Camp Gibbs Recreation Area

This property was purchased by the U.S. from the Michigan Mineral Land Company in 1934. In 1935, Camp Gibbs was established as a Civilian Conservation Corp camp. Nineteen buildings were constructed consisting of barracks, kitchen, shower room, bakery, garages and storage for the CCC workers. It is a unique example of vernacular American architecture of the period. The material and methods of construction represent a time when frugality was critical to the survival of society. In the 1940s, the State of Michigan Social Welfare Commission used the camp to house indigent people from all over the area.