Camp Lowden Memorials and Tributes
Many buildings in camp were dedicated as memorials to Scouts who gave their lives while in the service. Others were given as tributes to others.
Amerock Building
The Amerock Building was funded by the Amerock Corporation and completed in the spring of 1962. The building serves as the nature lodge during summer camp and is a popular destination for unit cabin camping
during cold weather months. For many years it has also been the home base for the council’s Wood Badge courses.
Arrow Lodge
Originally constructed in the 1940s, it was restored in 1980 by Troop 161. It was decided to dedicate the building to Dayton Primrose, a Scouter in the Sycamore District who the boys enjoyed at various Scouting
events for his knowledge of nature and the outdoors. After serving Camp Lowden for more than 60 years, the Arrow Lodge was taken down in 2007.
Atkinson Cabin
The Atkinson Cabin (originally just a shelter) was completed in 1946 and is located at the Trailblazer campsite. It was built in memory of Roger Atkinson who was killed in the R.A.F. He was a pilot officer in
the Eagle Squadron. The plaque reads, “In Memory of Roger H. Atkinson, 1921-1941, Pilot Officer Eagle Squadron R.A.F., A Good Scout, Troop 8, 1933-1936”
Boeger Leadership Lodge
The Boeger Leadership Lodge is open to all uses on a priority basis that give preference to its primary function of youth leadership development. As a residential facility the building is able to accommodate
overnight stays by youth and accompanying adults. The main level has a large great hall for leadership training, along with a large video projector screen, comfortable lounge area, kitchen, and restrooms.
The lower level has four bunkhouses with bunk beds to sleep 42 people, leader’s quarters, showers, restrooms, linens, and laundry. The roof has solar panels and a satellite Internet link. The Boeger Leadership
Lodge was dedicated in 2009. The plaque reads, “Boeger Leadership Lodge – Thanks to the Vision of Jim and Karen Boeger – 2009”
Bradley Memorial Kiosk and Nature Trail
The Bradley Memorial Kiosk and Nature Trail was dedicated on June 25, 2003 to William C. “Bill” Bradley, an Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow member, and Northwoods staff member who passed away in 1996. The nature
trail and kiosk will provide year-round educational opportunities in nature and the animals that call our area home. Near the end of 2008 the kiosk was moved to the northeast corner of the parking lot in order to
make room for the Boeger Leadership Lodge.
Chapel
Order of the Arrow members finished the Chapel during the spring convention of 1963 and it was dedicated on June 24, 1964. Friends and loved ones of the following made gifts to the council in their memory which
were used for the construction: James Bain, Bert Baker, John Carroll, Jr., Charles Cecil, Russell Collison, Stanley Cutler, Gordon Duncan, D.C. Findlay, Edward Kelley, Mrs. Eugene Krummrei, B.F. McClelland,
Charles Dayton Mulford, Robert Rucinski, Leroy Scott, Alta Thompson, O.K. Thompson, and J.W. Watt.
Dining Hall
The Dining Hall was built in 1953 on the site of the former “H” building. It was dedicated on September 20, 1953, to H.J. Homann, the longtime Scout Executive for Blackhawk Area Council. The plaque reads,
“Dedicated to H.J. Homann to commemorate his 25th Anniversary as a professional Scouter and his 11th Anniversary as our Scout executive. His service to youth has been a great inspiration. His challenge to men has
caused phenomenal growth of Scouting activities in this council.”
Flagpole
The flagpole was given by the Order of the Arrow and the stone base was formed in the shape of an arrowhead. H.J. Homann dedicated the new flagpole on Sunday, August 19, 1951, to Bob Davison. Mr. Davison’s parents
were present at the ceremony. The plaque reads, “In Grateful Memory of Cpl. Robert Dwight Davison who sealed his Scout pledge of loyalty to his country with his life. Born January 2, 1933, Rockford, Illinois.
Killed in Action – Korea, July 15, 1951. Presented by his brothers in the Order of the Arrow.”
Frontiersman Cabin
The original Frontiersman Cabin (originally just a shelter) was constructed in 1946. It was dedicated in 1948 to Vernon D. Wood, Jr. Vernon Wood, Sr., was still active in Scouting at that time, having been a
Scoutmaster for many years as well as a commissioner. Mrs. Wood, Sr. wrote that her son was killed in World War II in a plane crash in Australia on July 16, 1942. Following the return of her son’s body in 1948 the
plaque was presented along with the American flag from the casket of her son. The plaque reads, “In Memory of Vernon D. Wood, Jr. 1921-1942. Life Scout, Troop 22, Technical Sergeant Army Air Corps. Dedicated by
Rockford Cubs and Scouts”
Health Lodge
The Health Lodge was completed in 1942 and was dedicated on July 5, 1942, by Governor Lowden. Originally known as the Harvard Health Lodge, it has been used as a health lodge all these years, and in some years it has
been quarters for directors, assistant directors, special volunteers, and adult staff. The plaque reads, “Donated by the citizens of Harvard, Illinois 1942.”
Kable Cabin
Harvey J. Kable was a former Scoutmaster of Troop 1, Mount Morris, and president of Kable Brothers Company. Mr. Kable was the first president of the Kiwanis Club of Mount Morris, and the Kiwanians welcomed the
opportunity to build a shelter at the Riverview campsite to honor him in recognition of his many civic and humanitarian achievements. The Harvey J. Kable Memorial Cabin (originally just a shelter) was dedicated on
August 2, 1944. The plaque reads, “Harvey J. Kable, former Scoutmaster of Troop 1, Mt. Morris. 1880-1931. Building dedicated August 2, 1944. He was a friend of boys.” The Kable Cabin was taken down in 2017.
