Babcock-Hovey Alumni Association

The Dedication of Camp

Sparkling blue water, and sunny skies m’ngled with hundreds of flags and uniforms yesterday in colorful pageantry as Camp Babcock-Hovey, new camp of Finger Lakes Council, Boy Scouts, was dedicated.

Upwards of 1000 Boy Scouts, drawn from Seneca, Yates and Ontario county, participated in the event, witnessed by some 5,000 Scouters, parents of the boys and friends of Scouting, at the camp site, located on the east shore of Seneca Lake near Gilbert Station. The dedication marked a high point in the history of the Council and one of significance to American youth.

On a platform set up near the main lodge, but recently completed, overlooking the lake and the beautiful woods and ravines of the 144 acre camp site, a large group of distinguished guests paid tribute to the Boy Scouts and to the men whose gifts and effort made possible the establishment of the camp. Berton E. Babcock, Phelps, and Harry E. Hovey, Geneva, gave equal parts of $13,500 to purchase the site and erect the buildings

“Boys who have had a part to organized recreation are seldom met in court,” said Dr. Frank L. Christian, superintendent of Elmira Reformatory, the principal speaker of the afternoon. Dr. Christian discussed the value of Scouting to the community and to the boy. He cited the social, economic and educational advantages of Scout training and said that the national scope of the Boy Scout movement is of vital importance to the future welfare of the country.

“Almost without exception,” Dr. Christian said, “the boys who come to Elmira blame their difficulties on bad companions. They don’t meet them in Boy Scout troops. The Scout patrol unit is a gang, but a gang properly directed and practically trained. Records show that of the many thousands of boys arraigned to court there is an entire absence of Scouts and future good citizenship is assured in the lasting Effect of Scout training and camp life.”

A pertinent remark also made by Dr. Christian was that there is no such thing as a delinquent boy. It is the parents who are delinquent, he declared.

Program at Camp

The program at the camp opened at 2 o’clock. More than 100 visitors and distinguished guests were entertained at luncheon earlier in the afternoon by Supreme Court Justice Nathan D. Lapham at the Geneva Country Club. Justice Lapham was chairman of the dedication committee and had worked for weeks on the program,

A Scout bugler, sounding” the “assembly” signaled opening of ceremonies at the camp and the enactment of a brilliant scene. Members of the commissioner’s staff directed a review of the 44 Scout troops at camp for the day. Members of the staff of Commissioner Arthur J. Cowan, Geneva, all of whom played an important part in the day’s program, were: Richard Rathbun, Phelps; John J, Pryor, Geneva; A. A. Gould, Geneva; Francis Orcutt, Penn Yan; W. O. Burgess, Seneca Falls; David R. Rolfe, Clifton Springs, and M. T. Munn, Geneva.

A flagstaff, gift of the Ovid Business Men’s Association, was presented by Anthony Wylie. A flag was presented by Winnek Post, American Legion, by Lyman H. Hammond, Americanization officer, and the staff and flag were accepted by Dr. Murray Bartlett, president emeritus of Hobart and William Smith colleges, for many years a favorite with Finger Lakes youth. The flag-raising ceremony was conducted by the camp color guard and the Romulus Central School band, directed by Maurice Rose, played the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Dr. Bartlett said in his remarks: “The flag stands first of all for the precious gift of liberty. The keynote of liberty is freedom of thought and speech, a liberty equaling tolerance, the note most needed today.

“There can be no freedom of thought and speech without tolerance which, in simple terms, means trying to understand the other fellow and work with him.” Dr. Bartlett also referred to the fact that Scouting unites all creeds.

The Rev. Raymond Nolan, Geneva, Council chaplain of Catholic Scouting, gave the invocation and all Scouts participated in the pledge of allegiance and the Scout Oath George Lawson, Dundee, Council president, gave the address of welcome. Eagle Scouts of the Council for years back were presented in a group numbering more than 100. By Arthur J. Cowan. The Eagle award was given to Wilbus Comstock, Troop 44, Penn Tan, by Harry Weart, chairman of the camp committee. Olier B. Barley Is scoutmaster of the Penn Tan troop.

