DescriptionIn 1924, the USFS granted a permit to the Western Montana Council of Boy Scouts to construct this summer camp, originally a tent camp. A more permanent facility was needed by the late 1930s. The WPA and CCC provided funds and manpower to construct the present camp on SeeleyLake, named for Montana artist Edgar S. Paxson. The rustic log buildings were constructed in 1939 and 1940 under the direction of the USFS. This is the only CCC-constructed youth camp in Montana. Designed to fit the natural landscape, the 20 buildings of saddle-notched native larch demonstrate excellent craftsmanship, made more remarkable because CCC workers were primarily “city boys” trained on the job. The Missoula Children’s Theatre has managed the camp since 1995 under a special-use permit from the Lolo National Forest.Personal NamesPaxson, Edgar S. Other Name(s)Camp PaxsonContributing InstitutionMontana Historical Society Library and ArchivesGeolocation[1] Elevation4004 ftCountyMissoula County
