OUR HISTORY

History of Camp Grace Bentley

Camp Grace Bentley was born out of a simple but powerful idea. At a meeting of the Michigan League for Crippled Children (MLCC) in April 1927, held at the Federation Clubhouse, League President Mrs. B.H. Lola Lathers—a former registered nurse who understood the healing power of sunshine, fresh air, and water—posed a thoughtful question:
“Don’t you think the League could find a place by the water where we could care for 15 or 20 children and give them a nice vacation?”


Inspired by her vision, a committee was formed and met the following week at the Statler Hotel with Mr. Dustin, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Kennedy—respected members of the Detroit Rotary Club. They were impressed by the proposal and offered both financial support and help locating a suitable property.


Although no land was secured that summer, the search continued. In February 1928, Mrs. J.C. Hudson was elected president of the League. On May 7, 1928, she and a committee visited Miss Edna O’Neill’s property on the Lake Huron shoreline in Port Huron. The lot, measuring 112 by 500 feet, was found to offer ideal surroundings and healthful conditions for a children’s camp. After meetings with her trustees, Mr. Shirley Stewart and Mr. L.A. Wheel, the League secured an option to purchase the land in April 1929.


Shortly after, the passing of longtime League member Grace Bentley and the probate of her will brought a turning point. Ms. Bentley, a passionate supporter of the League’s mission, left a generous bequest that transformed the camp from a dream into a reality.


On May 10, 1929, the League acquired an additional adjacent lot of the same size. Architect Mr. Harvey of Port Huron was commissioned to design the site. Plans were drawn for a main lodge, seven cabins, and an infirmary. The League president, appointed general chairperson of the project, proudly broke ground with a ceremonial spade handed to her by Mr. Harvey—marking the beginning of Michigan’s first camp for children with physical disabilities.


Although construction was completed in August 1929, the camp did not open to visitors until September 27, 1929, due to unforeseen delays. Then, on June 25, 1930, the first session of children arrived at Camp Grace Bentley. By then, 185 campers arrived our first summer, and by 1937, more than 500 children were served each summer—setting the tone for decades of life-changing summer experiences.

In 1939, the Detroit Rotary Club further strengthened its support by purchasing the Highland Park Women’s Club property, located directly north of the camp. This property—including what is now the Recreation Center and surrounding cabins—was generously donated to the MLCC, expanding the camp’s capacity and programming.


In lasting tribute to Grace Bentley, the Detroit Edison Corporation donated a large boulder that was placed near the Main Lodge front entrance. It bears a memorial plaque and remains on-site to this day—a symbol of the compassion and community spirit that built Camp Grace Bentley.



Camp Grace Bentley: Over the Years

1930

  • The main lodge, seven cabins, and the original infirmary were completed, forming the foundation of Camp Grace Bentley.

1934

  • A camp bell, still standing today, was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Philip Kaplan.
  • A loudspeaker system and new hobby shop were installed, donated by Mr. and Mrs. S.F. Arbuckle.
  • The Good Fellowship Guild of Detroit built and equipped a new hobby shop.

1936

  • A new infirmary was constructed. The original was repurposed into the Juniors Cabin by the Junior Auxiliary.
  • American Legion Post No. 166 built the General Pershing Cabin.
  • A lot adjoining the camp (now the site of the chapel) was purchased, though an injunction initially prohibited its use by the camp.

1937

  • Floodlights for the campgrounds were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Thompson.

1939

  • The Detroit Rotary Club purchased the Highland Park Women’s Club property to the north, converting it into a recreation building and donating it to the MLCC.
  • A new pump system was installed to ensure safe drinking water.
  • Surplus commodities from the U.S. government helped reduce operational costs.

1940

  • 485 children attended camp.
  • The sun porch was created from the screened porch by adding French doors and long tables, donated by President Miss Simpson.

1943

  • All buildings with steps were converted to ramp access for increased accessibility.
  • Camp fee was raised from $12 to $15 for two weeks.

1946

  • The garage and storeroom were built and financed by the Grosse Pointe Rotarians.

1947

  • The Riverside Kiwanis donated playground equipment.
  • A bronze plaque was added to the fence, donated by Mr. and Mrs. William Hoffman.

1951

  • A storm washed away the beach and damaged the hobby shop.
  • Cribs were installed into the lake to help reclaim the beach.
  • The hobby shop was relocated inland, away from the shoreline.

1954

  • The Outdoor Shower Building was erected (now used for outdoor storage).
  • A reshingling project began, continuing through 1959.

1957

  • The hobby shop was remodeled.
  • Camp cost increased from $20 to $30 for a two-week session.

1959

  • The kitchen was remodeled with modern upgrades, including a dishwasher, stainless steel sinks, tiled walls, and new flooring.
  • The Memorial Chapel was built after years of restrictions on the southern lot were lifted
  • The chapel was completed on June 28, 1959

1961–1962

  • Ceilings, walls, and electric heaters were added to all cabins.
  • All exterior cottages were repainted.

1966

  • A blacktop basketball court, 100 by 70 feet, was installed.

1975

  • In October, the current shower house was constructed, replacing the older facilities.

2000

  • On June 16, 2000, the Iroquorian Gazebo—the final building added to the campgrounds—was donated and erected by the Target Corporation.

2004

  • Air conditioning was added to all cabins, improving comfort for campers during hot summer sessions.

2023

  • Air conditioning was installed in the Main Lodge, enhancing the functionality of this central gathering space.

2025

  • The Recreation Center received air conditioning, completing the modernization of climate control across key buildings.