Marshall Pavilion
John Marshall was a leader in both his home troop and at Camp Lowden. His tremendous drive and enthusiasm inspired all who knew him. John was awarded his Eagle rank on August 6, 1976. After earning his Eagle,
he remained active in the troop as Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, leading Scouts in rank advancement. In 1981 John’s life was lost tragically in an automobile accident. He was admired by many, and is remembered for his
love of leading others through Scouting. In 1982 the Marshall Pavilion was built adjacent to Gilwell Field near the Trailblazer campsite and is dedicated to John Marshall. It was financed and constructed by Troop 159
under the direction of Scoutmaster Chris Specht.
OA Lodge
The Order of the Arrow Lodge was started as early as 1956 and the last logs were laid in 1958. The roof was completed during the summer of 1959 and the doors and windows were installed in 1960. The finishing touches
were put on in the summer of 1961. The OA Lodge was dedicated in 1962. The plaque reads, “Dedicated to C.W. “Bill” Mulford, Zane Gray, Kenneth Peterson, and Svend Lundsgaard. Dedicated on August 19, 1962.”
Quartermaster Building
The metal Quartermaster building [later known as the Lower Quartermaster Building] was started in 1947 and, in fact, the dedication plaque says it was dedicated on July 15, 1947. A record in the Rockford service center
written in 1953 said that this building was completed in 1948. It was given by the Watt Publishing Company of Mount Morris by James Watt in memory of his mother. The plaque reads, “Mrs. Florence Watt – 1887-1931,
dedicated July 15, 1947, Mt. Morris, IL”
Rifle Range
The original rifle range was completed by the Order of the Arrow and put into use in 1953. Stu Conover recalls that the building material was cut from trees at Camp Lowden. Howard Fox and the Sinnissippi Tree Farm
sawed the logs into boards. It was dedicated in memory of Sergeant Robert “Bob” Missman who was killed in action in Korea. The plaque reads, “Sergeant Robert Missman, Feb. 12, 1932 – July 26, 1953, Nelson Township,
Ill. Presented by brothers of the Order of the Arrow.”
Schmig Memorial
The G.A. Schmig Memorial is located between the parking lot and the Main Lodge. Here you will find the camp map, schedules, and other important information. The memorial was dedicated at a special ceremony during
family night. Ev Worrell was the master of ceremonies. Many members of the Schmig family and many friends and Scouts attended. Mrs. Schmig related that earlier the family had a private dedication where they poured
water at each corner, “Because it always rained when Mr. Schmig took the boys to Lowden.”
Showerhouse
The Camp Lowden showerhouse was dedicated to Dave Sterenberg. The plaque reads, "In memory of David Alan Sterenberg, Camp Lowden Aquatics Staff. Let man blaze the path of leadership and light it brightly so that a
boy might also become a man."
Specht Pavilion
Chris Specht was a longtime Scoutmaster of Troop 159, Woodstock. Under his leadership, Troop 159 adopted and rebuilt the Ranger campsite and volunteered their help in building and improving many of the buildings,
trails, and sites at Camp Lowden. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow, and was a holder of the Silver Beaver Award and Wood Badge beads. Chris Specht died on a Scouting trip to the Boundary Waters in 1993.
In 1994 the Chris Specht Pavilion was built just west of Gilwell Field by members of Troop 159. It was dedicated on Sunday, October 16, 1994.
Statue of Liberty
In 1950 a replica of the Statue of Liberty was put up at the southeast corner of the swimming pool to honor the 40th anniversary of Scouting. In 1986 the statue was refurbished and relocated to Gilwell Field.
It was refurbished and rededicated again in 2004. The plaque reads, “With the faith and courage of their forefathers who made possible the freedom of these United States, the Boy Scouts of America dedicate this
replica of the Statue of Liberty as a pledge of everlasting fidelity and loyalty. 40th Anniversary crusade to strengthen the arm of Liberty 1950.”
Swimming Pool
A new decade began at Camp Lowden with the newly-completed swimming pool ready for action. The pool, equipment room, and new well to serve the pool were dedicated on July 16, 1950. The plaque reads, “Given by the
Boy Scouts of America with the pledge of everlasting fidelity and loyalty, 1950.”
Trading Post
Dale Emerick was a longtime Scouter from Winnebago who gave incredible amounts of time, wise advice, and hard work. He focused on providing the best programs for the Scouts, and how the Scouting programs benefited them.
After Dale’s death in 2002, his family helped fund renovations to the Trading Post at Camp Lowden as well as other initiatives in Scouting.
Wienke Handicraft Lodge
The original Handicraft Lodge was dedicated in 1993 to J. Robert “Grandpa” Wienke. A new building, made possible by funds provided by Bob Wienke, was built in 2007 on the site of the original. The new Wienke Lodge was
dedicated on Saturday, October 13, 2007.
Winnebago Cabin
The original shelter in the Winnebago campsite may have been built in 1944, or else in 1945. It was no longer in existence in 1962 when the new shelter was built. This original shelter had a plaque that read,
“Dedicated to Rockford Cubs and Scouts for Outstanding War Service by the Rockford Fibre Container Division of the Eddy Paper Corporation.”
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