Camp Fletcher: Difference between revisions
(New page: right|250px '''Camp Pauline Bray Fletcher''' is a 250-acre summer camp near Tannehill State Park at 5150 Fletcher Road in Bessemer. It is prese...) |
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The camp was founded in [[1926]] by nurse [[Pauline Fletcher|Pauline Bray Fletcher]] as a convalescent camp for African American women and children. Eventually the camp's operations were assumed by the [[Youth Service League]]. | The camp was founded in [[1926]] by nurse [[Pauline Fletcher|Pauline Bray Fletcher]] as a convalescent camp for African American women and children. Eventually the camp's operations were assumed by the [[Youth Service League]]. | ||
On [[June 10]], [[1948]] the camp was raided by members of the [[Ku Klux Klan]] who objected the camp employing both black and white staff members. The incident prompted [[Birmingham]] attorney [[Abe Berkowitz]] to form a coalition of business and civic groups to demand better enforcement against Klan terrorism. In [[1949]] Governor [[Jim Folsom]] signed an "Anti-Masking Bill" aimed at reducing Klan activity. | On [[June 10]], [[1948]] the camp was raided by members of the [[Ku Klux Klan]] who objected the camp employing both black and white staff members. The incident, along with a similar raid two days earlier at [[Camp Blossom Hill]] in [[Birmingham]]'s [[Brummitt Heights]] neighborhood, prompted [[Birmingham]] attorney [[Abe Berkowitz]] to form a coalition of business and civic groups to demand better enforcement against Klan terrorism. In [[1949]] Governor [[Jim Folsom]] signed an "Anti-Masking Bill" aimed at reducing Klan activity. | ||
Camp Fire USA began leasing the camp during the summers in [[1981]]. The YSL merged with Camp Fire in [[2003]] in order to help preserve the camp. Currently Camp Fletcher boasts a 100-seat dining hall, three dormitory cabins, an outdoor environmental classroom, a swimming pool, low ropes course, and general store. [[Shades Creek]] provides opportunities for swimming and canoeing. | Camp Fire USA began leasing the camp during the summers in [[1981]]. The YSL merged with Camp Fire in [[2003]] in order to help preserve the camp. Currently Camp Fletcher boasts a 100-seat dining hall, three dormitory cabins, an outdoor environmental classroom, a swimming pool, low ropes course, and general store. [[Shades Creek]] provides opportunities for swimming and canoeing. | ||
Revision as of 15:44, 14 March 2016
Camp Pauline Bray Fletcher is a 250-acre summer camp near Tannehill State Park at 5150 Fletcher Road in Bessemer. It is presently operated by the Camp Fire USA Central Alabama Council.
The camp was founded in 1926 by nurse Pauline Bray Fletcher as a convalescent camp for African American women and children. Eventually the camp's operations were assumed by the Youth Service League.
On June 10, 1948 the camp was raided by members of the Ku Klux Klan who objected the camp employing both black and white staff members. The incident, along with a similar raid two days earlier at Camp Blossom Hill in Birmingham's Brummitt Heights neighborhood, prompted Birmingham attorney Abe Berkowitz to form a coalition of business and civic groups to demand better enforcement against Klan terrorism. In 1949 Governor Jim Folsom signed an "Anti-Masking Bill" aimed at reducing Klan activity.
Camp Fire USA began leasing the camp during the summers in 1981. The YSL merged with Camp Fire in 2003 in order to help preserve the camp. Currently Camp Fletcher boasts a 100-seat dining hall, three dormitory cabins, an outdoor environmental classroom, a swimming pool, low ropes course, and general store. Shades Creek provides opportunities for swimming and canoeing.
References
- A Brief History of Camp Pauline Bray Fletcher, 1926 to 1963: And a Biographical Sketch of Its Founder
External links
- Camp Fletcher at campfire-al.org