Camp Haswell Fundraiser Announced to Preserve WPA-built Cabin on Cache Creek, Rumsey, CA

Cache Creek, Rumsey, CA - Local residents are rallying behind the preservation of the "Boy Scout Cabin" at Camp Haswell on Cache Creek, which was built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) using creek stone and mortar. The cabin has become a beloved recreational spot for locals and visitors alike and has withstood floods and severe wind for over 90 years.

Recently, the Yolo County Parks and Recreation department took over management of the cabin, and there was talk of demolishing the structure due to a needed roof replacement. However, Matt Gwerder, a young adult resident and licensed building contractor, grew up playing in the cabin and has taken it upon himself to spearhead the preservation project. With approval from Yolo County, Matt is donating his time and expertise to repair the roof and secure the building's future for generations to come.

To cover the cost of materials and permits, the Yolo County Historical Society is sponsoring the Camp Haswell Fundraiser. Community members are invited to donate to this worthy WPA project by sending a check made out to the Yolo County Historical Society, with "Camp Haswell" on the memo line, to PO Box 1447, Woodland, CA 95776. Donations may be tax-deductible, so donors are encouraged to check with their tax preparers.

Matt Gwerder, the contractor spearheading the project, said, "For me, keeping our history a part of the present is imperative to keep a strong culture and a gratitude for the past. If you erase history, you erase the future." Huber Roofing, another supporter of historic preservation, added, "When you preserve a historic property, you're not just saving wood and bricks - you're saving information about the lives of your ancestors. Historic buildings allow residents and tourists to experience an area's cultural history."

For more information or to ask any questions, please contact Moira Fitzgerald at fitzgerald011@gmail.com.