What Kind Of Sources Do I Use? How Do I Draw Conclusions?
To do my research, I collect many different types of primary and secondary sources, as well as oral accounts, and use them all to piece together my conclusion. Old primary sources can include old digitized newspapers, photographs, field research, and documents. But these don't tell the whole story, and I often combine these with the knowledge I gain from interviews with older people. That being said, I never assume that a conclusion can be drawn form just one source.
For example, If I ask an older camper, I never take their story as gospel. I see how it meshes with the limited story that the primary sources tell, as well the physical and photo evidence. I try to avoid he said/she said situations, where I put one person's credibility over another. I've found it's best to ask the question "Why do you believe this" as opposed to, "well they were there so they know".
Newspapers
Thanks to the internet, many newspapers that mention Owasippe have been made avalible in the past years. The White Lake Area's newspapers can be freely searched here:
http://archiveol.com/whitelake/search.aspx
Newspapers.com is another source as well, if you know the right search terms
Maps
If you're into the physical history, like me, Maps can be very useful in determining the changing layout of camp, as well as changes in location. Many of these can be found online, or in the OSR Map Archive. Contact the E.Urner Goodman Museum to Gain Access
https://www.owasippemuseum.org/
Interviews
Oftentimes, when written sources are scant, oral history and interviews are invaluable. It's important to keep notes and be sure who you're talking to, and to always be skeptical. It's important not to call people wrong or call them out. The goal is to get their opinions, not to educate them.