Difference between revisions of "Story Book Lodge, Gilbert, MN"

Latest revision as of 20:56, 27 May 2023

History

Initial purchase

Story Book Lodge was founded by a teacher and social worker named Elizabeth Speriestersbach, born in 1897 in St. Paul to German immigrants.  Elizabeth moved up to the iron range to teach and work at a 4-H camp near Virgina, MN.  In 1929, she purchased a 45 acre plot on Cedar Island Lake for $1,700 at a sheriff sale.  The land came with one small 10' by 12' hunting shack on it, as well as beautiful small red pine and birch trees, 1000 feet of lake shore, and four small islands.  

With Elizabeth's limited teaching salary and the help of many unemployed workmen, cabins were built during the 1930's that represented story ideas:  Three Bears, The Pumpkin, Bird House, Farm House, Den, and an enlarged Lodge added around the original shack with a beautiful stone fireplace.   

Spiritual Transformation

In 1941, at the age of 44, Elizabeth heard the Gospel from some friends and at a Gospel tent meeting, and was won to Christ, and transformed her vision for the lake property to a means to winning others for Christ.  In 1948, he invited Benjamin Tuininga and his wife Jean to come for a one week camp with boys and girls.  There were eleven campers.  Elizabeth was the cook, Jean was lifeguard, counselor, craft leader and story teller.  Ben was camp director, counselor, Bible teacher, and became known as "Uncle Ben", and was instrumental in the spiritual transformation of the camp atmosphere.

No fees were charged at this first Bible camp, and the total cost of the week's operation was $137, which Elizabeth paid as treasurer, and several came to Christ.   

During the 1950’s, camps expanded to first 4, then 6, and finally 8 weeks, and later 2 weeks of family camps were added. Each camp was for two weeks and some 35-45 campers. The Den was the first dining room for 16 people with a very small kitchen. In 1954 the Ranch house became Elizabeth’s home and the basement could seat 45 for dining.

Some employees from Erie Mining Company were impressed with the camp and donated a complete kitchen equipment set. A dining hall was built near the lake, by men during a strike time at Erie. During the mid-1960's a total land tax structure change took place and it became evident that the property, as well as the operation, of camp had to become a non-profit, tax-exempt property. Elizabeth expressed a desire to form a total ownership under Story Book Lodge Christian Camps. In turn, the board arranged for her living and that of her brother and sister.

Sources

• Storybook History