Retro Friday: “Historical Ridgecrest” letter from Robert Guy

Posted by phil

Below is a scanned version of the original fundraising letter written by Ridgecrest Manager Robert Guy. Some fascinating things are mentioned, some of which I have commented on below. Enjoy, and feel free to leave your own comments!

Kita-Suma was named by a Japanese Ambassador, it means North View, and was an exclamation of awe and wonder at seeing the thirty peaks of 6000 feet high looking north from Kita-Suma.

The Honolulu Cottage was the first house built after Ridgecrest was founded. The new Camp Ridgecrest Infirmary now sits where this was built.

Echo Rock is near the top of Kita-Suma. Three distinct echo calls will respond to your voice. This is still true! Try it this summer! Echo Rock we believe is the first overlook, about three quarters of the way to the top.

Yates Ave was named for a pioneer Baptist leader.

On the Crest of the Blue Ridge, hence, We name “Ridgecrest.”

Camp Ridgecrest For Boys is a part of the program and work of the assembly. It is located near Big Lake (yes, our lake is big). It has fifteen buildings (any guess how many building we have now?) The Camp Gymnasium (Spilman Lodge) is the largest log building in NC if not in the South. (I have been told it is still the largest upright log structure east of the Mississippi.)

There is no debt on the property. (Wow.)

Did you see what a typical breakfast consisted of? Amazing!

They had some large needs didn’t they? Now one of our largest need is Scholarship Money. It’s amazing to see what the Lord has done over the years. Would you consider continuing to give to Him work being done at Camp Ridgecrest!


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Retro Friday: Spilman Lodge and Morning Exercises

Posted by phil

One of the things I love the most about camp is that some things seem to always stay the same. Well, almost the same. We have made some minor modification and improvements throughout the years, but we try to hold onto the tradition that has made so many experiences life changing. We have generations within some families that have all experienced a cool morning at Camp Ridgecrest doing a “morning exercise.” Granted, one generation was doing jumping jacks, while the next generation is doing finger push-ups.

Then we have an old picture of Spilman Lodge from about 1948. You can see the original cabins located behind Spilman Lodge on the right of the picture. And you can see part of “The Green House” on the far right (looks white). Originally B.W. Spilman’s Home, it became the camp office, with additional housing and even a barber shop. The Canteen now sits where The Green House once sat.

Also, it’s interesting that the Spilman Lodge picture has a one way street  sign, pointing down hill. This is now the main entrance into Camp Ridgecrest!

If you know any additional info about these pictures or the buildings in them, please comment below!


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