About Us
Our Story
Born in Frankford, Mr. Kymer was a lifelong resident there. Growing up in the 1920s to 1930s, and being one of the youngest of 11 children, he learned quickly to take care of himself and help support his family. As a young boy, he discovered his entrepreneurial skill set and raised turkeys to sell for Thanksgiving in order to help his family.
After attending Newton High School, Mr. Kymer served in the U.S. Army during World War II for three years, which allowed him to serve his country and see the world. He completed his service then entered the job market, working locally for Anken and Newhard Cooke in Newton. He decided to follow his dream of building a successful business. While still working at Newhard Cooke as a stockbroker, Mr. Kymer built Kymer's Campground which opened in May 1972. He also purchased Panther Lake Camping Resort in Byram, in 1977, then purchased property on the Delaware River in Knowlton to create Delaware River Family Campground, which opened in 1982. Being one of Mr. Kymer's greatest achievements, for 44 years the campground provided him with an opportunity to give back to the community by providing access to a pool for swimming lessons as well as a baseball field for the Frankford Recreation program.
Beyond his personal goals, Mr. Kymer served in many community positions to help improve our schools, township and recreation facilities. He served for 14 years on the Frankford Township Board of Education and served 16 years on the Frankford Township Committee, with five terms as mayor. He contributed to numerous civic projects, including the establishment of the Frankford Township Parks Commission, where he installed the park water system, along with two of his campground employees, Neil Wright and Robbie Rohl, and personally rented an air compressor every year to winterize the park water lines. He served 18 years on the Frankford Township Parks Commission, playing an instrumental role in sourcing the funding and establishing the master plan for the Frankford Township Park property and served as a member of the Municipal Drug Alliance Planning Board, Economic Development Committee and Land Use Board. He was a long-time member of the Branchville Business Men's Club, serving one term as president.
For 92 years, Mr. Kymer loved being part of this community and was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its future. In recognition of his outstanding service to the residents of Frankford, in the month of February 1997, Recognition Drive was made known as "Frank Kymer Drive." In 2000, Mr. Kymer was presented the Citizen of the Year Award by The Branchville Rotary Club.
The son of the late Walter and Flora (Mooney) Kymer, Mr. Kymer was predeceased by nine siblings, Albert, Herbert, Charles, David, Clarence, William and Fred Kymer, as well as Alice Mathews and Florence Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Iris A. Kymer; four daughters, Karen Kymer, of Frankford, Barbara Kymer, of Montville, Audra Preste and husband, John, of Frankford and Terri Mandorlo and husband, Lex, of Montville; five grandchildren, Cassidy and Madison Preste, Lex and Frank Mandorlo and Hailey Kymer.
Frank E. Kymer died at the age of 92, on Sunday, June 12, 2016 surrounded by his family at his home where he was born.
Frankford Township Parks
A view from Sunrise Mountain of the baseball field at the park.
This cup's for you - Frank
Our Dad always went to Yetters for breakfast & lunch... so on the day of his funeral, staff came out to greet the procession with a last cup of coffee for him.