-
Period: to
PFEIFER CAMP
-
LITTLE ROCK KIWANIS CLUB
The Little Rock Kiwanis Club, which eventually came to sponsor and oversee Pfeifer Camp, was founded. -
THE BEGINNING
The Little Rock Kiwanis Club made the decision to rent 82 acres of land in Ferndale, Arkansas. On June 26, the first groundbreaking ceremony took place and work began on the Recreation Hall. Throughout the year, over $7,500 was raised to fund a camp for local youth. Of this, $3,000 was donated in memoriam of Joseph Pfeifer. On August 5, 1929, the camp officially opened its doors as Joseph Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp, a summer camp for boys. -
Rough Times
Due to the financial struggles of the times, Pfeifer Camp was faced with a lack of funds and had to close its doors. Encampments were unable to resume until 1938. -
Minstrel Show
: In an effort to raise funds and re-open its doors, the Kiwanis Club hosted the first annual minstrel show in which community leaders sang, danced, acted, and told jokes. Raising $400 in its first year, this proved to be an effective means of fundraising and continued through the mid 1970’s. -
Improvements
Through the Works Progress Administration of the Federal Government, the Kiwanis Board of Directors secured nearly $20,000 in physical improvements at a small cost to the Little Rock Club. These improvements included the construction of seven cabins, a caretaker’s cottage, and a bathhouse. With the exception of the bathhouse, these structures are still utilized as the main living quarters on camp. -
Changes
Changes were seen throughout the camp as the United States became involved in World War II. Influenced by the era, the camp was run under a discipline model similar to the military. Campers participated in reveille and taps, marches, and cleanliness inspections. Due to widespread war rationing and the implementation of the draft, resources were scarce during this time. -
Award
Charles “Pop” Griffith, a beloved leader among the camp, receives the National Boys Club Keystone Award for Meritorious Service. -
New Era
The United States Supreme Court’s ruling during Brown v. Board of Education makes segregation of public schools unconstitutional. -
Central High
Little Rock Central High School is officially integrated. The “Little Rock Nine” begin attending school.
Also, the Pfeifer Camp pool was built and is still used today.
