The First Years of Camp Deer Run

By Benny B. Bristow

 

M

any Christians in Texas and other States have known about Camp Deer Run, located in East Texas. Hundreds (over more than forty years) have attended the camp, taught and counseled, or supported it with money or labor. However, only a few people know the details of its struggle and humble beginning. Some have asked me to set forth the details of how this good work (dedicated to youth) began. Therefore, an effort to give as many details as possible will be made, and it is hoped that this information will be helpful to many.

 

            The story of Camp Deer Run actually began as a dream in my heart. After attending Harding College for some time, it became necessary to put my education on hold until I could earn additional funds.

 

            Therefore, I accepted a full time ministry in Covington, Indiana. Since I was single, I was able to save enough money to eventually return to Harding. It was during this time that I began to think even more seriously about beginning a Christian Youth Camp.

 

Shared My Dream

 

            One evening I was coming from the Cafeteria and saw some girls huddled together talking, and I decided to stop and join them in their conversation. I was sharing some jokes with them when, this girls named Gwen Shaw came along. I learned later that she didn't think my jokes were all that funny.  But before leaving the group, I asked her, "What are you doing tonight?"

 

            She said, "I'm going skating."

 

            I responded by saying, "That's great, I'm on my way to the gym for some basketball, and since the skating rank is close by, I'll see you later tonight."

 

            She seemed surprised when I kept my word and went to the rank where she was skating. The next hour or so found us talking and getting better acquainted. As I shared with her some of my past as well as hopes for the future, I mentioned to her my dream of beginning a Christian Youth Camp. She seemed very impressed, and told me that this was a noble goal.

 

Lemonade Time

 

            When our conversation ended, I invited her to go to the Student Center for some lemonade.  I had worn (for the basketball game) a solid white pair of pants that had been washed and ironed flat and stiff at the College Laundry. Since the pockets were glued flat, I had left my billfold and all coins in my room. After ordering the lemonades, I painfully discovered that I didn't have a penny. Therefore, I was glad to see my buddy Victor Lloyd who paid for the drinks and got me out of a tight. She may have wondered how this fellow can dream about building a Youth Camp when he doesn't even have enough money to buy two lemonades!

 

            This was the beginning of our relationship. The following weeks and months found us together at every opportunity. One weekend, we visited my parents in Lynn, Arkansas, and on another weekend, we went to Louisiana to meet her mother and relatives.

 

United In Marriage

 

            Finally, on February 2, 1956, Gwen and I were married. This big event took place near her home in the Evergreen community, a few miles north of Minden, Louisiana. In spite of the downpour of torrential rain, it was a beautiful and happy time.

 

            After our few days of honeymoon, we began looking for a church that needed a full time preacher. We tried out at two churches, one in Kentucky and the other in Texas, but we did not feel that we should accept either of these. However, when we were offered the work at Winnsboro, Texas, we decided to accept.

   

            The work in Winnsboro was an excellent place for a new couple to begin. In addition to the regular work, we became involved in a reach-out Evangelistic Program. We were able to enroll many students in a Bible Correspondence Course that opened the door for teaching the gospel. We also had a large number of teenagers, and one of the highlights of each week was the Young People's class on Sunday afternoon. By working with them, I was continually reminded of the need for building a Christian Youth Camp.

 

            The members of this church were very hospitable, and opened their homes to Gwen and me. However, let me mention a specific home that had an important role in the founding of Camp Deer Run.

 

The Whitleys

 

            Fleta Whitley was a member of the Winnsboro church of Christ. She was married to Ross Whitley who was not a member, but he was faithful to attend services with his wife. Even though Ross and Fleta were newly weds, they were in their senior years. As teenagers, they had dated, but went their separate ways. During all those years, neither one had married. Shortly before we moved to Winnsboro, they had renewed their friendship and chose to be married.

 

            Since Ross and Fleta did not have children, they opened their home to the young Bristows, and it became a common thing for us to eat Sunday dinner with them. Ross was a big baseball fan, and especially during the World Series, he insisted that we watch the games together. This was a very happy time in our lives.

 

            One Sunday afternoon, shortly after Fleta had stuffed us with a delicious meal, I shared with them my dream to someday build a Christian Youth Camp. Ross listened with interest as I explained the characteristics, function, and purpose of a camp. When I had finished, Ross said, "If you would like to take a drive, I have something I want to show you. It may be just what you're looking for!"

 

The Big Woods

 

            There was excitement in Ross' voice as he spoke of what he wanted to show us. Therefore, we all loaded into his Ford car and headed for the Big Woods. The road that we followed (after leaving the highway) was nothing more than two sandy ruts paralleling their crooked way—first across a large field of bear grass, and then through a thick forest of pine trees.

