Fresh Air Farm

     In 1897 Thomas Emery bought property near Terrace Park OH from Nora Spooner and deeded it to The Fresh Air and Convalescent Aid Society in 1898.  This group of people then ran a summer camp for children and mothers to come out of the inner city to enjoy some fresh air and relaxation in the summer.  In the 1960s the Fresh Air Farm became Stepping Stones Center with programs for the handicapped.
     I've recently received an e-mail from Kristy Balzer,the daughter of someone who went to this Fresh Air Farm as a child.  "His name is Albert J. Toepfert (he goes by Jean). He lived in Laurel Homes (subsidized homes during World War II).  Moved there after the 1937 flood.  Before that he lived on Wilstack St. in the Westend.  He says he remembers a man called Mr. Amarant.  Activities director.  He went there in 1941, 42, 43.  He thinks.  He said they wouldn't allow you to go after you were 12 years old.  He says he doesn't remember R. J. Vilardo (another camper)."
     The Terrace Park Historical Society has some information concerning this Fresh Air Farm but we're always looking for more - and especially would be interested in hearing from as many people as possible who attended this summer camp.  It would be fun if these people could get together sometime and share stories of their experiences there.   

Comments

[Ronald Kidwell]

My mother and all 8 children, me two brothers and 5 sisters went to the camp, probably 1948-1952 era. was a nice place. I have a copy of the cabin we stayed at upon the hill,we would walk down the hill to a building where they served meals and if i remember right a swiming pool was next to that building, had some crafts and different things to do, gave us i think tokens or something like that to get candy and other things.I had a great time. We lived on Renner street 226 up the hill from West McKmicken, just below Clifton.
I remember swinging on a swing with a little girl and she would sing via condios, song by Les Paul and Mary Ford, maybe that was a hit song the year i was there. A man from Mariemont may have been the one who set it up so we could vist Fresh Air Farm, his name was Ray Stomer a wonderfull man.
I sure enjoyed my visit.
Ronald Kidwell

[Ronald Kidwell]

My sister Carol wanted to add her memories.
I enjoyed the Fresh Air and so many beautiful tree's , it was a real good break for our mother and she really enjoyed it, there was a large dinning room where all of us ate, my Mother got to sit there and watch us play while we waited for the dining room to open, everyone there was so nice, we went to Fairview School we had a gym teacher there he told me I could run like the wind he said run on your toes and the front of your foot do not let your heel touch the ground. while at the place we was told they were going to have a race.I remember I told my mother I am getting in the race, she smiled and said are you I said yep! . We went to a large field of grass, a ribbon was strung across the field, I ran as hard as I could I broke the ribbon I ran over to my mother and I said I won 1st place she said what did you get I held up a new pair of white shorts she smiled a big smile and I knew she was proud of me, this was a wonderful place for our family. I remember in 1947 we was not going to have a Christmas Mr. Ray Stormer told his church and they came with toys for our family
I believe he lived around Mariemont, many people can came into our lives but it is those who came into our hearts that we always remember. While there I a read a book called Robin Cruso I could not believe I read the whole book. I geuss a late Thank you will be ok. Thanks for the good memories Carol Kidwell Gay

[Paula Down]

I remember going to the Fresh Air Farm with three of my sisters, my mother and many cousins. We had so much fun there the week we stayed. I believe this was in 1955 when I was 8 years old. The reason I remember this is because I was sitting on the swings and I received my first kiss. They used to have a talent show and my cousin and I won 1st place by reciting a poem. I got to pick out a beautiful blouse for my prize.

The cabins were great and we all had a rest hour every day. I do remember the chamber pots as the cabins did the have toilets. There was a culvert that ran down the hill in which the rain water would drain from the hill. We used to damn this up and then let it rip. I remember our leader taking us outside the camp on a walking tour. We were told not to touch the flowers we saw along the road, especially the daylillies because they were poisonous. How gullible we all were back then.

All in all, I have great memories of this place and I know my mother enjoyed her break from taking care of her brood too.