Embedded Files
April 8, 1927 - Groundbreaking for Camp Bert Adams
Scout Albert S. Adams, 15, breaks ground for construction of the 80-acre Scout Camp named as a memorial to his father. Pictured l-r are: Scout Reuben Moore, R.C. Darby, J. Jones, Mell R. Wilkinson, W. Eugene Harrington, Scout Albert S. Adams, William C. Wardlaw, Thorn Flagler, R.B. Burrows, Scout Howard Doyle, Scout G.R. Yarbrough, A.A. Jameson, Robert Doyle.
Wilkinson was the Council President (later awarded the Silver Buffalo and the only recipient in Region 6 for many years). Wardlaw was chairman of the committee who raised $75,000 for the construction of Camp Bert Adams, and Jameson was the Scout Executive. The other men were on the fund raising committee as well as being active Scouters. (The lake at Bert Adams would later be named "Dick Darby Lake" in honor of R.C. Darby, and the mountain at Bert Adams is (still) named Mount Wilkinson.
Submitted By: Tom Watson
1939 Dan Beard And Ed Dodd
Daniel Carter Beard and Ed Dodd at Bert Adams
Beard was a founder of the BSA and its Chief Scout. He was also a noted artist and ran a private boys' camp in Pennsylvania.
Dodd worked for Beard at his camp for 13 years, as well as being mentored in art by Beard.
During the 1930's Dodd worked as a Field Executive for the Atlanta Council and was Camp Director of Bert Adams for several years.
Eventually, Dodd successfully broke into the comic business and was most noted for his "Mark Trail" comic strip.
Dodd has also been credited with designing the first flap patch for Egwa Tawa Dee Lodge.
Submitted By: Tom Watson
1928 Camp Bert Adams Hut Leaders, with Totems (AI enhanced image)
Note the sign behind the two scouts on the right appears to say, "ED DODD, CAMPMASTER". In the next image the sign on Ed Dodd's then says, "ED DODD, DIRECTOR". So the photos were not taken the same year. Also, the tents are different with next image showing a tent with side walls and screens and closer to the ground.
(Image submitted by Mark Broker)
Unknown Year (1929, '30 or '31)
Ed Dodd, Served as Camp Director from 1928 to 1931. Shown at his tent at Bert Adams in Vinings
Lake Dick Darby (1927) (AI enhanced image)
That's the dam in the lower left and creek input in the upper right. Where the dock and building are located became the lakeside council ring, just down the hill from the Treasure Oak Lodge. The 1960 Marietta Daily Journal newspaper article below shows Bill Orange and Randy Rakestraw paddling on the lake and looking over the lake from the lakeside council ring.
(Image submitted by Mark Broker)
1944
Dedication of Mt. Wilkinson
People driving around Cobb County today probably don't realize the connection between Scouting, Bert Adams, and the Mt. Wilkinson Parkway. Well here's the story, reprinted from Rotary Magazine.
Submitted By: Tom Watson
1948 Old Camp Truck
What seems to be members of the Bert Adams staff and the old camp truck. Anybody know the exact date of this picture?
Submitted By: Tom Watson
1952 Photo of of young Troop 61 Scouts relaxing in the crafts pavilion.
Submitted By: Robert Christensen
1954 Hiking Into Bert Adams, most likely from the train station in Vinings
1938 Caretaker's House, aka "The White House (AI enhanced image)
Located across from the trading post, in 1960 this house was occupied by Mr. & Mrs. Heatley. Mr. Heatley was the camp business manager and Mrs. Heatley was a nurse in the Health Lodge.
(Image submitted by Mark Broker)
1938 Mess Hall, front entrance, (AI enhanced image)
From your webmaster's memory, this entrance wasn't used in the late 1950's. A side entrance facing the assembly field had been added.
(Image submitted by Mark Broker)
1938 Mess Hall, side view (AI enhanced image)
A door was added about half way down this side of the mess hall, where the taller screen windows start. The door faced the assembly area and flag pole. Across the assembly area was the Treasure Oak Lodge.
(Image submitted by Mark Broker)
1938 Dining Hall, interior (AI enhanced image)
This is exactly how I remember the inside of the dining hall in 1958 through 1960. Eight persons to a table, one staff and seven campers. Food was home style with one person at each table being the server. Servers would rotate each meal. They would setup the tables, deliver the food and seconds, and cleanup after the meal. The picture on the wall is a portrait of Admiral Richard E. Byrd, famous naval officer and pioneering aviator, polar explorer, and organizer of polar logistics. Admiral Byrd authored a book "A Boy Scout with Byrd" and had a close relationship with the Boy Scouts of America.
