History of YMCA Camp T. Frank Soles

The history of the McKeesport YMCA Camp is brief but fascinating.  The transformation of a weed choked, overgrown river valley into the present magnificent vista of a lake, woodland and meadow within the short space of 3 years excited all who came to know the facility in the mid 1950s. 

In 1953, the 263 acre tract was presented to the McKeesport YMCA by Mr. T. Franks Soles, a local businessman and philanthropist.  Shortly thereafter, heavy earth moving machinery began work on the development of the lake bed, dam and spillway, entrance road and athletic field. 

The formal groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 26, 1954, with Mr. Soles turning the first spadeful of earth.  As 1954 drew to a close, Lake Tris with its sand beach, boat docks and diving platform, the water sewage systems, the athletic field and entrance road were completed.  However, plans and schedules received a marked set-back, as the camp sustained severe damage as a result of Hurricane Hazel in October, 1954. 

On May 22, 1955, the formal dedication ceremony of the Walter and Virginia Shaw Lodge was held.  Mr. Shaw, founder of the G.C. Murphy Company, had partnered with his longtime friend Mr. Soles to develop the camp.  The first campers were enrolled for a six-week camp season during the summer of 1955.   

1956, the decision for maximum use of the camp on a year round basis was made, and additional camp facilities were added.  By the close of 1956 work was completed on the Evalyn Soles Lakeside Chapel, the Staff Lodge (now known as the Longhouse), the Ski Lodge, Health Office and Administration buildings. 

 The development of YMCA Camp T. Frank Soles continues today and it is with the spirit and generous contributions of our stakeholders that we continue offer a facility of the highest caliber, unsurpassed for its beauty to all of our participants.

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Camp T. Frank Soles is owned and operated by the YMCA of McKeesport

Phone:  1-800-677-1811  E-mail: campsoles@shol.com

Last modified: 11/29/05