That evening, Troop 585 held the first in an ongoing tradition of Eagle Scout Courts of Honor to be held at the Island. Gary Wein was the recipient.On May 9, 1970, Kimmons Construction dug a three foot deep and six hundred fifty foot long trench from behind the Catland’s trailer, across the Meadow and down to Orbit Drive. Joe Cassera and Vince Harmon laid one and a half inch plastic line right behind the trencher. On Saturday afternoon, November 7,1970 Joe Cassera and his brother in law, Patrick George connected the water line shut off valves and copper water line to the meter spot. The trailer now had water for “testing purposes”. On November 23rd, the present concrete block meter pit was constructed by Vailancourt who had also recently covered supply line trench. On New Years Day 1971, Joe Cassera and his brother in law constructed and installed the ½” steel cover for the meter pit. On January 20th the original water meter was installed in the pit. The camp now had official water both to the trailer and the first frost free valve where the current “pump house” stands.
On February 10, Oscar Daigler cleared approximately two feet of snow on the camp road to the trailer and lodge at a cost of $20 for three hours of plowing. On February 12, Ranger Fred notes in his log a visit from son in law, Frank and grandsons, Jared and Jayson.
On March 27th, a special ceremony was held at camp to recognize the efforts of those who had made the water line possible. It also marked the 10th year of a ranger in residence at camp. Among the remarks that day were these from Fred Catland, “Both Mrs. Catland and I are grateful that we have water in our trailer. Now we can take a shower without relying on our children’s facilities in the city. Our personal thanks to all concerned.”
That evening, Troop 585 held the first in an ongoing tradition of Eagle Scout Courts of Honor to be held at the Island. Gary Wein was the recipient.
On June 16, the Tonawanda’s Chapter Order of the Arrow held its annual meeting at camp. Among the officers elected that evening from the 40 members present were vice Chief Brian McGovern and Secretary Jeff Westcott.
On June 17, 1971 the camp permit was amended to reflect the addition of the water line.
Among the early “regular campers” at the Island were the Girl Scouts who routinely came in the summer by canoe from their Camp Shady Hollow in North Tonawanda. Sometimes 9 Mile was a mid point layover enroute to Camp Margaret Castle near Gasport. Among the leaders on July 28-29 was Barbara Wein.
On August 30 Tr 580 was in camp for the afternoon and evening holding a corn roast and troop meeting. Stu Tuck was a member of this troop committee and a long time district volunteer who supported the early efforts to develop this camp.
On January 27, 1972 the meter froze. The Erie County Water district emergency repair team burned paper to thaw it out. Fred then used two bales of straw to cover the meter in the pit, while speculating that the metal top was transferring extra cold to the pit. Neighbor Oscar Daigler provided water for Fred and Ruth during this “trouble”.
On March 17, 1972 Mr. Clarence “Rocky” Kaufman from the NYS Division of Canals stopped to discuss granting permission for an old voting booth to be placed on the Island. A letter requesting permission had been sent to his office. The purpose of the building was to be primarily storage. Fred notes in his log that this permission was granted that day. I believe the building came from the Town of Tonawanda.
On May 19, Fred Allgeier came to camp with Dan Wells to weld the water chamber on the old camp tractor.
On July 7, the Tonawanda’s OA chapter held their annual meeting. In addition to a hot-dog roast and their annual election of officers, the 11th Annual Elfred K. Catland Camping and Leadership Award was presented to Gary Wein. (per Fred’s log/ in lieu of Annual Dinner?)
In September 1972 the Tonawanda’s fall OA weekend again helped with camp maintenance. Among those assisting was future member at large Roger Lemke.
In May of 1973, the Tonawanda’s District held a Jambo Camporee (patch) from the 4th to the 6th. Two hundred sixty scouts, forty four leaders and twenty staff were in camp. Late in the month a used Ahrens rider mower was purchased for the camp.
Through out the early 70’s Fred continued as the primary administrator and Treasurer of day to day camp operations. He designed and made a leather hang-on camp patch.
