1978 Camp Powhatan Map Donated to Archive

In 1978, James Potter painted this map of Camp Powhatan which (I believe) was placed in a kiosk at the edge of the parade field. A few years later, in 1983, his younger brother Mark repaired and updated the map. The modified painting eventually became outdated and was removed. I’m not sure of the year, but it was headed for the dumpster because there was no use for it anymore.

As luck would have it, the large painting (just over 3’x4′) was salvaged and kept safe for over 25 years by lodge historian Steve Isom, who presented it to me for the archives earlier this year. It has a broken frame which can be easily repaired, although the temptation at this point is to take it off the frame altogether, and roll it up in a safe container. It’s backing is a piece of scrap table cloth (non-archival, to say the least), and it’s attached to a pine wood frame with roofing nails. Now that I have a hi-definition reference photo, there is no pressing need to keep it on the broken frame.

Those are my long-term thoughts, anyway. For now, I’ll probably just repair the frame and hang it on the wall at the archive for visitors to enjoy.

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