OUR STORY

The original Bateman Camps were built in the late 1950's by Carl Shillings for Clarence Bateman. Mr. Bateman was from Ohio and owned several acres of land in Byron, Maine that he loved to share with others. Carl was well known in Byron as a hermit who came from Germany. He did odd jobs and gold panning to survive. He built himself a cabin on the East Branch of the Swift River and it was very similar to the original Bateman Cabin #1. Mr Bateman’s cabins were rented out to many people over the years. Unfortunately, they fell into a state of disrepair and we made the decision that it was time to replace them.

Wanting to maintain the unique history we traveled to Stacyville, Maine and hired Mahlon Gingrich, an Amish carpenter to construct two new cabins. They were then brought to Byron on a flatbed trailer and placed on the property where the original cabins once stood. The bricks from the chimney on the original Cabin #2 were used in the hearth of the new Cabin #2.

We had a new solar system installed, the well was upgraded and a cellphone antenna was added. The solar system runs the cabins nicely. The well provides provides water to the cabins, so we can offer hot / cold running water for the inside plumbing. The cell phone antenna works if you stand nearby. It is the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy the peace and quiet. We provide all linens, dishes, pots and pans.

Cabin #1 “Bates” was named after the original cabin that stood in this spot. I was able to salvage the original Bates sign and it now hangs on Cabin #1. This cabin offers a queen bed and futon. Cabin #2 “Catherine” This cabin is named for my mother Reba Catherine Kolos, who loved the property and all the history that came along with it. This cabin has a separate bedroom with a queen bed and bunk beds it also offers a living area with a futon. Both cabins have a stove and refrigerator, separate bathrooms with a shower and toilet.

We are located right on the ATV trail and the snowmobile trail. We are open year round, as Byron is a four season recreation area!