On May 2, 1974 an initial reorganization meeting for the Island was held at Doug Eadie’s home. Vice-president Graf opened the meeting. Also in attendance were Al Frappier, Fred Catland and Doug. Elected as Directors were Don Graf, Henry P Smith III, Homer Mye, Lloyd Long, Al Frappier, Bob Hurley, Doug Eadie and Fred Catland. Elected officers were Don Graf, President; Doug Eadie, Vice-president/Secretary; Fred Catland, Treasurer. Items of concern included the tractor/ mowers/ grass cutting crews, road easement, trash disposal, voting booth location, latrines, maps and forestation. Per Fred’s log Don Graf, Al Frappier and Doug Eadie did a camp inspection and gave Fred an AOK on May 8th.
Walking through camp with Doug Eadie to search out a drainage tile near the old Explorer campsite (current wilderness between the sites of Troops 47 and 185), Fred mused out loud, “Who will take care of this when I am gone?” All too soon, that question would have to be addressed in earnest.
On October 11-13, the Tonawanda’s Chapter OA held their fall weekend at the Island. On October 16th the officers met to review banking and the canal permit. On November 13, 1974 a meeting was held at Doug Eadie’s home to continue reorganization of the Board of Directors. A meeting was set for December 5th to continue the process.
Attending the December meeting were Don Graf, Al Frappier, Mike Frappier, Bob Butler, Al Bulgreen and Doug. Added as members at large were Mike Frappier and Dan Wells. Among those who stepped down then were Henry P Smith III, Member of Congress (later World Bank President) and Lloyd Long. Don Graf was to seek Jim Rooney’s acceptance as successor to Joe Ambrusko. Unable to attend due to business, Bill Fraser soon after concurred with our changes.
Business items at that meeting included Al Frappier’s willingness to assist with camp maintenance and repair, Mike Frappier’s interest in Long Range planning and land use. Mike agreed to assist with some “No Vehicles Beyond This Point!” signage. Bob Butler suggested that we seek membership from each troop, the Girl Scouts and the Campfire Girls. The next meeting was to be around the dining room table to do some mapping and planning.
In the autumn of 1974, the Tonawanda’s District had decided to emulate the Niagara District, BSA’s winter Klondyke Derby. In January 1975, the 1st Annual Tonawanda District Jack Frost was held at Nine Mile Island (p).
On January 30, 1975 at Doug’s dining room table some preliminary mapping was started. Added as members at large were Bud Lindhurst and Don Lane. Doug Snail, Lloyd Johnson and Al Beutner were to be approached.
During this time period the Town of Amherst was developing their application for federal funds for a canal way hiking trail that included 9 Mile Island. Don Graf and his brother La Verne appraised the Erie-Niagara Regional Planning Board about the natural area for youth camping that was in place. “The regional board approved Amherst’s application, with the Scout Island portion of the project removed.”(LUS&J-2/8/75). On the same day, the Tonawanda News reported that Donald P. Lane was elected chairman of the Erie- Niagara Regional planning Board. I don’t know if this was before or after the decision about the island. Don was also Institutional Representative for Pack and Troop 47 of Pendleton and he supported the camp whenever he could for many years.
On March 10, 1975 the Catland’s faithful companion for ten years? (A boxer - Duke-‘62 mention) was put to rest suffering from a brain cancer.
About this time under the leadership of Dan Wells, Tonawanda’s District Activities Chairman, an event unique to Nine Mile Island was developed. This was a Bike, Hike and Canoe event which traversed by any of the three options from the western terminus of the canal to camp. The first one which was held in May 1975 also helped to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Erie Barge Canal.
In June it was becoming obvious that the Catland’s were in failing health. The Meadow was not cut and reservations were being confused.
