Bell Tower & Stroud Store (2019)
Henry McCoy took the pictures.
Caleb Seney, Executive Director of MedCamps: In 2019, Arch335 students revamped and revitalized the former Camp Alabama concession stand. Originally constructed in the 1950s, the Stroud Store provided a refreshing drink and a candy bar to kids participating in Presbyterian Youth Camps at Camp Alabama. By 2019, the structure was collapsing and was only being used for storage. The store, which stood at what was then the main camp gate, was a sight to behold to any passing motorist. A bell that was cast in 1858 and hung in Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Ruston before it was later dismantled was part of the design, and the students constructed a bell tower to house it.
The Stroud Store has been resurrected today and serves as a spot for campers to acquire snacks, ice cream treats, snow cones, and cold drinks. The ancient bell, which hangs in a lovely bell tower over the sea, is used for birthday celebrations at camp, as well as a wake-up call in the mornings and a call to assembly at Gibbs Pavilion before every meal. The Stroud Store and Bell Tower have given new life to what was formerly outdated and underutilized.
Brad Deal, a professor of technology:This was our first renovation project, our first time using brick, the final week of the 10-week Studios, and the most muddied experience we had with that bell tower to date. One of our favorite students, Bill, was working on the tower foundation the night we installed the roof when he sank to his hips in the mud. We almost called the fire brigade, but it took two hours and three muddy classmates to get him out. Everybody who was present remembers that evening and smiles every time they retell it.
Program Overview: Renovating an existing summer camp structure, which includes designing a bell tower and pier, installing new camp signs, and installing a secondary access gate.
Statement of Program:For almost thirty years, a modest block building that was constructed in the early 1950s was used as a concession stand for a children’s summer camp. Since the middle of the 1980s, the structure has taken on a variety of functions as the camp’s needs changed and the store became unnecessary. Although the roof’s construction had deteriorated over time, the walls and foundation remained sturdy and willing. The concept of the camp store as a focal point that campers would pass around and a desired camp experience was brought back to life by camp leadership in 2018. In addition to providing refreshments throughout the week, the new store would double as a camp gift shop on the weekends. The camp also received a 36-solid bronze bell that was cast in 1885 and had formerly hung in one of the town’s oldest churches. The call for campers to assemble for meals and the morning greeting would be broadcast from a new bell tower. After removing the roof from the existing building, all of the material that could be salvaged was recovered and applied to the interior. Steel scrap from the nearby gas industry was used to create custom trusses. A mobile partition/merchandise display and fixed shelf were constructed using both new and recycled materials. Using the same recycled steel, a thirty-foot bell tower was constructed and positioned close to the middle of a small pond, where it is visible from most spots in the camp. The bell tower’s custom lighting makes it possible for it to function as a beacon throughout the night, letting campers know that everything is okay.
Team for the Project:
Professors Brad Deal and Robert Brooks
Cody Snellenberger, Nate Ackerman, Logan Blandino, Kade Brandon, Monica Buller, Wes Cagle, Zoe Collum, Jakyrin Conner, Jenna Daneshfar, Leslie Davis, Mehi Diallo, Corey Evans, Justin Franklin, Shelby Gifford, Jack Gustovson, Janie Issac, Courtney Kemp, Judy La, Jakob Mier, Sommer Page, Austin Parker, Nick Paventy, Traci Reyez, Trinity Smith, Tyler Thomas, Abbie White, Adrianna Wilbert
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