CEDAR LAKE CAMP (Part 3)
Able-bodied men from the church spent many weekends at Cedar Lake on "work parties." Without them, it is doubtful that Cedar Lake would have enjoyed the success it has already had, or would have even been able to operate. These "work parties" repaired the roofs of the log cabins, provided the dam with a wire fence, painted several of the cabins, and did general clean-up and maintenance around the property. The spring of 1956 saw these men spend many weeks rebuilding and expanding the kitchen facilities to accommodate 120 persons per meal. Had this not been done, Camp Cedar lake would have been a nightmare. The "work parties" did many other jobs to numerous to mention, without which the operation of Cedar lake could not be running as smoothly as it does.
Water is always a problem in any camp. All existing water lines at Cedar lake were on the surface of the ground, and were subject to freezing. The source of water for Cedar Lake is a spring above the property on government land. This spring feeds into a one-thousand gallon water tank on the edge of the property. this is the source of all domestic water for the lake.
At the time of the purchase by the church, the water lines coming from the tank consisted of 1) a two-inch galvanized pipe along the surface of the ground, serving the lodge and two other cottages, and 2) an overflow line running directly to the lake. Water was needed in the proposed campsites. To bring water to the desired area would have required over four-hundred feet of pipe. Fortunately, the overflow line crossed the desired position of a source of water. It was decided to erect a standpipe on the overflow line. This required two twenty-one foot lengths of pipe, as opposed to four-hundred feet. The erection of the standpipe took place, and was a source of water for two seasons.
In 1957 the water system was "winterized." This consisted of the placement of the two-inch galvanized line with four-inch transit pipe, which was laid forty-eight inches under the surface of the ground. This system is equipped with self-draining valves which will not freeze. Without the installation of this system, Cedar Lake would be restricted to summer use.
In order to make future plans for Cedar Lake, a topographical map of the property was needed. Considerable expense was entailed in the making of such a map by an aerial photographing method. The contours were set at intervals of five feet, which is adequate for all use except in dealing with the actual design of a particular structure. This topographical map was used as the basis of a relief map of the land. By using these two maps the future plans for the property can be made with more assurance.
In 1956 chain saws were brought to the virgin forests of Cedar lake. Only the more mature trees were removed. The logging operations took place almost entirely on the newly acquired quarter-section. The income from these operations was approximately $7,800.15 In addition to the added income, the value of the land was increased with the construction of the roads used during the logging operations.
As previously mentioned, the kitchen facilities were expanded in 1956. At the same time, the eating area was increased to the capacity of about sixty. Another room was later added to the lodge adjacent to the dining room. The next summer saw the construction of two dormitories, which was completed by "work parties." The major project of 1959 was the caretaker's house. This was done almost entirely by contractors from Big Bear.
The 1955 camp was established on a bare minimum. the facilities used for cooking were the same which the Bartlett family had used. There was one stove, no griddle, and one refrigerator. From these meager facilities came 1571 meals. The cost per meal was low, the quality high. There were only three camps that summer, with less than fifty campers total; however, these three camps were highly successful. Everybody learned something that summer, and the way was paved for bigger and better camps.
The 1956 camp was bigger, and better organized. There were one hundred forty-six campers from the church, including twenty-five adults. Over 4200 meals were served off the increased facilities.17 The size of the camps increased again in 1957. There were one hundred ninty-nine youth campers in nine camps. Sleeping facilities were increased. Over 5,500meals were served.18 In 1958 camps ran at capacity. Many needs were realized. The camping program was extended. The staff was much larger. History repeated itself in 1859. In the brief five years of its existence, Camp Cedar Lake has taken a giant step towards making a reality out of the desire to have the finest camp in Southern California.
(At this point there was to be additional data added, but no copy was found of the proposed data in the existing publication.)
What are the future plans for this lake and its camp? As far as the movie industry is concerned, it is good. the church will continue to rent the property to the movie people. There are several reasons for this policy. First, the added income will help to deplete the deficit they are now operating under. Second, the movie industry is good advertising for the property. Other organizations will be more eager to rent the camp. Third, what could give a small camper or an "old-timer" more thrill than to watch the making of a movie? A young camper would remember seeing a movie being made much longer than he would remember the actual camp. he would tell his friends when they were comparing notes on camps. In essence, the result is, "I've got something you haven't got"19
As far as the general public is concerned, the question is still undecided as to whether the lake will be open to the general tourist trade. The added income helps income helps in the maintenance of the property. 20 However, a better camp can be operated without the general public's disruption, destruction and disturbance.
By using Cedar lake, the church hopes to extend its services to Big Bear. It is hoped that a glass chapel which is suitable for winter use can be constructed overlooking the lake. A resident minister would be in charge of the program, inviting all in the area to attend chapel on Sunday morning.21
The church cannot use Cedar Lake every week of the year. The plan is to rent the property to other groups and have Cedar Lake in continual use. this will greatly help to cut operating expense and to achieve maximum use of Cedar Lake.22
For the youth, for whom the lake was bought, the hope is to maintain the finest camp in Southern California. The church realized the potential in Cedar Lake, and they are striving to develop it. Cedar lake has had a colorful past, and its future looks even brighter.