That summer of 1975, Doug Eadie received an urgent phone call while at Camp Ti-Wa-Ya-Ee as Scoutmaster of Troop 607. He drove into North Tonawanda for an evening meeting held at Al Frappier’s house on July 16th to address the pressing concern that the Catland’s were in declining health and their family was moving their trailer to Sanborn to the property of one of their children so that Fred and Ruth could be better taken care of. Fred’s last log entry notes, “Friday- July -18-19, MR&MRS CATLAND WILL-USE-THE-LODGE, While-THEIR-HOME IS -Being MOVED”. Their tradition of being the “Caretakers” was at a close. The search was begun for a successor. E. K. Fred Catland sought release as Camp Ranger in a letter to Doug Eadie dated April 12th and mailed to him on July 29th. Phil Grefrath was elected as a member at large and Director. Bill Smith and James E. Rooney were to be added as members at large. Charlie Collins, Kiel Street, NT was mentioned as a prospective ranger. Don Lane, Pendleton Legislator might be at the Island for the August 14th meeting.
At the August meeting it was moved to name the main building the “Fred Catland Lodge”. The Tonawanda’s Chapter Order of the Arrow will honor Fred and Ruth on about November 8th at the chapter annual dinner. Nine Mile will support the effort to have as many friends of the Catland’s as possible present. The lodge camping fee was placed at $15 per weekend. The chain across the road would have to be addressed. Rooney was to be contacted.
In September, Pat O’Shei, Eagle Scout Candidate, Tr 104 sought and received permission to clear and mark a nature trail at camp which he then proceeded to do.
Don Boyd sent Doug a copy of the Erie County Girl Scout Council agreement with their ranger for possible use as a model/sample.
At the October 26th meeting a letter of thanks was received from Mrs. Norma Catland for Don’s assistance (contacting Chuck O’Neil) in her in-laws move to Sanborn. After Election Day, Don Lane, Pendleton county Legislator will explore the possibility of Niagara County assuming the Island permit. Mike Frappier and his fiancé, Pat offered to assume the ranger’s duties following their marriage next June assuming things remain as they are now. Bill Smith was named nominating committee Chairman, to report in December.
During these months Don Graf and Doug Eadie each paid “donated” several utility and other bills to keep the camp financially afloat. Without a caretaker to share expenses and a routine plan for fund raising, the camps limited financial resources were being quickly depleted. Several directors were again generous in1976 to keep the camp solvent until annual fund raising was begun in early 1977.
At the December 3, 1975 annual meeting, the officer duties were split up. Don remained as President, Doug Eadie as Vice-president, Al Frappier was elected Secretary and Bud Lindhurst was elected Treasurer. Honorary status was established. It was to be permanent unless removed for cause. Those so designated at this meeting were the Honorable Henry P. Smith III, Member of Congress (later World Bank President), Lloyd Long, Joseph Ambrusko and William Fraser Sr. All had been original Directors of the Corporation.
The tradition of somewhat regular Board meetings was now in place to ensure the preservation and maintenance of the Island. Mike Frappier was coming on board as our second Ranger and an agreement on the division of utilities was reached at this meeting. The main lodge was to be converted into living quarters for he and his wife. Two additions to the building were completed for the incoming family. There was a bedroom added to the rear left end and a closet at the right end near the front. Mike would serve the Island well for several years.
On March 31st, G. Peter Higgins, Oscar Daigler’s attorney wrote to inform the Island attorney that an easement for the road in use was not possible and that Oscar requests “that there be no further use of his property.” While he put a chain across the road, he did not lock it and allowed Mike and others to pass while he stood and watched. Action on this matter was needed.
In June of ‘76 Doug Eadie’s Bicentennial Philmont crew from Tr 607 completed some of their final cooking and tarp set up training in front of the lodge and slept there that night. It was a moonlit night and sleeping under the stars, Doug awoke in the middle of the night to see a red fox standing, staring at him from about ten feet away.
The old voting booth which had been donated to the island some time ago was to become the “Leadership Lodge” for weekend campers. A stove was to be installed and bunks to sleep six or eight people were to be set in place.