 

            However, after many bumps and turns, Ross stopped the car near a small creek of running water. He explained that this is "Little Sandy Creek," and how that in the hottest summers, this creek never runs dry.

 

            Then we walked several yards up from the creek, and stopped before an opening of land where the trees were sparse. He asked, "Do you see that large opening of land with only a few trees?"

 

Since it was obvious to see, I answered, "Yes."

 

Ross continued, "Well, that has been a deer run for many years." Then with some excitement, he asked, "What do you think of that spot as a place to build the youth camp that you mentioned?"

 

            For a moment, it was difficult to answer because my mind began to picture a central dinning hall and kitchen with girl's cabins making a semi-circle on one side, and the same kind of semi-circle on the other side for the boys. In this dream, there was a round lily pond in the center of the opening with a running fountain filled with water from the creek.

 

            Finally I realized that Ross had asked me a question. So, I told him that it was a perfect spot—even more than I had dreamed. Then he said, "There are 118 acres with this plot of land, and on the back side of the property is an ideal place to build a lake if anyone wanted to do so."

 

To make the land even more appealing, he explained, "Nature has build a large lake, and all that is needed for it to hold water is to build a dam on each end."

 

            This was all so thrilling to me, and before we had to leave, I said, "If I had this land with a camp on it, I would name it "Camp Deer Run!" From that day forward, any reference to a camp built on this land was called Camp Deer Run.

 

            While finalizing my sermon for that Sunday evening, it was difficult to keep my mind from thinking about the land we had visited. In fact, this had been one of the most exciting days of my life.

 

            Sometime during the following week, I asked Ross to tell me the amount of money needed to purchase this land. Since his brothers were part owners, he said that he would meet with them and get back with me on the price.

           

            Sooner than I thought, he called me and gave me their agreed price for the land.

 

That night, I talked to my wife's mother, Susie Shaw, about this land, and it being an ideal spot to build a camp. When she realized that we were serious about purchasing the land and building a Christian Youth Camp, she said that she would talk to one of her brothers, Abe Miller, to see if he would loan us the money to purchase the land. She said that he had made loans to other members of the family.

 

            Then she made a statement that gave me even more hope. She said, "If he will loan us the money, I will make one half of the payment each month."

 

            It was only a short time before she called back with the good news that he would be happy to loan us the money, but it seemed to me like a long time, since I was so anxious to sign the loan to purchase the land.

 

            However, during the next few weeks, all the legal work was completed, and the dream of Camp Deer Run was turning into reality.

 

We Began Our Family

 

            About one month after Gwen and I were married, she became pregnant with our first child. As she was having morning sickness from the pregnancy, she probably got sick of hearing me talk so much about building Camp Deer Run.

 

            Finally, on November 27, 1956, a beautiful little baby girl named Corretta Lynette was added to our family. I was extremely busy with church work and being a new daddy, but not too busy to continue making plans to build the camp. When we visited the land, I would step off the locations of various buildings. It was easy to imagine the land covered with boys and girls enjoying all the various activities of camp life.

 

            On occasions, I would hike to the backside of the property and look at the location of the natural lake. It was not unusual for me to see on such trips a beautiful white-tailed deer leaping through this part of the Big Woods of Wood County. There were more dreams than I can possibly remember, but to say the least, they were exciting.

 

How To Begin?

 

            When the spring of 1957 came, I could not wait any longer to get something moving on the camp. However, I had to answer the question, "How can I build the cabins and still keep up with the full time work of the church?" It required about thirty minutes to drive to the land, and there was not enough time to do all the work that needed to be done. Then there was the money problem. Most of our extra money from our salary was used to make the land payment. These were truly important challenges to face.

 

            Therefore, with much prayer and serious thought, I began to seek a way to begin building the camp.

 

            In the church at Winnsboro, there was a man named Bill Goolsby. When he learned that I was trying to work out a way to build cabins from concrete blocks, he said to me, "If you could use it, I have a concrete block machine that I would be glad to loan you."

 

            This caught my interest, and after a long discussion with him, I was sold on the idea, and asked him if he could deliver it to my garden. He graciously said that he would be happy to do so. Even though the machine had been made at a wielding shop from iron, and was somewhat heavy, it was capable of producing good, solid blocks. It had with it approximately 50 flatiron platforms. One of these was placed in the bottom of the mold. After mortar was placed in the mold, there was an overhead packer operated by a long handle. Once the mold was firmly packed with concrete, a foot pedal was used to raise the wet block from its mold. These were then carefully removed and set on the ground for curing. Once the block had dried or cured, the flatiron platform was removed and used again for another block.

 

To The Work

 

            Each morning (at daybreak) found me in the garden making blocks before going to work at the church. The same schedule continued after work until dark.

 

            The local Lumber Company where I purchased supplies had an electric mixer that they loaned to various contractors. They said to me, "Suppose we just leave this mixer at your house for you to use, and if we need it, we know where to find it."

