Eponymous Properties of the Greater Alabama Council

In the Greater Alabama Council, there are dozens of properties and locations that have been named after an individual. The legacies of these individuals live in these locations, but their stories are often unknown or untold. The goal here is to identify those properties and write a 250-word bio for each person that has been immortalized in this way.

Hugh M. Comer Scout Reservation

Hugh M. Comer was a former council president for Chocolocco Council.

C. M. Jesperson Dining Hall

C. M. Jesperson served on the board with Hugh Comer, then succeeded Comer as Council President.

Moran Colburn Trading Post

Mr. Colburn was an institution amongst the members of Achunanchi Lodge, where he served as the Dance Team adviser for more than 25 years and was recognized with the Vigil Honor in 1957.

Mr. Colburn spent 44 summers on summer camp staff, including 39 years at the Camp Comer Trading Post. The trading post was renamed in his honor at the 2009 Coosa Lodge American Indian Seminar. Mr. Colburn was present for this dedications ceremony, surrounded by friends and family.

He served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for the 1953 National Boy Scout Jamboree at Irvine Ranch, California.

In addition to the Vigil Honor, Mr. Colburn was recognized with the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope Awards, the Order of the Arrow Founder’s Award, and the James E. West Fellowship Award.

Mr. Colburn became involved in Scouting in 1934 when he joined Troop 29 at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. He continued to serve Troop 29 for more than 70 years, touching the lives for more than 1,000 deaf Scouts. He served as Scoutmaster for 47 years, Post Advisor for 37 years, Indian Dance Team Coordinator for 37 years, and Cubmaster for 31 years.

Charles "Chuck" Tate Waterfront

Named for the camp's longtime waterfront director at Comer.

Flatt Rock Arena

Named for James Flatt in reocgnition of his service as Lodge Adviser and oversight of the arena's construction.

Lake Achunanchi

Named after the Order of the Arrow lodge that served Comer Scout Reservation and the Chocolocco Council from 1938 through 1999.

Camp A. C. Michaels

A.C. Michaels was a member of the national council. May have had ties to the Anniston area. He was present for the council banquet in 1957 where the Silver Beaver awards were presented.

Frank Spain Scout Reservation

Chief Cross Lake

• TBD

Butler Dining Hall

• TBD

Harry Merril Road

• TBD

Camp Drake

Named after Joseph F. Drake.

Council Service Centers

Goodloe Service Center

John Goodloe was a past Tennessee Valley Council president.

Others

• TBD