Cedar Rail Camp is a much different place from the one my grandfather and his family came to in the late 1800’s. Some of the land had to be cleared, a barn and home built in order to make it into a productive farm that provided a good living for himself, his family and consecutive generations.

The community of Scone was a thriving little hamlet, that had a brick yard, hotel, and a water powered grist mill which provided the electricity for the village and of course the one room school house. 

The railroad coming through Chesley drew the businesses into that area and Scone is today a small community where the Scone Mill still produces hydro, operates a bicycle shop, and restaurant. There is also Sconeview B&B which is built on the same site as the old hotel. Also the one room schoolhouse is being operated by the Sconecrofter’s Group as a community hall. A new business is also being developed at the site of the old garage.

In 1964 I was able to purchase the farm from my mother and continued to farm for several years. An inquiry about having a Sunday school campout started a whole new way of life.

One thing led to another and after much development and help from friends, family and campers, Cedar Rail Camp grew.

In 1991 the camp was sold to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada who continued to develop the camp.

In 1997 I was fortunate to be part of the group that bought Cedar Rail Camp. As time passed each one of the partners contributed much to the growth of the camp.

Our family has always had a passion for the camp and as each one of the original partners pursued other endeavors, the opportunity to become sole owners once again became a reality. 

I am always amazed at the path that life has taken me and my family on; I want to thank God for the opportunities I have been able to experience. I want to thank each one and their families for helping to bring the camp to the place it is today.