(Image submitted by Mark Broker)
1938 Dining Hall, Server Window (AI enhanced image)
Each table of eight had one staff member & seven campers. At each meal the campers would rotate being the server. A bugle call would notify the servers to come to the dining hall to setup the tables. The servers would also cleanup after the meal. There were announcements and singing after each meal. Songs like, "Around her neck she wore a Yellow Ribbon" were popular, especially when the last verse was sung. Not the original lyrics, the modified the last verse was "Behind the door her father kept a shotgun... "
(Image submitted by Mark Broker)
1938 Treasure Oak Lodge (AI enhanced image)
Located across the assemby field from the Mess Hall, this building was used for meetings, etc. Group photos of troops on arrival day and staff were taken in front of the fireplace in this building. See 1958, 1959 and 1960 group photos in the "Photo Album."
(Image submitted by Mark Broker)
1930's on Lake Dick Darby (AI enhanced image)
If anyone knows who Dick Darby was please let us know. Note that the scouts are not wearing life jackets! However, the lake was filled with silt and could be waded across.
(Image submitted by Mark Broker)
1938 at the Council Ring (AI enhanced image)
Pat Patterson, George Dorsey & Alex Bealer at the Council Ring. The council ring was located behind the Health lodge.
(Image submitted by Mark Broker)
1954 Trading Post at Old Bert Adams
Unidentified staff members enjoy a Coke at the old trading post. This photo was probably taken for the Coca-Cola Company and is from the Georgia State Archives.
Basketry Merit Badge (1955, '56, or '57)
Judging from the T-shirts this is around years 1955-1957. To your webmaster's memory, the scout in the center looks like Rob Cross, who was the Nature Director in 1960
1956 Troop 61 Checks In
Troop 61 of Smyrna checks into what we believe to be campsite #3 - some of these Adirondack shelters were moved from the old camp to the "new" Bert Adams.
Submitted By: Robert Christensen
1958 Adams Apple Newspaper
The camp newspaper was the Adams Apple!
1959 Camp Capital Campaign
We have dated this as 1959, but it's likely earlier. The new camp was constructed in 1960-61, so the capital campaign to raise the money for the land and construction had to be at least a year or more earlier. I had saved this from my youth and I didn't join scouting until 1957 and wasn't aware Bert Adams was moving until the year I was first on staff, 1960. So, I doubt I would have saved this newspaper clipping much before 1960.
Submitted By: Bob Higgins
1959 Trading Post at old camp
Another view of the trading post at old Bert Adams (looking strangely unpopulated! But it was only open a few hours per day as the staff that ran the trading post also taught merit badges or had other duties)
Submitted By: Bob Higgins
1959 Axe Yard
Axe yard at old Camp Bert Adams, located across the main road from the handicraft and quartermaster building.
Submitted By: Bob Higgins
1960 Last Camping Season for Bert Adams in Vinings
This article, from the Marietta Daily Journal dated June 12, 1960, tells of the opening of the last summer camp season at Camp Bert Adams in Vinings. Since this article was in the Marietta paper the four youth in the photos are all from Cobb County. Bill Orange (Smyrna) and Randy Rakestraw (Mableton), Bob Higgins (Smyrna) and Rob Cross (Marietta). The two unidentified scouts looking over Lake Darby are Bill & Randy. Also, note that near the end of the article there is reference to a Woodbadge training course being held September 3-11, 1960. According to reliable sources there were multiple Woodbadge courses held at Bert Adams in Vinings beginning as early as 1950 and, with the exception of 1952, held yearly through 1954. The following information on Woodbadge courses held at Bert Adams in Vinings was provided by Chuck Olson, Unit Relations Advisor, Egwa Tawa Dee Lodge, Order of the Arrow.
WB #12, September 1954, Joseph Thomas, Scoutmaster (Course Director)
WB # 28, September 1951, Stanley Mate, Scoutmaster (CD); John D. Morgan, SPL
WB # 44, September 1953, E. E. "Horsey" Horsington, Scoutmaster
WB # [?], September 1954, (no information about this course)
Submitted By: Bob Higgins
1960 Bob Higgins (staff '60) at Nature Lodge (Museum) at old camp.
Bob Higgins standing in the doorway to the Nature Museum. It is believed this building was formally a staff hut (see maps in the "Where in Vinings" page). In 1960 we had turtles, snakes, including a five and half foot Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake, which the camp director milked every Wednesday (see photo below). The turtles could be checked out by troops and entered in the Great Turtle Race which was held once a week.
Submitted By: Bob Higgins
1960 Council Newsletter
The council newsletter, "The Scouter" announcing the 1960 Bert Adams season.
Note that the council was still segregated in 1960 and this newsletter also contains the announcement of the season opening at Camp J.K.Orr, the black camp.
