Culver Military Academy Woodcraft Council Fire  

Culver’s Council Fires: a look back

by Dick Zimmerman

Reprinted from the Woodcraft Camp 75th anniversay history book).

Indian Lore has always been a part of the Woodcraft program. It was decided by Mr. Beard that some form of council ring should be built for camp assemblies.

In 1914, the original ring was built, consisting of two rows of log stumps placed in a circle. Its location is unknown.

The permanent ring was laid out by Daniel Beard and Sir Robert Baden Powell in 1917 on a site selected by Ernest Thompson Seton who said, “There must be no spectators. Friends may come but they must be part of the Council Ring.” For this reason it was made small and intimate for ceremonies, games, songs, and storytelling. A carload of California redwood was shipped in, and within three days the stands, consisting of six rows, were built, seating 100 persons.

As the number of campers steadily grew, it was necessary to add three additional rows of seats in 1920. This still proved inadequate, and in 1930 the original stands were torn down, entrances rearranged, and stands with backrests were constructed for 1,400 people, incorporating the redwood from the previous stands. It still retained a circle form and was 94 feet across. A platform with a bench and a painted wooden backdrop behind it was built in the open area at the north end. An eight-foot permanent rock scat with a platform constructed behind it replaced this in 1937, with a wall stretching 12 feet on each side of it added in 1945.

A smalll 2 x 12 building to store costumes and properties was built in 1945; in 1947 a 12 x 20 foot extension was added. In 1952, an 18 x 20 side structure was completed. Other buildings induded a sound shed, service shed, and light booth all built in 1953.

In the late 70’s, it was apparent that the stands were becoming quite unsafe, and plans were made to replace the three sections year by year. With the addition of a larger number of participants in the weekly programs, the form of the ring became oblong to better accommodate the enlargement of the productions.

The west stands were replaced in 1979, with the rock seat removed and the west wall extended to mask backstage.

In 1980, the cast stands were rebuilt; the south stands in 1981. Completion of the west wall, entry, and waterfall occurred in 1981, with the east wall, entry, and a one-and-a-half story light-soundstorage building finished in 1986.

Large entry panels depicting Indians from various parts of the country were designed and painted horn 1979 to 1981 by CPT Roger K. Meredith, senior Indian Lore instructor

July 28, 2011 Culver CItizen