 

            Needless to say, this increased my block production. In only a few hours each day, I would have blocks curing all over the garden. When I ran out of money to buy sand from the Lumber Company, I would haul sand from the Little Sandy creek bank on the camp land.

 

            As I made blocks in the garden, I had at least one person watching the process. We would bring the playpen near the garden, and baby girl, Corretta, would spend hours with me. She could walk around in her playpen by holding to the sides. These were happy days for all of us.

 

Two Cabins

 

            By the end of 1957, enough blocks had been made to construct two cabins. The house we lived in while making these blocks was very small. However, just up the street, one of our families in the church had a larger house and wanted us to rent it. Since the church furnished our house, the elders agreed for us to move to it. In addition to being a larger house, it had a double size car garage, which was large enough for a wood working shop. All the blocks were moved to the campsite, and we were therefore pleased to change houses.

 

            After we moved, I purchased two electric power saws. One was a nine-inch table saw from Montgomery Ward, and the other was a band saw that I bought from E. H. Smith, Jr. for $25.00. Someone had made this saw in a machine shop, but it was a good one. In fact, I still use both of these saws after forty years.

 

            During the cold months of 1958, this shop was used to build bunk beds. The head and footboards had the same design. The posts were made from 2"x 2" lumber, and the top and bottom panels were constructed from plywood. The top panel had a semicircle design, and each bed was made to accommodate two campers.

    

Dreams

 

            Even though I gave as much time and money as possible to getting the camp started, there were times when my dreams seemed impossible. The more I worked and planned, the more I realized that I had begun a project that required hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to complete. However, in spite of these realities, Gwen and I believed that God would help us find a way. Therefore, by faith, we continued to do what we could.

 

            In the early spring of 1958, P. D. Wilmeth and I exchanged pulpits on the Sunday that he was preaching in a Gospel Meeting at Winnsboro. He was the minister for the Glenwood church in Tyler, Texas. Brother Wilmeth had been involved for many years with young people. In addition to teaching and speaking to youth groups, he published two widely used books: "The Christian Home," and "A Father Talks To Teenagers." Therefore, the members of the Glenwood church (where he served) were extremely interested in training youth for the Lord.

 

An Important Meeting

 

            On the Sunday morning that I preached at Glenwood, the one introducing me before the sermon, briefly told of my efforts to build a youth camp. This created so much interest that I was asked after the service to meet with all who were interested in this kind of work for youth. That afternoon, I was fully shocked and pleased to see such a large group of various ages present. Most of the meeting was spent in asking me questions about this new camp work.

 

            Finally, H. Clyde McLendon (an attorney) asked me if we would consider incorporating Camp Deer Run as a nonprofit organization so that others could help begin this work. He further explained that this would also make donations to the camp tax exempt. Then I asked him what would be involved in getting the camp incorporated. He said in general that we would need to lease the land to the camp, appoint a board of directors, and that I should serve as president of the board. Then he followed this information by saying that he would be happy to research all of the requirements, and if we agreed to incorporate the camp, he would donate all his legal fees.

 

            I told him and all present, that Gwen and I (along with her mother) would consider this proposal to incorporate the camp, and would let him know in the near future.

 

            This was an enthusiastic meeting, and one by one they offered to help in every possible way. They let me know that they thought it was an excellent work, and that they were all willing to help.

 

            As Gwen and I returned home that night, we felt that a great door of opportunity for the camp had been opened.

 

Important Decision

 

            During the following day after the meeting in Tyler, we looked at all the possibilities. When we talked with Gwen's mother, she wanted us to do what we thought was best for the camp. This was a difficult decision for me, because I had thought so many months about building the camp alone. Therefore, it took some time to decide to incorporate. Perhaps there was the feeling that I was turning my dream over to others. However, I was assured that as president of the board and director of the camp, I would still have an influence on the building program and how the camp was operated. I was also told that the lease would specify that I would not only be on the board, but that if any teaching other than the Bible was introduced, that the lease would be canceled, and the camp would revert back to me.

 

            Therefore, after many hours of prayer and agonizing over the decision, Gwen and I decided that this was the best way for the camp. In only a few days, I called H. Clyde McLendon and asked him to draw up the lease (with the specifications we had discussed) for the 118 acres of the land to be used for the camp. I further assured him that I would carry through, to select men to serve on a board of directors.

 

Board Of Directors

 

            An effort was made to choose men who lived in cities that surrounded the camp. Likewise, in my selection, I felt that the men should be leaders who were known in the brotherhood, and especially in East Texas.

 

            The first men appointed for this work were:

 

(1)  P. D. Wilmeth – author and minister of the Glenwood Church of Christ, Tyler, Texas.

