Camp Iss-See-Kes Sign

Camp Iss-See-Kes patch from an
online auction site

While out in Brownhelm Township on Sunday, I passed this sign (above) and recognized it as the former sign at the entrance to Camp Iss-See-Kes on Vermilion Road.

Although I was never at the Camp, which was operated by the Elyria YMCA for decades, I do remember the similar Indian head sign further north near Mill Hollow from when I was a kid. It was one of those landmarks that we watched for every time we went out that way.

Today the former camp property is a privately owned residence.

You can read a little more about Camp Iss-See-Kes at Rich Tarrant's Vermilion Views website by clicking here.

I was surprised to find out that apparently there is no tribute site dedicated solely to the Camp. There is the odd mention of it on a few websites, as well as a vintage postcard (below) that seems to be fairly easy to find.

There's also some information in the online archives of the Elyria Rotary website that includes the story of Rotarian Ralph Murbach, who was a major donor for the building of the "Rotary Lodge" at Camp Iss-See-Kes.

The "Rotary Lodge" at Camp Iss-See-Kes Circa 1946
(Photo courtesy of Elyria Rotary Club)

Hopefully someone will establish an online home for Camp Iss-See-Kes that will collect photos and reminisces of the happy campers. But until then, feel free to post any memories here by leaving a comment.

Ad from June 7, 1957 Lorain Journal

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UPDATE – Thanks to Tom Glunt, who sent me an email, I'm now aware that Camp Iss-See-Kes does indeed have an online presence. Here's the link to its Facebook page that has been around since 2010. Be sure to drop by the Facebook "camp" and relive some happy memories through the wonderful reminisces and photos that have been posted!

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UPDATE (June 21, 2017)

I posted a June 1965 full-page Lorain Journal article about Camp Its-See-Kes here.

October 2023 Photo