The Tonawanda’s District Fall Survival Camporee was originally scheduled for Navy Island that year. Logistical problems with rosters, permits and boats required a more accessible location. The event was moved to Nine Mile Island. About this time, Mike contacted Bill Bush from Tonawanda and he agreed to bulldoze the new access road.
At a meeting on August 21st, Tom Zarbo and Dave Birt, Tr 510, Grand Island were elected as members at large. Their troop had just recently completed a major Bicentennial Canoe trip along the canal from Albany to 9 Mile Island and Grand Island. They had a reception picnic with parents and a celebration campfire when they reached camp. Each evening during their trek they had been live with an update on WBEN 930 radio and there were also some television reports (Scoutmaster Tom had been part of the original WBEN Channel 4 camera crew).
At this meeting Bill Smith raised the fund raising plan of delivering White Directories. This was eventually done in conjunction with the Tonawanda’s Chapter Order of the Arrow (Doug Eadie-Advisor) which needed money for ceremonial costumes. Nine Mile provided drivers and Chapter Chief John Dickey coordinated carriers. Drivers included David Eadie Jr., Fred Allgeier, Dan Wells, Bill Smith and Doug Eadie (somehow his station wagon carried many more directories than he drove for.
Doug contacted the Canal Division for permission for the new road and they said open the road, keep the camp open and worry about paperwork later. The camporee was to be held from October1st to 3rd (plastic mug/Navy Island). Bill Bush’s crew worked the week of the event to bulldoze the road, have four loads of cinders delivered and spread. The work crew finished about midday on Friday, October 1st. Their bill was $237. The first automobile up the new road was Doug’s old ‘52 Buick. The first truck was Mike’s pickup. The Tonawanda’s Chapter OA weekend followed the next weekend at the Island.
At the annual meeting on January 8th it was decided that the current officers would remain for 1977. Bud Lindhurst was to check on our IRS / non profit status. Fred Allgeier was to check on fire insurance for the buildings. Ranger Mike was authorized to operate a Trading Post (First Aid/Office Bldg.) at the Jack Frost. Help was needed on Wednesday, the 12th to set up the staff/ warming tent.
The Tonawanda’s District Operation Jack Frost for 1977 was originally scheduled for January 14-16. Snow and wind knocked down the GP Medium tent on loan from the Army reserve (through Chief Warrant Officer Hurley) prior to the event. It took much shoveling and manpower to re-erect the tent. More snow and the Blizzard of ‘77 intervened to cancel the rescheduled event two weeks later. This time the tent tore and part of it was even more severely buried. Another tent was brought in and the event (p) was finally held from February 18-20 (five weeks late - a record?).
At a meeting on March 23rd more road fill was authorized. At the July 11th meeting, Mike indicated a need for a masonry blade for a circular saw and roofing tar to seal some of the cut up radar cover being used to patch the barn roof.
A phone list was updated at the August 23rd meeting with Don Lane being called only when necessary. The annual budget of $560 had a balance to raise of $205. Delivery of 10,000 White directories @ $.03 each had raised $300 and $75 in fees had been collected. Fund raising letters were to be drafted and sent when ready.
September 30 - October1 the fall Tonawanda’s Camporee was held at the Island (p). Despite poor weather 140 plus Scouts and Scouters were there. Acting Ranger Al Frappier spent many hours preparing the grounds. Dan Wells, Del Krause, Jim Lally, Dave Birt and Dan Emery were key staff for the Pioneering events.
At the 1978 annual meeting on January 12th the present officers and Directors were retained. Del Krause, SM Tr 575, Grand Island was added to the Board of Directors.
The year ended with a meeting on December 30th. The list of Directors presented passed. Don, Doug, Al and Bud were again the elected officers. The ranger was commended for his general cleanup efforts in camp.