 

(2)  Robert Bankes – minister of the Moberly Ave. Church of Christ, Longview, Texas.

 

(3)  Tillit S. Teddlie – minister and song composer, Greenville, Texas.

 

(4)  E. H. Smith – One of the elders of the Winnsboro Church of Christ, Winnsboro, Texas.

 

(5)  Gayle Oler – Superintendent of Boles Home, Quinlan, Texas.

 

(6)  H. Clyde McLendon – Attorney, Tyler, Texas.

 

(7)  I. M. Howell – Humble Oil employee, Hawkins, Texas.

 

(8)  Winston Atkinson – Minister of the Oman Road Church of Christ, Tyler, Texas.

 

(9)  C. W. Presley – One of the elders of the Winnsboro Church of Christ, Winnsboro, Texas.

 

(10)       Benny B. Bristow – Minister of the Winnsboro Church of Christ, Winnsboro, Texas.

 

The lease document contained only one and one half pages. The first part of the lease gave a legal description of the total acreage, and stated that: "I, Benny B. Bristow (first party) hereby contract with and lease the above described land, property and premise to CAMP DEER RUN, Inc., hereafter referred to as the "Second Party," on the following terms and conditions, to-wit:

 

The Lease

 

1.    The term of this lease for said real estate is to be for the full period of Ten (10 years, expiring on the 22nd day of July, 1968, with the provision that Second Party shall have the option and right to renew said lease for an additional Ten (10) years, by giving First Party notice, in writing, of its intention to renew said lease at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the primary term of this lease, said additional term, if said option is exercised, to be on the same terms and conditions as said primary term.

 

2.    First Party agrees to accept and Second Party agrees to pay the sum of TEN AND NO/100 ($10.00) DOLLARS, for said lease for said primary term of ten years.

 

3.    This lease is conditioned upon Second Party operating a Christian camp on said property, to provide camping facilities, build and construct the necessary camping houses, bath facilities, kitchen, dining hall, and other necessary buildings, provide attendants, teachers and counselors, to provide a Christian atmosphere and influence and to teach God's Word, the Bible, as it was taught in the first century after the New Testament pattern, and in the event Second Party fails to provide said personnel, or fails to provide a Christian atmosphere and influence, or fails to teach God's Word as so stated, or introduce worldly teaching and departs from God's Word, the Bible, then such is to be considered a breach of the condition herein made, and same is sufficient to terminate this contract and said property shall then be returned and restored to First Party, his heirs or assigns, immediately upon demand and proof of such breach.

 

4.    At the end of the term of this lease, same shall revert to First Party, his heirs and assigns, and all buildings and improvements thereon will revert with said land and become the property of First Party.

 

5.    Second Party agrees to pay all taxes, if any, which accrue against said land and premises during the term of this lease.

 

6.    First Party agrees to assist Second Party in performing all its obligations under this contract, and a part of the consideration for this lease contract is that First Party shall at all times during the existence of this lease, be a member of the Board of Directors and a Trustee of CAMP DEER RUN, INC.

 

7.    First Party is to retain all minerals and mineral rights in connection with said property and is free to enter into any oil and gas leases or to sell and convey any and all mineral interests.

 

EXECUTED this 21-day of July, 1958.

 

 

                                                                  Benny B. Bristow (signed here)

                                                                 

                                                                  Benny B. Bristow, First Party

 

                                                                 

                 

                                                                  CAMP DEER RUN, INC.,

 

                                                      By Benny B. Bristow (signed here)

                                                                                          President

 

 

      ATTEST:

 

        I. M. Howell (signed here)

                   Secretary

 

Let The Work Begin

 

            In the spring of 1958, a Saturday workday was planned. There were so many things to accomplish, and there was a great response for workers on this first day.

 

            The WINNSBORO NEWS recorded what happened when the work began: "And on the first work day as many as 40 persons were present to clear land, pour the foundations of the first three cabins and to get things underway."

 

            The paper continued by giving the future plans for future construction: "On the 118 acres are planned 14 cabins, 16x16 feet, made of concrete blocks, and built in a semicircle down the hill from the dinning hall and kitchen. One row of cabins will be for the boys and the opposite row for the girls. The dining hall will be 125x25 feet wide. There will be two central bathhouses, a concession stand and possibly a recreational hall. The group envisions a lake­–swim pool dug on the spring–fed creek below the buildings. Baseball, tennis, canoeing, hiking, and practically all kinds of sports are planned.

 

            One Bible class daily will be required, according to Brother Bristow, with hymn singing every night. There will be nine students and one counselor to each cabin with 12 for students and two cabins for cooks and other camp personnel. Later the camp's lodging facilities will be expanded.

 

            Work on the project is being furnished by donations altogether. Donations are being accepted by members of Brother Bristow's congregation as individuals, but not in the name of the church" (Thursday, August 21, 1958).