One of the moat impressive parts of the ceremony was the presentation of the Silver Beaver Association, a group of men who for distinguished service to boyhood through the years of the Finger takes Council organization, have received the highest honor within the gift of the Boy Scouts of America. They are: Ira N. Croucher, Canandaigua; Edward C. Russell, Seneca Falls; Ainsworth M. Bennett,

Manchester; Justice Nathan D. Lapham, Geneva; Charles S. Wilson, Hall; Lee H. Leland. Clifton Springs, and W. G. Warr; Geneva.

Two new names were added to the list of Silver Beavers in a presentation made by O. H. Benson, New York city, National Director of Rural Scouting. Receiving the honors were Dr. Alfred W. Armstrong, Canandaigua, and Arthur J. Cowan, Geneva.

Dedication Address

In a dedication address, Charles S. Wilson, Hall, said in part: “Because of this camp we dedicate every Boy Scout in this Council to the renewed task of building a nobler character, of becoming a better citizen, for these attributes are the essence of Scouting. We dedicate even more-we pledge that every Scouter, inspired by these gifts, will give to the cause of Scouting in the Finger Lakes Council, from his experience, more of his time and effort than he has ever contributed before.”

Of the two men whose gifts made the camp possible, Mr. Wilson said: “Mr. Babcock and Mr. Hovey have achieved in industry and we recognize that their accomplishments have been great. By their contribution of this camp to the Boy Scouts, they have written their biography in the life of every Scout who camps here, and thereby given to that boy the incentive and encouragement to work and succeed that has been theirs.”

Requesting the two men to rise, Mr. Wilson led the hundreds of Scouts in a salute to them and in repeating the Scout Oath. “Thus,” he said, “we dedicate Camp Babcock- Hovey.”

Guests Introduced

Guests from many nearby cities were Introduced by Justice Lapham. Presented were M. H. Eisenhart, Rochester, Regional Chairman of Region Two, which includes New York and New Jersey; Bernard E. Finucane, Rochester, president of the Rochester Council; Congressman John Taber, Auburn; Warden Joseph Brophy, Auburn; Harold W. Sanford, Rochester, editor of the Democrat & Chronicle; Dr. J. Hillis Miller, president of Keuka College; Armory Houghton, Corning, a member of the National Executive Board; David E. Gray, Corning, president of Steuben Council, and others.

Leaders Eulogized

Justice Lapham, who has been active in Boy Scout work for 25 years, recalled the names of men who have since passed on, which are familiar to all Scouters in the tri county area. Speaking briefly of their work he mentioned Charles O. Warner, Geneva; Milton O. Evans, Canandaigua; Oscar Johnson, Canandaigua, and Justice Robert F. Thompson, Canandaigua.

“That the efforts of these leaders were not in vain,” he said, “Is manifest today. Let us pause for a moment in silent tribute to the memories of those who carried the torch and in passing, intrusted it to us. Now we may say to the youth of these counties and to those Scouters who have contributed so freely and generously of time and substance: ‘We present you today with a camp home, to which you may come to enjoy its snowy slopes and winter stillness, or its lavish summer beauty above the waters of Seneca Lake. Now we have a Camp carefully planned and lavishly adorned by nature, secured and perfected for the needs of Scouting through the generous contributions of time, labor and money of men who understand.’ ”

Building Through Camping

Mr. Benson’s subject was “Building Men Through Camping.” He emphasized the importance of the great out-of-doors, the camping program as related to boy training and the building of men. Mr. Benson emphasized that Scouting and camping are the best preventives against the isms’ in America, the crime situation and the disappointments of life.

