Former SDC summer camp yields clues to Valley history

Senior State Archaeologist Breck Parkman
stands in what's left of Camp Butler
photo: Beth Schlanker/Press Democrat

There's an interesting story in the Press Democrat this week that includes a bit of Sonoma Developmental Center history. (see Archaeologists examining 1930s-era summer camp at Sugarloaf state park, 12/11/11, by Bob Norberg.)

Back in 1920, when the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) was known as Sonoma State Hospital, the Center acquired property along Adobe Canyon in the northern part of Sonoma Valley to build a dam to create a reservoir. Plans were ultimately stopped by neighbors, and in 1964, the land became a state park.

But while SDC still had the property, a summer camp for children was operated there, providing an outlet for Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls during the years of the Great Depression. Staff of the California Department of Parks and Recreation are now documenting what remains of the camp site.

According to the PD article, the camp was built in 1931 and named after Dr. Frederick Butler, who was superintendent of the Center from 1917 to 1948. It was closed at the advent of World War II and never reopened.

Breck Parkman, Senior State Archaeologist is quoted as saying, "What is not apparent is whether the campers were wards of the state center, children of the staff or both."

Do you have any stories about or experience of the camp -- or know anyone who attended outings there? You can email Parent Hospital Association at info@parenthospitalassociation.org. It would be great to know more and pass the information on.