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“Naumkeag Associates, Inc. a non-profit organization made up of volunteers, was founded to hold the lease from the city of Salem and to maintain Camp Naumkeag.
The history of Camp Naumkeag dates back to 1910 when the property was used as tuberculosis day camp. The first building was built in 1916. In the early 1930s the buildings were destroyed by fire during a severe thunderstorm. By the year 1932, Naumkeag had been rebuilt and was completed into the complex as it exists today. In 1934, Naumkeag was called the Salem Health Camp and considered to be the outstanding health camp in the state of Massachusetts. From 1944 to 1946 it was used by the Carpenter Street Home for Children (also known as Seaman's Orphan and Children's Friend Society) and in 1946 the buildings were purchased by the Rotary Club for Salem Girl Scouts, the land being owned by the City of Salem. In 1964, when the Girl Scouts organization decided they no longer wanted Camp Naumkeag...” - Camp Naumkeag Association Brochure, c. 1965
This site was used as a summer camp which encouraged exposure to fresh air through the use of sleeping tents. During the winter months, treatment was distributed through a dispensary and home visits. Annual carnation sales helped fund the camp’s operation. The superintendent of the nearby Almshouse transported meals from the Hospital for Contagious Diseases to the tuberculosis day camp.
Timeline
1907 Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis formed
1910 Tuberculosis day camp uses Camp Naumkeag land
1916 First building constructed on Camp Naumkeag land for use by the Tuberculosis Day Camp
1931 Severe thunderstorm creates a fire that destroys Camp Naumkeag
1932 Camp Naumkeag rebuilt
1934 Camp Naumkeag is known as Salem Health Camp (Association for the Prevention of T.B.)
1944 The Carpenter Street Home for Children begins using Camp Naumkeag
1946 The Carpenter Street Home for Children discontinues use of Camp Naumkeag
1946 Rotary Club purchases Camp Naumkeag buildings for Salem Girl Scouts
1964 Salem Girl Scouts discontinue use of Camp Naumkeag
1964 Naumkeag Association form and operate Camp Naumkeag
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Digitized Archives
Salem Girl Scouts
Annual Report of the Salem Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis
Report of Inspection of Summer Health Camps of Massachusetts
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