“In the Boy Scout Movement,” he said, “we ask every Boy Scout leader, volunteer and fine man connected with the movement, to give to the world America’s answer and that is that there can be only one answer and only one thing, first, last and all the time, Americans. We will be friendly to Russia and to other nations of the earth but we will not turn our back on Uncle Sam nor assist in organizing to destroy our homeland, nor will we aid or abet any other un-American group within our borders.”

Scout Exhibition

Scouts had the’r part in the program in a special presentation, “Scouting on parade,” for which the various commissioners, scoutmasters and troops had been preparing for weeks . The entertainment was under the personal direction of commissioner Arthur J. Cowan and included a rapid-fire demonstration of Scout skill and training which was a revelation to many of the visitors. The demonstration, carried on by picked patrols, included tower building, signaling, fire building, life saving, first aid ,etc. Each of the five Council district participated, each having one part of the demonstration.

Commissioners Praised

Fred D. Quinn, Council executive, had words of praise for the commissioners, Scouters and the camp dedication committee. He mentioned toe gift of Norman Gould, Seneca Falls, of a complete water system for the camp and cafeteria equipment for the kitchen. Mr. Quinn told of the months of hard work on the part of the camp committees, labor in the winter snow on the camp site, nights of study and conferences and weeks of volunteer tone. He described the physical aspects of the camp, explained its features and invited the guests to inspect the buildings, tents and area. More than 70 Scouts came in early in the afternoon for the second of the camp periods. Following Mr. Quinn’s talk, toe benediction was given by the Rev. Richard F. Wentz. Seneca Falls.

Dedication Committee

Members of the camp dedication committee were: Justice Nathan D. Lapham, chairman George Lawson, Dundee, vice-chairman; Barry Weart, Seneca Falls, vice-chairman; William Chilson. Geneva, treasurer; Charles c. Lobert, Geneva, finance; Fred D. Quinn, arrangements; X. C. Lautenslager, Geneva, publicity; Justice Lapham, invitations; Lee H. Leland, Clifton Springs, attendance; Prof. L. R. Loomis, Keuka Park, public relations; C. A. Mitchell, Geneva, transportation; H. T. Yells. Waterloo, public welfare; A. J. Cowan, Geneva, program activities; Niels Iverson, Gorham, stage; James P. Donovan, Canandaigua, properties; Charles S. Wilson, Hall, camp naming.

Much development work has been carried on by the Scouts since the opening of the camp on July 9. The boys are building nature study trails and have built a fence around the low bluff on the lake front. Other work has been planned. As is the custom in many Scout camps, the area has been divided into several “villages,” each equipped with large tents on wooden platforms, a frame toilet and washroom and water. The large lodge accommodates more than 125 boys at tables. There is a completely equipped kitchen, with living quarters for the cook and in the lodge is an office, first aid room, library and storeroom.

Another point of interest is the handicraft lodge where space under shelter is provided by groups of boys working on handicraft projects. According to the parents of the boys in camp, the new camp has met with enthusiastic approval from the first groups.

Luncheon Guests

Among the guests at the luncheon given by Judge Lapham at the Geneva Country Club were the following: Birton E. Babcock, Phelps; Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Hovey, Geneva; Hon. and Mrs. Norman J. Gould, Seneca Falls; Dr. and Mrs. Frank L. Christian Elmira; Warden and Mrs. Joseph H. Brophy, Auburn; Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Sanford, Rochester; Dr. and Mrs. J. Hillls Miller. Keuka Park; Dr.

and Mrs. Murray Bartlett, Geneva; Amory Houghton, corning; Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Eisenhart, Rochester; Hon. and Mrs. John Taber, Auburn; Dr. and Mrs. Alfred W.

Armstrong, Canandaigua; David E. Gray, Corning; Mrs. Robert F. Thompson, Canandaigua; O. H. Benson, National Director Rural Scouting. New York; W. H. Curtiss, Corning; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Andrews, Penn Tan; Mr. and Mrs.

