Holt & Balcom Logging Camp Museum completes critical repairs following successful season

LAKEWOOD – Assistant museum director Mae Treptow shared that the Holt & Balcom Logging Camp Museum recently completed a successful 2026 season. “Increasing our online presence really helped. Lots of visitors said that if it wasn’t for our new Facebook page, they would never have known we existed.”
Director Kathleen Marsh cited another key reason for attendance rising to its highest level since the pandemic.

“Thanks to the newly minted Nicolet Express, we again have a direct way to tell people about the oldest logging camp sitting on its original site in America. It’s made a huge difference.”

School field trips director Bob Brown reported that 120 fourth graders and chaperones from area schools enjoyed their annual field trip to the camp where they experienced a hands-on trip to explore their heritage.
Brown thanked Fred Axelrod, Tom Thielke, Jon Marsh, Norm Haggstrom, Dick Schaal and Dave Zuleger for their help with all of the school tours.

“The excitement and enthusiasm of the kids is contagious. It’s always a great experience for them and lots of fun for our dedicated volunteer staff,” he added.

During the early summer, camp manager Dave Zuleger completed minor repairs and much-needed painting. He also managed to safely deter most of the resident bat population who use the bunk house as a warm weather home.

Brown oversaw some badly needed restoration work in August.

“As always, Schaut Carpentry under the leadership of Lloyd ‘Buddy’ Schaut did an excellent job. An expert crew completed repair and replacement of a number of deteriorated outer wall logs. We want to express our appreciation to Buddy and his crew for their outstanding work,” he shared.

“The downside of all this activity is that the school field trip and building funds are almost depleted,” Marsh added.

“Donations of any size will be greatly appreciated.”

Checks can be made out to Holt & Balcom Logging Camp Museum and may be mailed to H&B Director Kathleen Marsh at 16965 Nicolet Road, Townsend, WI 54175.