Welcome to our Mountain Meadow Ranch History Album! This is a work in progress, so please check back frequently as more photos will be added. Whether you’re a present member of our California summer camp family, an alumni, or just a visitor stoppin’ through, we hope you’ll enjoy these special snapshots from the Mountain Meadow Ranch time capsule.
Attention Alumni: These era photos were recently acquired, and many of the people cannot be identified. If you happen to know who some of these people are we’d sure appreciate your feedback!
We are also in search of camp photos from the time period beginning in 1965 and running through about 1974. If you were a camper or counselor during this period and would like to contribute to the Mountain Meadow Ranch archives, please do so at the same email address above. Many thanks!
How it all began: The very first camp group at Mountain Meadow Ranch for Boys - Summer 1956
The Quonset Hut - our original dining hall!
The Quonset Hut
The original BBQ under the apple trees by the lagoon
BBQ shot
Lining up for dinner
All Camp Photo 1957/58
Jack and partner Duane Putnam as the campers line up for dinner, 1959
The original campfire pit by the lagoon; It would be moved a second time in the late '60's before finally reaching it's permanent home in the meadow. At top: Ed Gardner & John "Black Bart" Dumbauld; front row: Jack, John Schwall, "Tex" Britten (counselor), Billy "Tacky" Ellena, and Duane.
Past and present campers & staff will recognize this view; coming down from the cabins, the Quonset hut where the dining hall is today.
The Swimming Pool in 1957
The first aerial view of the Ranch showing most of the original buildings in 1956
The Boys of the Porcupine Lodge, later to be known as the Modoc cabin! This is the first MMR Work Crew, 1956
Inspection was tough in those days...but it was done with a smile.
Archery
Riflery
This was riflery in 1956; the first platform was built in '57 or '58.
Jimmy Stewart Photos Actor James Stewart and his sons, Ron & Mike McClean, at Mountain Meadow Ranch in the late 50's.
Jimmy Stewart (in center) with son Ron at left and an unidentified friend.
Ron & Mike McClean
Jim Stewart
Horseback in the Town Parade Jack & Jacquie lead the Mountain Meadow Boys on horseback in a parade down Main Street in Susanville - 1960
The Parade
The Parade: Jack and Jacquie
A town official from Susanville presents Jack and the Mountain Meadow clan with a Best Riding Group Award, Second Place
Early Campers Fishing
Group shot at Peter Lassen's Grave, 1960
A skit from one of the first camp shows
The first darkroom, located behind the camp store - early 60's
Sports and Activities Probably the very first "Water Day"/Bucket Relay, late 50's (note the enclosed porch on the Dr.'s cabin)
Boxing
Boxing
Football
The Baseball team of 1960
Cowboy Day Whoopie Ti Yi Yo! Cowboy Day in the late 1950's...ain't changed much!
Round Up
Horses and the Barn "There's nothing better for the inside of a boy than the outside of a horse..."
Trail Ride
Trail Ride
The Barn as it appeared in 1956
Back Barn
Front Barn
The Early 60s Some shots from an early Mt. Lassen Trip, circa 1962
The gang at Lassen, about 1962
Another Lassen Photo
Campfire
Early Days Outstanding Campers Gray Davis (former Governor of California) and Morgan Cole from Chicago, Illinois
"Maverick" DelFaro with "Stonewall Jackson" and Chris Mueller
Jack Jr. Jack Ellena Jr. (aka "Chip") posing with his fellow campers in 1964
Chip with his sister Jill, about 1965
Chip the Fisherman with bud Steve Harris in '67
Father & Son
Born to lead...Chip at 9 1/2 in 1967 (could be a bit later)
Dad lookin' mighty proud
The Late 60s This was the original location of the campfire area as it was in 1968.
John and Marsha 1968
Campfire 1968
The Late 60s Special thanks to MMR alumni Paul Dubman for providing many of these next photos
September 1969
Director Paul Thomas, circa 1965
A trip to Mt. Lassen from the summer of '69
Paul Thomas
Looking inside the Cheyenne cabin, towards the back door where Sue Fries is standing - 1970
Pool Kids, Late 60s
1968
Paul Dubman & Sue Fries (and friend) - Summer 1970