 

            This same article featured a picture of construction of the first cabin.

 

            As the year of 1958 moved into fall, we began to talk about an opening date for the summer of 1959.

 

Tyler Morning News

 

            Among the general information about the camp, on Saturday, September 6, 1958, the TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH carried this headline: 1959 OPENING SET FOR SUMMER. The article began: "Opening of the Winnsboro area's first summer camp has been scheduled for June 1959, as construction gets underway at the site four miles southwest of Perryville.

 

            Located in the forested hills in the area known as "The Big Woods" of Wood County, the budding camp is on the banks of Little Sandy Creek, and will be known as "Camp Deer Run."

 

            'Its purpose is to provide camping facilities for children and adults, where religious instruction will be provided with a Christian environment, and to provide a wholesome recreational program,' according to Benny Bristow, minister of the local Church of Christ and spark plug of the building program."

 

            The article continues by giving the information of how the camp had developed to that point. Basically, the same information was given in the WINNSBORO NEWS.

 

            At the close of this article, the reporter gave the way to find the camp. He gave the following information after turning off the main highway: "The road winds through oil fields and wooded land, and scopes down into the creek bottom, where clearings have been made in the pine, sweet gum, and oak.

 

            The first cabin is located on the shoulder of a hill. 'Picnickers are invited,' says Mr. Bristow."

 

            The article closed by giving some of the charter members of the board, and said, "Others are to be named."

 

More Time Needed

 

            The building of the camp was exciting at this point, but most people did not know about the struggle that the Board of Directors was going through in making decisions, and in raising the money. As mentioned earlier, we had on the board some of the most influential men in the brotherhood, but they were also busy men. Therefore, at times it was difficult to get them fully involved with the camp.

 

            There was such a great need to have planning meetings to make major decisions. However, it was almost impossible to have all ten men present at once. For example, I called a meeting for February 3, 1959, to meet at Boles Home, only four months before the first camp session. The following invitation was sent to each board member to encourage attendance:

 

            "Let me also request that each board member invite five or six interested persons (male or female) to attend our meeting February 3, 1959. It is hoped that you will select a key person from areas where promotion of the camp should be made. After you have given this serious thought, contact them to see if they will accept. Then mail me a list of their names and addresses in order that we may mail them a personal invitation. Please remember that the success of this meeting depends to a great degree on who we invite. All invited will be guests of Boles Home and will be served a dinner at 7:30 p.m. I'm hoping that you will not lay this aside and fail to do your part. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

 

            As you work, remember, we are working for youth, the leaders of the church tomorrow."  Sincerely, Benny Bristow, President.

 

            Only six of the board members were present. However, we were pleased to have ten visitors present for this meeting. They were: Mrs. Bristow, Mrs. McCorkle, Mrs. Oler, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Gunter, Mr. Hamblen, Dr. McCorkle, Mr. Richey, Mr. Roberts and Mr. Welch.

 

            After enjoying a delicious ham dinner provided by Boles Home, we began our meeting. We talked about the proposed construction of a lake, and the possibility of selling fishing privileges to pay for it. I was asked to apply for aid through the Federal Soil Conservation Service in order to obtain the expert engineering, inspection and advisory service of their personnel in constructing the proposed dam and reservoir.

 

            Then we turned to the finances. I had gotten a proposed bid of $1,800.00 to construct a dam and clear timber from the lake area. Unfortunately, we were never able to complete this project. So many of our plans were affected by a lack of funds.

 

            Then I gave a tentative quotation of $7,900.00 to construct the dining hall–kitchen building. The quotation of $6,900.00 was given to build two bathhouses. The final minutes of the meeting were used to plan more fund raising. A plan was discussed to encourage interested people to make a monthly $5.00 pledge.

 

            The date for the next board meeting was set for February 19, 1959, 7:00 p.m., at the Church of Christ building in Mineola, Texas.

 

Moved To Mineola

 

            By the fall of 1958 (in the early history of Camp Deer Run), my family and I had accepted the work with the church in Mineola, Texas. We loved the brethren in Winnsboro, and did not have any problems with the Winnsboro church, and they were very supportive of the camp. However, we saw in Mineola, what we thought was a greater challenge, and we chose to accept that work.

 

            Most of the board meetings were conducted at Mineola since it was more centrally located for the others. But it was still difficult to get the board together. There seemed to be the attitude of some that I should just carry on without them. To be honest with you, this was often a heavy load for me along with serving a larger and active congregation.

 

            The board members were such fine Christian men, and only one time I expressed my disappointment with some of them. In a letter to them, dated February 28, 1959, I wrote:

 

            "I must admit at the very beginning that I am disappointed in us as a board of directors. Not as a group of men or quantified men, because I personally feel that we have the very top men in the brotherhood. But my disappointment is that we (as a whole) have not applied ourselves properly to Camp Deer Run. Most of us have talked about the camp, given money, but we have never really gotten down to true business. If we have done our best, then we certainly have a difficult hard-hearted brotherhood.

