Criterion A: Entertainment/Recreation, Social History
Criterion C: Architecture
Period of Significance: 1958-1985
Local Level of Significance
Camp NEOFA in Montville, Waldo County, Maine is a coed children's summer camp started in 1958 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). Twenty-eight buildings and structures make up the 35-acre property which hosts eight- to fourteen-year-old campers during the summer. The camp is surrounded by primarily pine woods on Trues Pond where campers are provided a rustic Maine summer camp experience. The complex is locally significant under Criterion A for its association with the historical development of summer camps in the area of entertainment and recreation. Organized childrens summer camps originated as early as 1880 and the operation of such camps is a common summer activity to this day in Maine. The twenty-four contributing buildings, three contributing structures, and one object constructed between 1958 and 1988 reflect a common post WW II summer camp layout and design. The associated activities, organization, and buildings of the camp reflect the historic development of summer camps and provide a continuity to earlier camps. The association of this camp with a fraternal organization dedicated to social improvement is a central theme associated with many summer camps. Similar organizations like the YMCA, YWCA, 4-H, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts have a history of operating summer camps with the goal of improving the moral and physical character of campers. Camp NEOFA is significant for its association with this pattern of social history. Camp NEOFA is also significant under Criterion C as a significant and distinguishable entity. The period of significance extends from the camps creation in 1958 to 1985. This represents the beginning of camp activities by the Odd Fellows at this location and continues up to the date when the camp complex was completed during which time the organization has been involved in significant recreational and social activities.