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Restored camp both rustic and accommodating

Photo

Photo by Terry Mayer

John and Sue Dewan preserved the rural nature of the property they bought in Spring Prairie Township. Then, they opened it to the public to enjoy.

The upper level of the barn at Camp Dewan in Spring Prairie Township has been converted into a basketball court. Terry Mayer/staff.

SPRING PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP — Every once in a while, John Dewan hears a hint of hesitation in the voice of someone calling him to ask about staying at Camp Dewan.

The comfortable accommodations and the camp’s close proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee, have drawn plenty of guests from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and other states over the years.

When Dewan, a Chicago publisher, and his wife Sue bought the property some 10 years ago, they were in the market for a hideaway for themselves only. But after their real estate agent showed them the land, they changed their minds.

“This was just too beautiful a place to keep for ourselves,” Dewan said. “This is a place we share with people.”

Camp Dewan has served as a gathering spot for group camping, family and class reunions, corporate events — company picnics or meetings, retreats, weddings — even Little League Tournaments, thanks to its professional Little League-style baseball field, batting cage and pitching machine.

“Preserving the rural nature of the camp is important to us,” Dewan said. “We really try to keep that atmosphere for people to enjoy.”

That preservation includes the barn, which had a gaping hole in its side when the couple bought the property. They called in renovators who specialize in repairing old barns.

Read the full story in CSI Media's Fall Home Improvement section, HERE.