 

            Perhaps you may be thinking that I have not done my part as president. If so, you are justified in such thoughts. But there is one thing that I want each of you to remember; I AM A FULL TIME MINISTER. If my job was for the camp only, things might be different. I began this job alone and found it was too much for one man. That is the reason why a board was selected that we might all work together. When I receive mail from families, they do not think of me as being the only leader—they think of all eleven men, and this is the way it should be. We all have the same equal responsibility to the camp."

 

            This statement was followed by a plan to be considered at the meeting on the following Thursday for the board members to raise money.

 

            After the above letter, a greater effort was made by each board member to get involved. Due to busy schedules and appointment conflicts, it was difficult to have meetings. Therefore, I tried to keep the board members informed by letters. Some members of the board would call me by phone and express their personal feelings and decisions about the camp.

 

   The following letter is an example of how I communicated with the board:

 

   "I am writing this letter to inform you concerning the work of Camp Deer Run. Looking over the past it seems like the work has gone slowly, but it is now beginning to move more rapidly. We have now approximately $700.00 in the bank and the majority of the card promoters have not sent in their money.

 

   I met with Mr. Crome today and this is what I learned. He either begins work now on Camp Deer-Run or begins work on a plant which will tie him up for approximately six or eight months. I knew this would really put a stop to our plans, so I asked him if he would begin work on four (4) cabins and then after completion of them we would know whether or not we had the money to continue. This was agreeable to him. In fact, he offered to build the en­tire amount with just our promise to pay, but I felt it was the desire of the board to keep our feet on safe ground. Therefore, he will begin work this coming Monday on four other cabins.

 

   I plan to take pictures of these men at work and show them at our big meeting February 3rd. Bro. Dykes is sending me colored slides of Camp Wyldewood facilities and activities. These too, will be shown. Please let me encourage you with all my heart to push your cards to be ready for February 3rd with a full card. If you find it impossible to fill due to small town, after you have done your best, turn your card over to an interested person in a neighboring town that has not been worked. All 14 cards are now in circulation, and if every one will do their part and have them filled, Camp Deer-Run will truly be on its way.

 

   Efforts are being made to get the commissioner to work on our road. In fact, he has agreed to build one. With the work gett­ing under way, it is possible that he will oil it later.

 

   Information concerning printing a bulletin every three months for the camp is being obtained. This information along with prices will be presented at next meeting.

 

   Two of our leading papers "Christian Chronicle" and "Gospel Advo­cate" are carrying the story of Camp Deer—to be run in the near future. Bro. Willie Hamblen of Omen Road in Tyler is writing a newspaper article on the camp, for the Grand Saline Sun each week, and it shall appear during the month of January. Yes, I sincerely believe that the camp is on the march, but it will progress only as rapidly as we make it do so.

 

   It is still important that you mail your collected money to me each week along with names and addresses of those who have given.

 

   Sincerely,

 

Benny Bristow

President

 

A Big Question

 

   As we got closer to the summer of 1959 (the time we hoped to open the first session of the camp), the question was continually raised, "Can we do it this summer?"  The answer to this question came down to finances. Therefore, members of the board asked me to put the decision in the hands of those who would sacrifice with their financial support. On February 20, 1959, I mailed this letter:

 

   You Hold The Key

 

Dear Friend of Youth,

 

We the Board of Directors of Camp Deer-Run hope that by this time you are acquainted with our plans for opening a Summer Youth Camp. During the past few months, articles have appeared in the leading papers of the Brotherhood, and many have been busy talking about it. All of this was necessary to get you acquainted with our plans, but now we must get down to serious business if Camp Deer-Run for our youth, becomes a reality.

 

Each week we receive many letters asking this question, "WILL THE CAMP BE OPENED THIS SUMMER?" We also would like to know the answer to this question. YOU hold this answer in your heart. On March 5th, the Board of Directors will meet to decide whether or not the camp can be ready for this Summer, and our decision will be based on your response for help. Therefore, you hold the KEY that will either invite the youth IN or keep them OUT.

 

We realize that you as a Christian have many responsibilities and opportunities to help good works. Thus, we have tried to make it easy for you to help Camp Deer-Run for youth. Enclosed you will find a card that you may use for your convenience. Simply sign your name and give the date you promise to pay Camp Deer-Run the sum of $5.OO per month for a period of six months. Return this card and you will be a part of this great work. Brethren, please don't lay this aside! Give us a chance to help mold thousands of young lives to follow Christian principles.

