusky Register, March 26, 1932
Sandusky Register, July 16, 1932
Greenville Daily Advocate, July 27, 1932
Sandusky Register, September 25, 1932
Cottages were mentioned in newspaper articles about the 1934 conference in both the Fremont News-Messenger and Sandusky Register. Both articles noted, “The majority of the guests will be housed in two fifty-room buildings, cottages, and tents rented by the association. Scores of others will bring their own camping equipment.”
Fremont News-Messenger, July 25, 1934
Sandusky Register, July 26, 1934
By 1940, the newspaper publicity for the annual Missionary Convention and Bible Conference included a well-written description of the grounds. An article in the July 29, 1940 News-Messenger noted, “Beulah Beach, which is becoming one of the nation’s leading camp grounds, is located four miles west of Vermilion and six miles east of Huron on Routes 6 and 2. Accommodations include rooms, cabins and camping privileges. Meals are served in a cafeteria, and a refreshment stand and grocery are located on the grounds.”
Fremont News-Messenger, July 29, 1940
Next: Into the 1940s, 50s and 60s

2 comments:

Buster said...

Excellent article, Dan - highly informative.

Anonymous said...

Lived in Vermilion most of my life and even asked my parents when I was little what that place was, and now I know.