Hamilton Residence/The Villa/now home of the Camp Patmos Dining Hall
920 Monaghan Road
The Hamilton home is one of a number of fine early stone residences found on Kelleys Island. This building reflects the kinds of changes that frequently occur to island structures as they change with the island’s evolving economy. The original structure appears to have been T-shaped with the road-facing section constructed of stone while the rear section is wood frame with beveled siding and end boards. The front door displays an apparent transom light, now boarded. A narrow north facing rear addition appears to have originally been half open, half sided porch with the open half now enclosed with shiplap siding. Additions and alterations include a one-story rear frame addition, a one story flat roofed front addition with mansard style wood shingle roof extending across the front of the original stone structure, and an open front porch and a large two-story c.1930 stone dining room hall addition in the back.
The original central stone building was the homestead of Samuel and Eliza Hamilton who were born in Tyrone, “Ireland, in 1778 and 1782 respectively. Their son, James, also born in Tyrone, in 1815, settled on the island’s north bay in 1839, and was one of the first to buy land from the Kelleys. James’ favorable report from the island encouraged his parents to purchase a lot near the base of Long Point, just north of his own land, in 1851. The elder Samuel Hamilton was a farmer whose principal crops were corn and wheat. He worked his fields with oxen, also raised cow and pigs. After the death of his parents, son Robert, a bachelor, and daughter, Ann, a seamstress and widow of John Brown, continued to live on in the house. Robert was a successful farmer who, unlike his father, devoted most of his lands to grapes. In 1880, his farm had the highest production value on the island and one of the three largest grape yields. He also made 2500 gallons of wine that year.
During the 1920’s the house was occupied by James Self and his wife, Lydia Titus Self. He worked in the KIL&T Co. quarry and was a photographer who took panoramic views of the island. His family was from England and came to the island around 1873 via Pelee Island. They first lived in a house owned by Herman Koster. Their father soon died and the widowed family was given a free house on Robert Hamilton’s property. Again, tragedy struck when, in 1877, Elizabeth Self was mysteriously murdered. Her children were then taken into the Hamilton residence.
After James Self, the house was sold to Fr. Vaclav Chaloupka, of Nativity B.V.M. Parish of Cleveland, and run as a summer camp for the parish children, particularly the choir and altar boys. Later all the members were welcome. With the help of volunteers from among the men and women of the parish, the camp maintained part of the former farm and was entirely self sufficient. During the period the stone house was named The Villa and an addition was built using material salvaged from a 1912 addition to the Becker Winery that burned in 1924. Four cabins were also constructed on the grounds.
In 1952, the camp was purchased by the Ohio Regular Baptist Home and Camp, Inc. The new camp directors made a series of improvements. In 1959, the Findley Memorial Chapel was built, a pool was added in 1968, a miniature lighthouse went up in 1971, and by 1975 there were 11 cabins for girls and 9 for boys.
Through the generous donation from the Morse family, the camp property was expanded to include all the way to the east shore of Long Point. 3 Quad cabins have been added since 1998 which include restrooms, carpet, and A/C. The Johnson Recreation Center was added to provide indoor activities such as carpetball, ping-pong, air-hockey and more, as well as the art studio. The “Pophouse” was erected in the fall of 2001 and is in an octagon building that serves delectable treats to the campers. The summer of 2002 marked the first use of Rogers Landing which has nearly 200’ of pier to accommodate speedboats and waterfront activities. During the Late 90’s the Ohio Regular Baptist Churches turned ownership over to an independent group of trustees. It was incorporated as Camp Patmos, Inc. setup as a Christian youth and family camp with a non-profit 501 (c) 3 status.
The dining hall has been remolded to accommodate more overnight guests as well as enhance the dining experience with Lake Erie views. The additional restrooms and bedrooms as well as the wrap around porch all help enhance this beautiful building.
The camp is currently setup to house up to 300 campers and 75 staff for week long events. The program offerings include: sailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, putt-putt, tandem bike rides, swimming, archery, volleyball, basketball, soccer, paintball, and other specialty programs.
For more information visit our homepage http://www.camppatmos.com