In the spring of 1979, Don Graf was approached by the Tonawanda News about salvaging lumber from an old section of their River Road location that was being torn down and replaced with an up to date functional addition. Our time to salvage was to be about one week only after knockdown and prior to site cleanup and prep for the new addition. We secured trucks from Homer Mye and Kyle Lindhurst (U-Haul) to carry that which we could use. Much of the lumber was 2 x12 when that really meant 2” x12”, not some fractional amount less. Among those helping were Don Graf, Mike Frappier, Phil Grefrath, Al Frappier, Mark Narowski, Dave ______, Dan Wells, myself and toward the end Kyle Lindhurst. Much of this material was used in the fall that year to construct the framing of the addition on the Leader’s Lodge and an open air shelter over our frost free pump (the start of pump house #1). The frost free valve shelter was prompted by breaks and severe weather freezing.
Key members at large by the late 1970’s included Chet Pawelczyk; Jim Lally, Tr 574; Bob Moll Sr.; John Puchalski, Tr 273; Bob Tillotson; Ron Wagner Tr 55; Dave Dodd; Bob Stanley; Don Seyfried Tr 299; Harold Schwab Tr 574; Al Glassman, Tr 575 and Ken Whitcomb, Tr 501. Several of these were added at the May 17, 1979 meeting presided at by Vice President Doug Eadie. At that meeting tractor debt to Dan Wells and Doug Eadie was acknowledged for a “green machine” that Mike had recommended that we purchase. It was more powerful than our original tractor and proved useful for several years. Chet Pawelczyk arranged for its engine to be overhauled at BOCES several months later. Acting Secretary Harry Stuckey suggested that we have official camp stationery. Mike reported that the main campsite road was open again and that stone was needed for the back causeway and other roads.
With this road again open, the question of permanent campsites was raised. Buildings to be allowed would be “lean-to’s” with. A campsite committee of Fred Allgeier, Al Frappier, Dan Wells and Ranger Mike Frappier was named to lay out potential campsites for Board approval. They met June 6 to do this. Doug Eadie was to draft the campsite tenant form. Bob Tillotson, Phil Grefrath and Tom Zarbo assisted in this task.
At the September 18 meeting Kyle Lindhurst and Tony Harnisch were added as members at large. Kyle would provide many sheets of U-Haul plywood from repaired trailers that would help us complete the Leader’s Lodge addition, the pump house roof and to repair some of our camp buildings in the future. Tony would donate many maintenance vehicle tires over the next twenty years.
At this meeting the limit on the number of permanent campsites was placed at twelve to start. The tenant agreement was reviewed and accepted with modifications. It was to be an agreement sharing expenses, not a contract. Rules governing the use of the facilities were reviewed and to be incorporated into the agreement as an addendum. With the understanding that the original troops could always camp at the Island, the following were original siteholders; Tr 510, Tr 574, Tr 816, Tr 184 and Tr 55. ASM Tom O’Donnell, Tr 816 and soon to be SM of the troop is our current Treasurer. Tr 565 would be added soon. Tr 254 wanted to pay for a site and use anything open when they would come to camp without the responsibility of site maintenance. This concept was rejected for about twenty years.
At this time the concept of site representation on the member at large list was tabled. Later it was decided that siteholder concerns could be relayed through the camp ranger. Many years later, the option of siteholder representation that we have today was officially adopted.
Also at this time it was decided not to seek public funding that would necessitate opening the camp to all, thereby changing the cardinal founding concept of a youth camp.
At the October 25 meeting, the annual election of officers retained Don Graf as President, and the following officers were changed, Dan Wells became Vice-president, Harry Stuckey, Secretary and Doug Eadie, Treasurer.
On November 2-4, 1979, the Tonawanda’s District Advancement Camporee was held at Nine Mile Island (p). They had 223 Scouts and leaders in camp with many new faces. Key staff included Jim Lally, Tom Zarbo and Mike Frappier.
An annual information and report meeting chaired by Fred Allgeier was held at Salem church in December. Phil Grefrath agreed to head a dock installation crew. Tom Zarbo agreed to draft plans and gather cost estimates for a super shelter/training structure.