AA-2026-54D1F3
On the image
A man kneels at a wilderness camp in the 1970s, perhaps checking a Coleman lantern or attending to some other essential task. In this era, "getting away from it all" often meant accepting that "all" included reliable electricity, and the lantern provided the illusion of domesticity in the wild.
His temporary dwelling, a canvas tent, features the confident, slightly passive-aggressive declaration "NO!" on its side, a clear message to any passing bears or unsolicited advice. The crude wooden bench and log base suggest a commitment to the "do-it-yourself" ethos that defined much of the era's outdoor pursuits.
This setup demonstrates the fine line between rugged independence and merely postponing discomfort, a balancing act many believed was character-building. The lake in the background quietly watches, indifferent to human efforts at temporary settlement.
The historian's note
The 1970s witnessed a notable increase in outdoor recreation and a cultural movement towards back-to-nature living. Self-sufficient camping, often in remote, undeveloped areas, became a popular way to engage with the wilderness.
Equipment such as the Coleman lantern, visible here, was a ubiquitous tool for illumination in such settings, typically fuelled by white gas or kerosene before the widespread availability of efficient LED lighting.
Campsite construction frequently involved utilising natural, on-site materials like logs for temporary structures, reflecting a practical, minimalist approach to temporary habitation and a desire to disconnect from modern urban amenities.
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Lakeside Wilderness Camp, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-54D1F3. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/lakeside-wilderness-camp-1970s.
@misc{aaAA202654D1F3,
title = {Lakeside Wilderness Camp, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-54D1F3},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/lakeside-wilderness-camp-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Lakeside Wilderness Camp, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-54D1F3 UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/lakeside-wilderness-camp-1970s ER -
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