 

Yours For Christ and Youth,

 

Benny B. Bristow

President

 

             By the time the above letter was mailed to supporters, the building of the Camp had been published both in Texas, and to the brotherhood. In the January 15, 1959 issue of the GOSPEL ADVOCATE, a forceful article by P. D. Wilmeth was published. His article went immediately to telling about the camp. He begins:

 

             "Camp Deer Run is a camp site in Eastern Texas, located on a tract of land about fifty miles north of the beautiful city of Tyler. Benny B. Bristow, evangelist for the church in Mineola has supplied the inspiration for the camp up to now, even leasing on a long term, the one hundred eighteen-acre site.

 

   The camp will be dedicated to young people for Christian education purposes. Christian supervision, counseling and instruction will be available during the actual operational sessions of the camp from June through August. The camp will, when completed, accommodate hundreds of students, throughout the summer, ranging in ages ten through fifteen years. Special sessions are planned for older teenagers. If need arises, one session will be devoted to handi­capped and under-privileged children. Special ar­rangements may be made for adults to use the facil­ities if their requests be in harmony with the purpose of the camp as stated in the charter.

 

Emphasis will be given to the highest of Chris­tian ideals. Cleanliness, godliness, and modesty will be taught each day. The boys and girls will hot be permitted to swim together, wear shorts, smoke or engage in any function that might influence them toward evil.

 

Camp Deer Run is now raising funds, which are tax deductible. Tentative plans call for opening in June 1959. This is dependent on necessary finances coming in on the project, together with construction.

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

The camp is operated by a Board of Christian Di­rectors, comprising the following members:

 

                                      Benny Bristow, Mineola, Texas

                                      P. D. Wilmeth, Tyler, Texas

                                      Gayle Oler, Boles Home, Quinlan, Texas

                                      E. H. Smith, Jr., Winnsboro, Texas

                                      H. Clyde McLendon, Tyler, Texas

                                      Tillit S. Teddlie, Greenville, Texas

                                      Robert D. Bankes, Longview, Texas

                          I.          M. Howell, Hawkins, Texas

                                      C. W. Presley, Winnsboro, Texas

                                      Winston Atkinson, Tyler, Texas

 

Quotes

 

    "I believe that Christian camps are one of the best ways to provide Bible training and clean recreation for our young people." —Harvey M. Arnold, minister, Gilmer church of Christ.

 

"I feel that Deer Run youth camp will be a great influence in training the young people of East Texas in spiritual values. Under competent, consecrated leadership, our young people can be trained for greater and more useful service in the kingdom of Christ." —Tillit S. Teddlie, renowned preacher, writer and composer.

 

"There is every laudable reason why we need a summer Christian camp in East Texas. We have hun­dreds of boys and girls who must go long distances to camps. Camps give expression for living Chris­tianity in every-day experiences under Christian su­pervision and direction. Every parent will want to help support this camp with time, money, energy, and prayer. Summer camps are not in the experimental stage. We have been seeing the value in such camps for the past many years. We have no such facility in the Eastern Texas area. We have hundreds, even thousands of youth in this section and certainly the time is far past for the establishment of such a camp. We are indeed fortunate and indebted to Benny B. Bristow, and Mrs. Susie M. Shaw, the mother of Mrs. Bristow, for leasing the land for a period of fifty years." —P. D. Wilmeth, widely known minister, au­thor and counselor.

 

What Is My Part?

 

Each individual Christian can have a small part in this significant venture. He can stand behind the work with full support. The camp needs money and labor. Any contribution, whether large or small, will be a stepping-stone in making Camp Deer Run a reality. The twelve cabins planned will cost approx­imately $500 per cabin. The dining room and assem­bly hall combination with kitchen, central bathhouses, canteen and infirmary, will run the total up to above $15,000. A small portion of this amount is now in hand, but the major part is yet to be raised. A charge will be made for each person who attends. This will take care of meals, housing, all recreation, liability insurance, health, etc.

 

Funds may be sent to Camp Deer Run, Box 329, Winnsboro, Texas, or to any member of the board of directors. Contributions made to the camp are de­ductible from income tax.

 

 

Many people in East Texas responded with their purpose cards to give $5.00 per month for six months. When the Board of Directors met on March 5, 1959, it was decided to open the camp on July 5, 1959.

 

We had available only five cabins, the dining hall/kitchen, and one bathhouse, but the decision was to "GO!" Due to limited facilities, the boys and girls would have separate sessions. The swimming pool would be twelve-feet in diameter by four feet deep, and would be located on top of the ground. However, the attitude was to show the brotherhood that we are serious about providing this camp for our youth. Therefore, a brochure was mailed to all churches in East Texas.

 

 

Camp Deer Run Opens

 

     I was chosen by the board to direct the camp assisted by my wife Gwen. It would be impossible to describe the days of preparation only one month before the camp opened. However, with others helping day and night, when July 5 came, we were ready to open the doors.

