| Camp Cornplanter - Historical Perspective
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| In March of 1985, extensive research was conducted by Mr. David B. Kieber to determine the historical merits
of the Camp Cornplanter property for possible eligibility for designation in the National Register of Historic Places. The following are excerpts
taken from the Cultural Resource Evaluation of Camp Cornplanter dated August, 1985 by Dean and Barbour Associates.
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| "The first deed recorded for the tract was dated 1871 and the area conveyed was listed as 50 acres. The tract
was identified as being a part of the Morrison Tract. The title was conveyed from David Morrison to James Morrison and wife Maria Pierce. It was
stated that the former party would, until death, be permitted use of the farm and lands there." page 6
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| Apparently, ownership of the land then changed hands several times. From 1901 - 1922 it was the farm belonging
to the Libbey Family. In 1913, it was noted that the house had burned down.
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| "The first special use of the lands….appears to have been as the location of a Civilian Conservation (CCC) camp
in 1935 which was known as Dunkle's Corners CCC Camp or ANF Camp #11. The camp was primarily a tent camp, the few more permanent structures were
the Officer's Quarters and the Recreation/ Mess Hall. Mr. Richard Morrison stated that he assisted in dismantling some of the original CCC
structures on the grounds in about 1936… The history of the camp area between 1936 and 1959 is quite vague. There were no specific references
to the area located for this time span. In 1959, the camp was first utilized by the Warren County ARC. It continued in use as a recreational
facility from that time until 1983." pages 7, 8, 9
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| "At Camp Cornplanter…at least three separate forms of activity were carried out. The first were agricultural in
nature and possibly included other aspects of land use. A second function of the area was a CCC camp. Finally, the area was utilized as a
recreational, and possibly educational facility until 1983, the present Camp Cornplanter."
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| It appears from this document that the CCC camp was a separate facility located primarily in the ball field area.
The buildings which became Camp Cornplanter were constructed at some later point, but the original use for them is not clear. Perhaps, it will
never be known. What we do know, is that which we will hold close to our hearts, forevermore.
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