The Highlands Archives Since 1904: Oldest Camp West of the Alleghenies
 
 
 For the first few years, Highlands was known as Gillet’s Camp, and the campers and counselors were almost exclusively associated with the University of Chicago Laboratory School. Here, we see just 62 images from the first 10 summers. Notice that the number of images jumps in 1911; this is the first year Doctor Monilaw was present (with his camera), and not as the Director/Owner, but as one of Mr. Gillet’s staff members. Also included here are some pictures from Barby Pratt and Janet Monilaw Farr, Doc’s granddaughter and niece. We see the Monilaws just prior to Camp’s beginning, Doc with his Son Tommy in Iowa, and as a young track coach at the University of Missouri. There are also some pictures of the railroad, including one of some Highlanders playing on the trains in Star Lake City, the end of the line. And also, we see an early photograph of the Highlands Lodge, which predates camp by 14 years (1890) and was purchased by Mr. Gillet in 1909. Photos with LS in the description have been reproduced from Lantern Slides. Camp Highlands has an extraordinary collection of these positive transparencies sandwiched between two plates of glass. Until the 1930s, this was a popular way to take pictures; you will see many more LS images in the next section of this website, The Monilaw Years. This page also contains some work by the photographer James Colby, a professional out of Wausau. Mr. Colby created many great photographs in the North Woods and sold them as postcards. The Wisconsin Highlands Summer Camp was one of his favorite subjects! Look for the NPC insignia. Above: CH founder and University of Chicago Laboratory Elementary School Principal Harry O. Gillet stands on The Hill...one of his many achievements. Please double click on any image to view these pictures in a larger format.
The Harry Orrin Gillet years, 1904 - 1913
 

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