Submitted By: Bob Higgins
1960 Milking the Rattlesnake
Once a week the camp director, Carlos Meyer, would take our five and a half foot Eastern Diamond Rattler out of his cage and milk it for anyone that wanted to watch. Left to right in the photo are Glen (Corky) McQueen, Rob Cross (holding snake body), Dupont Smith (seated in background), and Carlos Meyer (hands only). Nature Museum in background.
(Submitted By: Bob Higgins)
"Land of High Adventure" advertising flyer for the first year summer camp was held at the new Covington Bert Adams Boy Scout Reservation
1961 Camp Bert Adams Moves from Vinings to Covington, GA
Advertisement flyer from 1961. The top two images are the front and back of the handout. The inside fold covering two pages is an aerial photo with added text showing location of campsites, buildings, etc.
Note: The 1961 price for a week at summer camp was $17.50. In 1965 the price was $18.50 as shown in the flyer farther down on this web page.
Note future location for Camp Dobson east of east end of the lake ("D" on the map). Camp Jamison was built later on the south side of the lake and Camp Dobson, to my knowledge, was never built.
(Submitted By: Bob Higgins)
There is lots of historical information in this Covington News full page article dated June 21, 1962. It covers the formal dedication of the camp in Covington which took place the second year of the camp's opening.
The following is text, by Leo S. Mallard, from the above newspaper article describing the Bert Adams Reservation dedication on June 17, 1962.
The "Land of High Adventure" . . . . Bert Adams Boy Scout Reservation . . . . was dedicated Sunday Afternoon with the stated purpose "that boys may be trained in scoutcraft; schooled in the habits of regularity, orderliness and self-reliance; taught the ideals of Loyalty and patriotism and kindred virtues; and grounded in the principles of true American citizenship."
Boy Scouts now have a wilderness retreat on the 1490 acre reservation located eight miles south of Covington on Jackson Highway in Newton County.
Wild game, fish and other forms of wildlife are plentiful and undisturbed much the same as they were hundreds of years ago when the Creek Indians use this area as their hunting grounds. Although the years have passed, this terrain is still wild and nature display her beautiful coat for a new generation to enjoy.
Built at a cost of $1,400,000, the Bert Adams Boy Scout Reservation is one of the fine epics in the civic history of the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scout of America. It is the story of the response of the people of the 12 counties (Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Haralson, Newton, Paulding, Pickens and Rockdale) to the financial requirements that had to be met in order to provide a modern camping facility for their Boy Scouts.
"These contributions were made in the sprit of unselfishness and dedication to the needs of good camping facilities for the young boys - next to be the young men of this area," Mayor and Scouter Ivan Allen Jr., of Atlanta said in his dedication speech.
Scouter Allen's efforts are largely responsible of the building of the new Boy Scout Reservation. He served as co-chairman along with William C. Wardlaw, Jr., of the camp development committee which raised the money needed for the purchase and construction of the camp.
Other men who served on the development committee were: John C. Stanton, H. Fletcher Brown, Grant Horneffer, Thomas T. flagler, Jr., John H. Lander, John H. Stembler, E. K. Jamison, and O. B. "Country" Gorman.
The official opening for the Bert Adams Reservation was on July 2, 1961. Two camps - Camp Emerson and Camp Gorman - both of which ere larger than the old Bert Adams Camp located between Atlanta and Marietta, were put into operation at that time for a six week period of scout camping.
During the first summer of camping the scout really "roughed it" because many of the buildings had not been completed. Worst of all, the dining hall had not been finished and scout officials had to call upon the 3rd Army Headquarters to come to their aid in feeding the hungry campers.
But this year things are somewhat different. the reservation how has 12 permanent buildings including a dining hall that seats 600. Two permanent year-round camps are in operation. Camp Gorman and Camp Emerson have 23 buildings and a swimming pool each. The 60 acre Lake Bulow Campbell is used to teach rowing, canoeing and for fishing.
The Bert Adams Boy Scout Reservation bears the name of Albert S. "Bert" Adams who was one of the great pioneers in Atlanta Area Scouting. From 1916, when he first became interested in Scouting, he gave unselfishly his time and resources and served the Scouting Movement faithfully until his death in 1926. He was the second president of the Atlanta Area Council, serving from 1922 until 1926, and was chairman of the committee that established the original council camp that also bore his name.
Boy Scout Gary Ingemanson, speaking on behalf of all the Boy Scouts of the Atlanta Area Council, followed Scouter Ivan Allen on the program and made the camp acceptance speech.
Scouts will little not nor long remember what we say here today," Scout Ingemanson said, " but they cannot help but remember with deep appreciation what has been done here through the efforts of the great men such as Scouter Allen and Camp Development fund raising committee. This camp is a monument to the adults' rededication of the faith in youth, and the desire to rear good citizens for America.
