To the editor:
Reading the articles on Camp Gray’s history brought memories of the time when Msgr. Francis Gray, the founder of the camp, met out at the Baraboo fairgrounds with the men as they dismantled the crates used to build cabins. (The first cabins for Camp Gray were built using surplus ammunition crates from the Badger Ordnance Works. The cabins were constructed near the county fairgrounds, then moved to the camp.)
One of those men was Stewart Schirmer, my husband. Monsignor Gray supported the men with his presence, plus prayers, blessings, and a few “cool ones” on occasion.
How many fine priests there were at St. Joe’s (St. Joseph Parish, Baraboo). Fr. Joseph Henry was the pastor for many years. We were sorry we were denied the privilege of knowing Fr. Larry Bakke, director of Camp Gray for many years. He sent a sympathy note in 2006 when my husband died.
I’m pleased that Father Bakke is now the director of the Apostolate to the Handicapped. Our daughter played the organ for some of the television Masses.
It is wonderful that Camp Gray has grown and improved. Great work by all!
Anna M. Schirmer, Cross Plains (She will celebrate her 96th birthday on December 12.)