New Pilgrim Lodge Summer Office

The building has been there since the beginning: right across the road from the back of the lodge.  You pass it on your way to the outdoor stairs that lead to the craft cabin.  For years it was used as the camp shop.  After the shop moved to its present location, the empty space was filled by the camp staff as a place to meet and relax.  With the purchase of the new JBJ property the staff began using the space less and less in favor of the building we have since named "Balbrook" (a reference to the former name of the camp site).  The room became a catch-all for all sorts of miscellaneous stuff.   
Before beginning renovation, the artwork that had sprung up on the walls by the summer staff was carefully photographed and documented.  Work began in the Spring of 2000 by April Vacation Mission Camp who mucked out all the junk, ripped out old benches and fixtures and insulated the walls and ceiling.  Work continued with volunteers at Jump Start Weekend who started siding the walls with v- match pine and installed new windows.  Progress was slow last summer because our top priority was rebuilding cabin 5.  

  One of the more interesting features is the floor.  A beautiful antique maple floor was found sitting upstairs in the garage next to the farmhouse.  It is presumed that the floor was originally from the farmhouse, perhaps the kitchen.  Our staff had just enough flooring to cover the room, with some scraps to finish up the closet.  Scott Webb replaced the bottom part of the stairs, and our staff installed a ceiling.  Cabinetry work was contracted to Willowridge of Wells, owned by former PL staff member Steve Tracy.  Steve completed work in the fall of 2000.  This spring we have been doing the finishing work and this writing is being completed at the new computer station in the new office.  

This insulated space is centrally located to the camp.  It features a resource library for deans and counselors.  It is supplied with a gas "woodstove" heater to allow use through the beginning and end of the season while rental groups are present.  We hope that the new office will help us better serve the needs of our volunteers, groups, staff and counselors.  Building the new office has been a cooperative effort with lots of people helping.  It has been a long time coming and we are excited at this newest improvement at Pilgrim Lodge.  

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