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More from Boy Scout Troop 118, St. Ann’s Church, Buffalo, NY

Boy Scouts was one of many activities that members of St. Ann’s Church in Buffalo participated in.

The year was 1943 and these young men of Troop 118 went to Freedom, NY to visit Camp Scouthaven. The young men of Troop 118 were (and I apologize for any name misspellings)

• Robert Pawlocki
• jerome Bussman
• Richard Sztuba
• Donald Luest with sprained ankle
• Paul Buschnagel
• Joseph Buschnagel

 

A brief history of Camp Scouthaven:

The camp is one of the oldest scout summer camps in the United States. According to David Eby, “Scouthaven was purchased in 1918 but was first called Camp Crystal as it was located on Crystal Lake; it was not called Scouthaven until 1923. It is a 400 acre camp and in the early years Scouts got to it by riding a “milk” train which went by the camp. Eby goes on to state, “It is rather unique as it was a turn of the century amusement park that was converted into a Scout camp. The dining hall is the former dance hall from the park and the Camp Rangers office is the railroad depot that was used at the park to drop off and pick up passengers.”

The camp was originally owned by Buffalo Council (BC). In 1949, Erie County Council (ECC) merged with Buffalo Council and the camp became part of the Buffalo Area Council (BAC). The camp was still being used as a summer camp when the Buffalo Area Council merged in 1967 with the Niagara Frontier Council (NFC). The Greater Niagara Frontier Council (GNFC) countinued to use Scouthaven as a summer camp for Boy Scouts until the late 1980s. The camp closed as a Boy Scout summer camp after the 1988 season.

However, in the mid 1990s Camp Scouthaven became the GNFC’s primary camp for Cub Scouts during the summer months. According to the GNFC web page, “Camp Scouthaven is the perfect environment for introducing Cub Scouts to the challenges of Scouting and the outdoors. Spanning the entire north shore of Crystal Lake, Scouthaven is located about 8 miles southeast of the Village of Arcade in Cattaraugus County on Route 98. It encompasses more than 732 acres of rolling hills and trees on beautiful Crystal Lake. The main campground is flat and open. The lake is small and calm so even beginners can safely learn to swim and navigate rowboats, canoes, and ‘funyaks’.”

 

This is dated from 1944- only the adults are identified- G. Geruntz, Rev. S Sierkowski, Charles Eichhorn

 

Camp Toad Hollow History:

HISTORY:  Camp Toad Hollow began operation in the mid 1920s. I have evidence that the camp existed in 1930 from a “Where to go Camping” booklet. The camp was likely well-established by that point and appears to have been created around 1924. However, I need some firm print evidence to be certain. Toad Hollow had approximately 200 acres and offered scouts the opportunity for year-round camping. Several cabins were available for winter camping. The camp was originally owned by Buffalo Council (BC). In 1949, Erie County Council (ECC) merged with Buffalo Council and the camp became part of the Buffalo Area Council (BAC). The camp was still being used as a year round camp when the Buffalo Area Council merged in 1967 with the Niagara Frontier Council (NFC). The Greater Niagara Frontier Council (GNFC) countinued to use Toad Hollow as a year round camp in the 1960s and 1970s for weekend troop camping, hosting District camporees and OA Chapter Ordeal/Brotherhood induction weekends. The camp was also used for Cub Scout Day Camps in the 1970s. Toad Hollow was used by the GNFC until 1980 when it was unfortunately sold to a private group.

ADDRESS: Toad Hollow was located on Route 75, Hamburg, NY 14075. In the 1930s, scouts were encouraged to take the City Line to Hamburg and hike the four miles to Toad Hollow. Specifically, scouts were told that “A good scout never begs an auto ride. It is dangerous and should be discouraged. Hiking is part of the scout program.” Try telling that to your troop these days!

There are two photos from this particular trip.

• R. Neiderfrum
• R. Marchsgulf
• Florian Oehler
• Paul Cluri
• Father William Glaser
• A. Neiderfrum
• Harold Hurd
• Charles Eichhorn

• John Hoeflich
• Richard Ziegler
• Ed Collier
• Father William Glaser
• Donald Bu(?)
• Ed Young
• Karl Junich
• Paul Seitz
• Ed Hoysick

For more information on St. Ann’s Church you can follow them on Facebook and also share your memories & read the memories of others.