Growth and Building 1950's

Summer Directors John and Phyllis Quanbeck and family late 50s and early 60s
Summer Directors John and Phyllis Quanbeck and family late 50s and early 60s

In the late ‘50 and early 60’...

John and Phyllis Quanbeck from Havre were the Summer Camp Directors. Most summer camp leaders were pastors from Montana congregations. Cabin counselors were college student volunteers. 

Speakers were professors from colleges and seminaries across the country.  In the summer of 1953 Dr. Sigvald Fauske, Chairman of the Religion Department at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., was the guest speaker at Camp.

Parishioners from many congregations came to 'build up' the camp in the 50's like this 1958 group from Conrad MT working on camp roads.
Parishioners from many congregations came to 'build up' the camp in the 50's like this 1958 group from Conrad MT working on camp roads.

A group of men from Conrad, Montana organized by Marc Lindberg brought heavy equipment to the Camp to level the ground on the hill above the swimming area where an indoor Chapel would be built.

1950s Pastor Olaf Borge leading worship in the outdoor chapel
1950s Pastor Olaf Borge leading worship in the outdoor chapel

The records from the 1950s are sparse, with limited documentation or photographs to detail the camp’s activities and development. However, some insights into the site’s growth during that era emerge from a 1960 Board of Directors report. This document highlights the significant accomplishments achieved by camp managers Melvin and Gena Fladstol, alongside various volunteer church groups. By the close of the 1950s, numerous essential projects had been completed, reflecting the dedication and collaborative spirit of the camp community.

  • An indoor chapel was constructed on the hill overlooking the swimming area.
  • A pump house was built on a concrete block by the boating dock. 
  • Additional cabins were built and some lights installed.
  • Three bath houses and 3 septic systems were built.
  • A camp-wide water system was installed.
  • The kitchen was upgraded, again!

Question: Why were so many different styles of cabins and bath houses built?

Answer: In the 1940s and 1950s individual congregations took on the task of designing the cabins, buying the materials and building them. Different congregations had different visions for a cabin.  Because cabins in the early days were for summer use only and didn’t need plumbing, they could be built anywhere on the site including on bedrock.  Year around cabins with plumbing were not a vision yet. Even the original bath houses built for campers were four different styles, because different groups of volunteers built them  

If you have any photographs, brochures or information about the camp in the 1950s please call the camp office to help with this history project. (406) 752-6602

  • 1950s Cabin 1
    1950s Cabin 1
  • 1950s Cabin 4
    1950s Cabin 4

“I went to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp during high school in the 1950s when our family lived in Kalispell. Most of the campers came from churches around Montana. Camp was simple then. We had Bible study sessions in the morning and after lunch it was free time. There were a few canoes and rowboats, and it was just swimming in the afternoons and playing baseball or volleyball. In the evenings we had inspirational services and a campfire. The campfire for me was the best part, right down by the lake. I remember singing the hymns like Beautiful Savior as well as a few fun songs.

My camp weeks are memorable. Camp had an incredibly positive influence on me, and the college counselors were wonderful role models for me. Even seventy years later the camp stands out in my life as an important time to discover who I was and to renew my friendships and my dedication to God and my sense of purpose.”        

Lois Grimsrud Capps, Santa Barbara, California  Member of the United States House of Representatives from 1998-2017.

  • The first Camp sign on Highway 93 in the 1950’s
    The first Camp sign on Highway 93 in the 1950’s
  • Camp managers, Gena and Melvin Fladstol, were the first year-around staff.
    Camp managers, Gena and Melvin Fladstol, were the first year-around staff.

    “With the rapid growth in the 1940s there needed to be a full-time camp manager on site.  Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Fladstol from Conrad, MT were hired as camp managers and were the first year around staff.”