“One can enjoy a wood fire worthily only when he warms his thoughts by it as well as his hands and feet.” –Odell Shepard
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Exhibit Details
McIlvaine Lodge was built in the mid 1930’s by C. C. Cole and the Camp Staff from lumber acquired by dismantling the Cecil Paper Company Superintendent’s house. The building was dedicated to Gilbert McIlvaine, a Horseshoe founder and chief architect, in 1940.
Here are some pictures of the original Horseshoe winter camp cabin, McIlvaine Lodge.
McIlvaine Lodge
2008 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Camp Horseshoe's McIlvaine Lodge.
McIlvaine Lodge
2008 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Another view of McIlvaine Lodge.
McIlvaine Lodge in the Fall
2001 – Contributed by Jim Battenfelder
A picturesque view of McIlvaine Lodge once the trees have shed their leaves.
McIlvaine Winter Lodge Built
1940 – Contributed by J.B. Rettew III
McIlvaine Winter Lodge Built 1935 – 1936 by C.C. Cole and Camp Staff. It was dedicated in 1940.
McIlvaine Lodge
Contributed by J. Roland Minshall
An early photo of the Camp's first winter lodge.
Early Look at McIlvaine
Contributed by C. William Waxbom
Another early photo of McIlvaine Lodge.
McIlvaine Lodge Sleeping Area
2009 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
One of two main sleeping areas in McIlvaine Lodge.
McIlvaine Sleeping Area
2009 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here is the other main sleeping area of McIlvaine Lodge.
McIlvaine Lodge Wood Stove
2009 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Like many other winter cabins on the property, McIlvaine Lodge has its own wood stove for heating during the cold winter months.
McIlvaine Lodge Kitchen
2009 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here is the separate kitchen area for McIlvaine Lodge.
McIlvaine Plaque
1984 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
This plaque honors <strong>George Hopkins</strong> and is placed on the Eastern wall of McIlvaine Lodge.
McIlvaine Lodge Sign
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The HSRAA sign at McIlvaine Lodge, next to the "legacy" sign.
McIlvaine Lodge Plaque
1940 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here is the plaque honoring <strong>Gilbert McIlvaine</strong> for whom McIlvaine Lodge is named and is inset in the lodge's fireplace. The wooden plaque has since been cracked.
Videos
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A few videos of McIlvaine Lodge at Camp Horseshoe.
McIlvaine Lodge Tour A quick stroll through the interior of McIlvaine Lodge. 2009 – Contributed by Andrew CoeMcIlvaine Lodge McIlvaine Lodge in 1943. 1943 – Contributed by Tom McCabe
Memorabilia
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Over the years, only one item of memorabilia has been produced for McIlvaine Lodge.
1994 Camp Horseshoe Staff and Leader Stein
1994 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
1994's stein depicts the McIlvaine Lodge, which has been used primarily as a winter camping cabin and also as the Reservation Manager's office during summer camp.
Documents
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Here you will find any documents related to McIlvaine Lodge.
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Uploaded:
July 12, 2026
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190.2 KB
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1
The McIlvaine Lodge floorplan.
Contributed by Andrew Coe
The McIlvaine Lodge floorplan.
Contributed by Andrew Coe
Newspaper Articles
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Here you will find any newspaper articles related to McIlvaine Lodge.
Document Information
Uploaded:
February 12, 2026
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300.4 KB
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1
From the August 8, 1940 edition of the Brandywine Archive, this article talks about the dedication of McIlvaine Lodge in honor of Gilbert McIlvaine, Camp Horseshoe’s architect and long time leader in Chester County Council, including as Council Commissioner from 1937-1938.
1940 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
From the August 8, 1940 edition of the Brandywine Archive, this article talks about the dedication of McIlvaine Lodge in honor of Gilbert McIlvaine, Camp Horseshoe’s architect and long time leader in Chester County Council, including as Council Commissioner from 1937-1938.
1940 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Jigsaw Puzzle
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Enjoy this jigsaw puzzle of McIlvaine Lodge. Press this button to play on Jigsaw Planet’s website.
to play on Jigsaw Planet’s website.
