Martha's Vineyard Camp Ground

Martha’s Vineyard Wesleyan Grove Camp Ground

Vineyard Gazette | Friday, February 25 1859 - 9:42am

This religious encampment has become an Institution, there is nothing like it in this country, and it is greatly increasing from year to year. In accordance with the recommendation of the agent of the Grounds, in his annual report, important measures have been adopted at the business meetings. Among the things ordered were the digging of an additional well and the setting out of shade trees. The erection of a two and one half story house has just been completed, under the general supervision of the Agent. The building is in modern style, thoroughly finished and painted 24 feet by 40.

Camp Meeting History

Camp Ground

Camp Ground Cottages Open Their Doors

On Wednesday, August 7, the 18th Camp Ground Cottage tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour this year consists of six cottages, two just 500-square-feet, and one in the initial stages of renovation. Four cottages are owned by second or third generation Camp Ground residents.

Five of the cottages are located around Victorian Park — 6, 19, 24, 27, 30. The sixth home is at 3 Butler avenue.

Life's a Porch in the Oak Bluffs Camp Ground

Nicholas Bradley

On a summer day in Oak Bluffs, Circuit avenue can sometimes feel like a circus. If you’re looking for some relief from the hot pavement and bustling crowds, follow the road down to the end of the main shopping area and turn right. You’ll stumble into Wesleyan Grove, a shady oasis filled with colorful cottages pulled straight from the pages of a storybook. This is the Camp Ground of the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association.

Beating Back the Ravages of Nature on This Old House is a Bittersweet Tale

Peggy Sturdivant

Over the years I have wondered what form the end will take for our Camp Ground cottage. Since I began seeing the cottage through adult eyes, I’ve eyed it with the trepidation of watching a truck turn off Main street in Vineyard Haven. It’s not going to make it.

Camp Ground Tour Opens Cottage Doors

If you have ever wanted to step inside one of the colorful gingerbread cottages that are a signature of Oak Bluffs and its historic Camp Ground, then tomorrow is the ideal time. The Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association will host the 17th Camp Ground Cottage Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, a self-guided experience that includes a walk through seven wonderful Camp Ground cottages and the Cottage Museum. The $25 admission fee benefits the Tabernacle Restoration Fund.

Cottage Tour Goes Past the Porches

The opportunity to see the interiors of the privately owned cottages on the grounds of the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association occurs only once a year. On Wednesday, August 10, five of the larger cottages which face the Tabernacle on the north end of Trinity Park, as well as a sixth one nearby, will be open to the public as part of the 2011 Camp Ground Cottage Tour.

Step Inside Camp Ground Cottages

Most Vineyard visitors believe they have seen the Gingerbread cottages after they have walked through Trinity Park and around the Tabernacle. However, the Camp Ground consists of 315 cottages spread across 34 acres.