Charles Andrews, Perm Yan; Prof, and Mrs. L. R. Loomis, KeukaPark; Hon. and Mrs. Earle S. Warner, Phelps; Hon. and Mrs. Harry Marble, Holcomb; Dr. P. J. Parrott, Geneva; Hon. and Mrs. Fred D. Cribb, Canandaigua; Rev. Raymond Nolan, Geneva.; Rev, Richard F. Wentz, Seneca Falls; Merton Smith, Perm Yan; Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Gracey Geneva; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Widmer, Hon. Lee H. Leland, Springs.

(As Reported in the Geneva Daily Times Monday July 17,1939)

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There is a striking similarity of the careers of these two men, H. E. Hovey and B. E. Babcock, who have made Camp Babcock-Hovey possible. Both were farm boys and both started in business with little or no financial backing. Each went on to be the head of a successful business enterprise employing a large number of persons, and each had retained a deep interest and sympathy in the struggles of others and the welfare of his respective community.

Birton E. Babcock

Birton E. Babcock was born on May 20, 1870, in Clyde, Ohio. Mr. Babcock left home as a young man with $25 in his pocket to attend Wooster College in Wooster, Ohio, graduating in 1894 and attended Lane Theological Seminary in 1898. Mr. Babcock moved to the Finger Lakes area in 1901, with his wife, the former Edna Charlotte wilder, and purchased a sauerkraut factory for $4,000 ($1,000 down). From his humble beginning, Mr. Babcock built a sauerkraut empire known as Empire State Pickling Company, a million dollar business that produced one third of the nation’s kraut and was known as the “Kraut King”. Phelps still celebrates a Sauerkraut festival every year.

Mr. Babcock was a well-known civic leader, in the Ontario area, who believed in giving back to the community some of the blessings bestowed upon him. Besides our Boy Scout Camp, Mr. Babcock donated a women’s dormitory to Wooster College in 1936 that was named Babcock Hall, was a regular generous donor to the Phelps Presbyterian Church, the Geneva Girl Scout council, the Community Chest and Clifton Springs Hospital (Sanitarium). Mr. Babcock also served as chairman of the board at Clifton Springs Sanitarium. Mr. babcock was an elder of his church as well as a trustee at Wooster College. Mr. Babcock once stated that after a careful and thoughtful survey, he believes that the Scout movement offers to American youth the most vital training in the principles of democracy and religious tolerance.

Mr. Babcock had four children, all of whom passed away at an early age. His wife died about a month after the camp dedication. Mr. Babcock died April 7, 1941, at his office, of heart failure. The Camp Chapel was dedicated in his honor during the Wooden Anniversary of Camp.

(As Posted in the Camp Babcock Hovey Golden Jubilee Commemorative Book with edits)

Harry E. Hovey

Harry E. Hovey, of Geneva, was born on Warsaw, New York on January 4,1881, the son of Wilbur H. and Eva Arnold Hovey. He attended school in Warsaw and at age 17 he enlisted in the army He served in the Spanish-American War in the Philippines.

Mr. Hovey opened his first grocery store in Warsaw in 1901, investing $450 after his return from the service. His first store in Geneva was opened in 1915. From this beginning, the Market basket chain of grocery and other stores grew to well over 260 retail outlets. Mr. Hovey married the former Carrie Smith of Cortland in 1907, and had six children, three sons and three daughters, many of  whom were involved in their fathers business.

Mr. Hovey was very involved in civic affairs. Mr. Hovey was a board member of the Salvation Army, and officer of Rotary International, upstate chairmen of the USO, and a trustee of Hobart and William Smith colleges. Mr. Hovey was also a regular contributor to the Community Chest and a member of the North Presbyterian Church of Geneva. In Scouting, Mr. Hovey was the co-founder of our camp. Prior to the founding of camp, Mr. Hovey had long been interested in Scouting, and Troop 12, of Geneva, was sponsored by the Market Basket Corporation, while Troop 9 and Rotary Sea Scout Ship meet in the Market Basket trophy room. Mr. Hovey also received the Silver Beaver Award for his service to youth. The former Hovey Lodge was donated by Mr. Hovey in 1948 and was dedicated in his honor. Mr. Hovey died on November 2, 1953 at his Main Street home in Geneva.

