Lucia’s Corner- Just A Series of Events?

1883

In 1833, the United States Congress defeated a bill that would have moved the U.S. Capitol to America, Ill., less than 50 miles South of Ozark.

1927 – 1929

By 1927, the property north of Ozark was purchased from Dr. George Kerr by the Kentucky Boy Scouts to establish Camp Pakentuck. The first summer Camp Pakentuck operated was 1929. Also in 1929, Colonel L.O. Trigg began “Trigg Tours” to promote establishment of an Illinois National Forest. (Credit: Todd Carr, author of Trigg’s Ozark Tours, at Shawnee National Forest)

1932 -1939

Reforestation efforts began in 1932 in areas of extreme erosion in Hardin, Johnson, Saline, and Pope Counties. In 1933, permission was given to purchase options on property in southernmost Illinois for a National Forest. (Credit: Todd Carr, author of Trigg’s Ozark Tours, at Shawnee National Forest) President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a proclamation in 1939 to establish the Shawnee National Forest.

1953 – 1955

By 1953, land was purchased on Kentucky Lake to replace Pakentuck as the primary camp for scouts in western Kentucky. The new camp replaced Pakentuck by 1955. (Credit: Steve Rheinecker) The former Pakentuck Program Director proposed the idea for a new Diocesan-sponsored camp.

1956 – 1959

In 1956, Pakentuck saw its last summer, (Credit: Steve Rheinecker) and in that same year, Monsignor John T. Fournie, pastor of St. Philip Parish in East St. Louis, championed efforts for the proposed Camp. Camp St. Philip piloted Camps in 1957 and 1958 which flourished at rented facilities. Thus, Camp Ondessonk becomes a reality in 1959.