"I am convinced that all of those who gave many hours of their valuable time to the camp development fund raising campaign and those who made contributions did so because of their firm belief in the scouting slogan "Strengthen America - Character Counts'," Scout Ingemason told the 1,500 people gathered for the dedication ceremony.
The Rev. Edgar A. Callaway, pastor of the first Baptist Church, Covington, gave the invocation after which a scout "honor guard" raised the new camp flag, formally flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
E.K. Jamison, president of the Atlanta Area Council, welcomed the Scouts, parents and friends to the new reservation. John H. Stembler, immediate past president of the council made the introduction of special guests.
After the dedication prayer and benediction by the Rev Frank Ross, Rector, All Saints Episcopal Church, Atlanta, a bus tour of the reservation was made.
1961 or 1962
These camp entrance pyramids first appeared on the 1962 camp patch and were on all the summer camp patches from 1962 through 1969.
1961 Camp Gorman Trading Post
Under construction, the trading post at Camp Gorman was completed in time for the opening of camp in 1961. (see a postcard of this TP in the museum).
Submitted By: Tom Watson
1961 Lake Bulow Campbell
This aerial view shows Lake Bulow Campbell under construction. The photo is dated March 26, 1961. The dam and lake water appears to be drawn in on this photo.
1961 (June 12, 1961)
This the Camp Emerson Pool, located just south of the Morcock Building. See next photo which shows both plus Camp Gorman and Lake Bulow Campbell in the distance.
1961
This aerial view shows Morcock Building in the lower right, Camp Emerson pool in the center right. Distant view of Camp Gorman pool in the upper right and lake Bulow Campbell and water front in upper left.
I believe what is now the Morcock Building was the Trading Post & Handicraft building for Camp Emerson in 1961. Camps Emerson and Gorman were basically identical camps except they shared Woodruff Hall for dining. The each had their own swimming pool, water front, rifle and archery ranges.
1961 Staff Hut
This I believe is the Camp Emerson staff hut. This photo appears to be taken much later than 1961. The building is currently used by the OA. The Camp Gorman staff hut was an identical building but located on the edge of Gorman field. The Camp Gorman staff hut no longer exists.
Early 1960's Troop 61 In Camp
Troop summer camp, Camp Gorman, photo from early 1960s
Submitted By: Robert Christensen
1961 Ahoy!
Troop 61 members rowing in eastern side of Lake Campbell
Submitted By: Robert Christensen
June 17, 1962 Official dedication of Bert Adams Boy Scout Reservation
Although the first summer camping season in Covington was in 1961, the official dedication was in June 1962.
Submitted by: Kerry Sartain
1962 Pouring Cement For The Kohn Memorial
Camp Ranger Chuck Bailey and Jimmy Wheeler pour cement into forms to construct the Kohn Memorial Fountain. The two staffers on the left and center are not known, but the third one appears to be Danny Borowski.
Submitted By: Tom Watson
1963 Ready on the right...
Troop at Camp Emerson rifle range...
Submitted By: Tom Watson
1965 Camp Flyer
1965 flyer, based on the artwork-- that's the neckerchief design for 1965. Note the price for a week at camp compared to over $300 today!
Submitted By: Bob Higgins
1969 Jimmy Wheeler Memorial
We're totally guessing about the year this monument was placed. In fact, if you have any information on it, please contact us. It has been moved from the lower end of the assembly field to the east side of where Woodruff Dining Hall once stood. Several other monuments are located in this area.
Submitted By: Bob Higgins
Woodruff Dining Hall - the date of this photo is unknown but it appears to be in the 1970's. Could be a little later.
1977 Free Swim!
Free Time Swim for Troop 61 in the eastern section of Lake Campbell, near our [Camp Emerson] campsite, which was then called "Apache" (now the "Chaka Khan" site in Cubworld).
Submitted By: Robert Christensen
1977 Troop 61 at Roll Call....
Morning Roll Call! Acting Senior Patrol leader Robert Christensen (age 13 in the white Bert Adams t-shirt & khaki green shorts),Scoutmaster James Christensen (blue t-shirt), COR Robert McBath (blue pants)
Submitted By: Robert Christensen
1977 Camp Gorman Pool
The Pool that used to be located in Camp Gorman east of the Health Lodge. The Troop 61 members are congregated near the {EMPTY?} lifeguard stand
Submitted By: Robert Christensen
1977 Troop 61 in Camp
Members of Troop 61 in campsite
Submitted By: Robert Christensen
19??
Not sure of the year. Judging by the uniforms and council shoulder patch rather than a community strip I would guess in the late 1980's or 1990's, maybe even as late as the 2000's. Please let me know if you can identify any of the scouts or the year. Click on photo for larger image.
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