(Memory of Hovey from 50th Anniversary coming soon)

(As Posted in the Camp Babcock Hovey Golden Jubilee Commemorative Book with edits)

The land was part of Military Tract #7 and in Ovid Military Township No. 16 These military lots were laid out and granted to officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary War as gratuity payment for military service. According to the record of Lot No. 7 in the Seneca County Clerk‘s Office it was granted to Jacob Van Gelder, a soldier in the New York Line. He may have been killed in the war or died soon afterward for he never occupied the land. For reference, see a deed by Reuben Van Gelder, Administrator and heir to the estate of Jacob Van Gelder to one Stephen Thorn date Sept. 13, 1791, filed in the County Clerk‘s Office in Liber F page 504, given to Jacob VanGelder, a Revolutionary War Soldier. The Property was not occupied before this time as, John Seeley was the first pioneer of Ovid Village, not coming until 1792.

The Property did not remain in the name of Stephen Thorn very long, because a very early owner was Jacob Smith and then it remained in the Smith family until 1859. Jacob Smith was the original Smith owner. Rachel Smith was his wife.  In 1811, Peter Smith and Jeremiah deeded 19 acres to Jacob Smith. In 1828, the title was transferred to Peter Smith. In 1832, the Sheriff took part of the farm from John W. Smith for owing $300. On December 18, 1859, Alexander Smith (grandson of Peter Smith) sold the property (147 ¾ acres) to Stephen V.R. Johnson and Lawrence Van Dusen. The Smith Family Cemetery is located on the property off of the Raccoon trail (2012). The remains of the last Smith to occupy the lands can be found there. John W. Smiths tombstone read that he died Feb 27, 1859 before it was removed in 1998. Other tombstones were unreadable as of 1998.

Stephen V.R. Johnson was the owner for many years until at least 1890 as he sold a parcel to the Lehigh Valley Railroad for the construction of the railroad. At some point after this the property was foreclosed upon for taxes.

The property was deeded to the Boy Scouts by two deeds as follows:

1. The bulk of the property was deeded by The First National Bank of Ovid to Finger Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America, Inc. on February 24, 1939, recorded in Liber 173 at page 475. The cost was reported as $3,000. This parcel was comprised 177 ¾ acres of land.

2. Leonard S. Cole, Fannie L. Cole, his wife and Robert J. Cole and Myra J. Cole his wife to Finger Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America, Inc. on June 10, 1939, recorded in Liber 173 at page 559 for the very reasonably fee of $1. This parcel was .241 acres of land at the entrance on the Willard-Lodi highway.

Historic Deed transfers from the county clerks office

At the time of the sale there was a cottage located in the ravine between Tuscarora Campsite (2012) and Sunday Night Campfire Area (2012). The stone walls can still be made out as you cross the bridge if you look to your east.

The Johnson family farm house was located just east of the small nature pond as you enter camp, in what is now know as the refrigerator graveyard (2012) but will hopefully soon become the rangers shop complex. As of 2012, one can still make out the basement foundation. At the entrance to the Raccoon trail (2012) near the pond if you look east you can still make out the old road. Here is an aerial photograph from 1936. Take a look back at yesterday’s post for the camp road contracts/map and you can see how it now deviates.

In 1944, there was a boundary line agreement to establish the southerly boundary of the camp property. The agreement was between the Finger Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America, Inc.; Hanns D. Kniepkamp, the owner to the couth; and the State of New York as a purchaser of the property to the south. This agreement was dated April 7, 1944 and is recorded in Liber 188 at page 540.

The southern portion of the Camp was declared surplus farmland and bought in in 1962. More details on this transaction will be reported on at a latter date.