Formerly Beech Haven Camp for Girls
1921 - 1940

In 1976 I heard this property was for sale and decided to take a look. As I turned off Beech Mountain Parkway and down the drive my curiosity intensified. The large rock house did not appear until I had driven well down the graveled entrance.  The house and grounds had been neglected for many years.

There were broken windows, dangling gutters, and peeling paint. This house had big problems - but the old cook's shed and the creekside cabin were both structurally sound. Over the next few years the house was repaired and continues to be renovated. The old athletic field has been restored and a hiking trail up the mountain has been constructed. (The piano that now sits in the living room of the main house used to be hauled by campers up the mountain every Sunday for a sing-a-long).

The cook's cabin was repaired and eventually turned into a garage and office. The camper's cabin by the lake was made into a pool house. All that remained of the original dining hall was the large stone fireplace (I was told that the building itself was dismantled during World War II for the lumber). A shed was added to be used for outdoor barbecuing and is now called the "Banquet Haus".

The creek was dammed and a small pond was created and stocked with trout. (The pond was used by the girls for swimming and canoeing and was originally at least 3 times larger).  In 2000 we were able to acquire the adjoining property, consisting of the rock house (which was originally the home of the camp owners) and the old bath house which we moved creekside and renovated into a one bedroom cabin. The shower floor of the old bath house became the floor of the newly constructed Gazebo.

We understand that the original cost of attending the the camp was for 6 weeks was approximately $600.00. The purchase price of a new car in those days!

Many other changes have been made but the purpose of Beech Haven Camp remains: a very special place where someone can come to relax, have fun, learn about the world and themselves, and, perhaps, leave a better person. Our motto is: Play Is Very Serious Business. Beech Haven Camp was very special to many young women. We are honored and happy at Irmolot Lodge to do our part to pass on the tradition we have inherited.