Camp, Fred

Saw the town development from its very small beginnings and remembers the construction of the new buildings in town. As a young boy he worked in the brickyard and helped to make the bricks that were used to construct the first brick business building in town. At the time of this speech, his business happened to occupy that store.

He remembered watching the railroad track laid into town and saw the first train arrive. It was the first train he had ever seen.

Fred was not able to complete school as he had very poor eyesight and ill health.

He was a bugler in Company G, but because he was married was not allowed to accompany his unit to Spanish American War.

The Camp family owned the first store in Geneva in 1874. For some reason they discouraged him from taking up that line of work, but he followed it anyway. He was very proud of the fact that he never took out a mortgage on any property and always paid his bills on time.

He was serving on the city council when the decision was made to remove the hitch racks in front of the courthouse. That caused the farmers to threaten a boycott of Geneva. Another controversial action was when the city installed water meters. The water users had been paying $1.25 per quarter and using all the water they wanted. However, the water bonds were coming due and there was no funds to pay on them.

He also saw the old board sidewalks removed and bricks were laid, granting the first electric light franchise and the second telephone franchise.

The Camp band was started by the Camp family. At one time 11 members of the family played in the band. They had uniforms and plumed helmets that they wore to the many celebrations they performed at in Geneva and surrounding towns. At one time Fred also had his own band.

In the very early days, Indians often camped on the banks of Turkey Creek. He and other young boys would go out to visit with them.

At the meeting it was suggested that a history of Geneva should be prepared before some of those who can share information have passed on or records become lost or forgotten.

Mr. Camp had many interesting pictures of early Geneva that he shared at the club luncheon.