 

     Gwen taught the Bible class for these first twenty-two girls on the various women of the Bible. On the last day of the session, they wrote about how the lessons that week had changed their lives. All of these reports were great, but here is a sample of one of the girls:

 

     "From the study of six Bible women this past week, it is hard to pick one that I enjoyed most of all; for I enjoyed and learned a great deal from each lesson. I have, however, picked out two, which have seemed to help my personality and most of all my character.

 

     I want to be gentle, tactful, and intelligent as Abigail. Many times I jump to conclusions before thinking the matter through—results—possibly the loss of a soul.

 

     Another woman who helped me tremendously was Delilah. I am one to want what I cannot get—as all humans. Many times I have wanted to go with a boy and when I do go with him or when he begins to like me—what happens? He gets on my nerves. Yes, I have learned from the study of Delilah not to tease a boy and not to play with love. Even though as I am getting older, I have begun to see that, yet after this study, I see clearly the danger of false love.

 

     Yes, there are going to be some improvements made in the life of (gave her name). These improvements will not only affect me, but also my surroundings. Thanks to you, Gwen!" (The Bible teacher).

 

A Skit Given

 

     On the last night of this session, we had "Skit Night." The campers were very creative and entertaining. One thing that personally touched me, and proved without doubt, their appreciation for the camp, was a presentation to me. They called it, "This Is Your Life." This was a popular TV program at this time.

 

     The girls prepared a large booklet (made from a legal file folder) that was decorated with glitter with the words: This Is Your Life, Benny Bristow. They had gathered various facts from my wife about where I was born, attended school, when I met Gwen, and the more recent story of my dream to build Camp Deer Run.

    

     After relating my personal life, they had adults in the audience to stand (if they were present) as they related those who had helped with the camp. Here are some of their words:

 

     "First of all, all who give monthly to Camp Deer Run please stand. Then any who have given in any ways please stand. The people at the Gilmer Church of Christ have donated a lot—also the people from Tyler have given money and time—Winnsboro, Mineola and many others. Those who have donated cabins. Mr. & Mrs. Neal Thompson from Mineola have also made it possible for us to have beds and mattresses. If I left anyone out, please stand and tell where you are from."

 

     This part of this program closed by saluting the twenty-two girls who had attended that session of camp. The names of each cabin were given.

 

     Again, this was not only a personal and touching thing to me, but it reminded me of the power and influence of a Christian Youth Camp.

 

Picture Summary

 

     On July 16, 1959, THE WINNSBORO NEWS summarized in picture and words, the success of Camp Deer Run. Here is the full story:

 

CAMP DEER RUN BEGINS OPERATING IN HILLS, WOODS NEAR PERRYVILLE

 

     "Camp Deer Run, Winnsboro area's first summer camp, Saturday night graduated its first class — 22 girls — and today is entertaining its first contingent of boys from all over East Texas.

 

     Visitors flocked to the graduation night ceremonies, during which a talent show was presented, handcraft was displayed and hymns were sung. A meal of baked ham with all the trimmings was served beforehand.

 

     Located in the heavily forested hills of the "Big Woods" of western Wood County, four miles southwest of Perryville, the camp is a non-prophet organization. Founded by Benny Bristow, president of the board of the organization and former minister of the local Church of Christ, it is open to the youth of East Texas, regardless of religious affiliation.

 

     In barely over a year members of the local Church of Christ, and of the Mineola church, which Mr. Bristow now heads, have changed the headquarters area of the 118-acre camp from a wilderness of trees and underbrush to a neat, well-organized camp, with five 16x16 concrete block cabins, a 125x25 feet dining hall and kitchen, central bath house, ball diamond, badminton and volley ball courts. A large portable pool is used for swimming. A lake, a recreation and classroom building, and 14 cabins, or room for 140 boys and girls, is planned for next year, when length of camp will be extended from one to two weeks.

 

     Reservations for the camp are flooding in from such places as Dallas, Ft. Worth and Houston.

 

     The cabins are being built in a semi-circle down the hill from the dining hall and kitchen. One row of cabins will be for boys and the opposite row for girls. Plans for a second central bathhouse and a concession stand are in the making. Founders of the camp envision a lake-swim pool dug on the spring-fed Little Sandy Creek below the buildings.

 

     Charter members of the first class at Camp Deer Run were: Linda Atkins, counselor, Tyler; Jamie Huckabay, Tyler; Elaine Weitzel, Houston; Elaine West, Dallas; Sue Steelman, Gilmer; Sandra Dawson, Marshall; Charlotte Smith, counselor, Winnsboro; Trudie Smith, Arlington; Karen Holloway, Gilmer; Bobbie Jo Shirley and Glenda Ann.