History 1960's

The 1960's were a decade of continuing expansion and growth at Camp Russell. It was also the time when Camp Russell began to achieve recognition from State and National agencies, especially in the field of conservation.

The hard work and planning in the conservation area began to show results on April 26, 1960, when Camp Russell was cited by the Eastern Loggers' Association for the best utilization of Forest projects and land management. Later in the fall of 1960 work was done on the campsites and at the waterfront. The order of the Arrow constructed three patrol shelters and the Herkimer Rotary Club built the boathouse which stands on the waterfront today.

The cost to attend Camp Russell in 1961 was $20 with a scoutmaster of $22 without. In that same year the camp development plan was brought up to date under the direction of camp committee chairman Robert Wheeler, of West Winfield. A new dining hall, started in 1959, was being constructed at this same time. The Hoard Memorial Fund of Nellie H. Weaver Estate, of Frankfort, New York, donated $25,000 for the construction of the new dining hall. The building was designed by Myron Jordan, a Richfield Springs architect, and the U.S. Navy Seabees from Utica once again volunteered their assistance to construct it. materials and machinery were donated by American Hardwall Plaster Company and Griffiss Air Force Base. Scouts and other volunteers helped to frame the building. Over 480 people volunteered time and money to complete the project.

On October 14, 1961 Camp Russell received an award from the United States Department of Agriculture for "Outstanding conservation achievements through their exceptional contributions to the conservation of natural resources." This same month an article on Samuel T. Russell appeared in "Scouting Magazine." The article detailed how Russell and the scouts reforested the White Lake area and discussed Camp Russell's current conservation program.

In December 1961 a major harvest of trees took place on camp property. Scouts selectively thinned 10,000 feet of white pine and black cherry. This wood was used to complete the dining hall. The Central Lodge, or the dining hall, was dedicated on June 16, 1962 at the 35th Annual General Herkimer Council Recognition dinner. There were 278 in attendance and the first fire in the new building was kindles by Eagle Scout Timothy Schanthal, of Herkimer. He used coals from the final campfire of the 1920 season. These coals had been preserved by Theodore Reausswig, who attended Camp Russell as a scout and was then the Superintendent of Schools in Utica.

Camp Russell added another 10 acres in 1965 when Borday Inc. deeded to the camp a tract of swampland. The chapel at camp was used for the first time on July 20, 1965, however, there was still much work to be done before it was entirely completed. Also in 1965 the scouts of little Falls, NY raised money for the purchase of a chain saw for Camp Russell, a piece of equipment that was greatly needed.

In 1966 the construction of the Program Center was completed. The building was dedicated to Ted Russell. As he was instrumental in developing camp Russell and is still an active volunteer at camp today. Built upon the foundation of the old dining hall, the Program Center is divided into three sections. One section is used as the Trading Post, the camp store; another is used for storage and last section is the Scoutmaster's Lounge. The fireplace in the Scoutmaster's Lounge is the only original part of the old dining hall that remains.

In 1967 the old garage building was taken down. Also in the 60's cabins to house the camp staff were constructed. These cabins are located behind the dining hall near the staff's shower building, which was built in 1962. Camp Russell celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Saturday, July 20, 1968. Events of the day included a tour of the camp, an outdoor dinner, the unveiling of plaques to honor the gift of the camp from Samuel T. Russell and the gift of the Central Lodge from the Hoard Memorial Fund, as well as a special memorial campfire. A time capsule was buried 90 feet due north of the flag pole. Some of the items buried were a Scout Handbook, a 50th anniversary neckerchief, and a number of patches. It was planned that the time capsule would be unearthed at Camp Russell's 100th anniversary. The camp chapel was also dedicated that day as the John Hannahs Memorial Chapel. John Hannahs was a long time scouter at Camp Russell and was the advisor to Kamargo Lodge for many years.

The chapel altar was later dedicated in the memory of Danny Stone, of Troop 8 Ilion. Dan Stone was a Marine who died in Vietnam and had attended Camp Russell as a scout. The plaque on the alter reads: "Danny Stone USMC/who sealed his Scout pledge of loyalty to his country with his life/ Feb. 16, 1968".