Author Archives: Mike Sonnenberg

Camp Washington Carver, was named after Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. It is located in Clifftop, West Virginia and holds a significant place in the state’s history. Originally established in 1942 as the first statewide 4-H camp for African American youth, it served as a vital space for education, recreation, and cultural development during a time of racial segregation. The camp’s creation was the result of dedicated efforts by African American leaders who recognized the need for equal opportunities for young people in the state. The site’s historical importance is further emphasized by its well-preserved structures, including the impressive Great Chestnut Lodge, a testament to the craftsmanship of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) era.

Today, Camp Washington Carver has transitioned into a vibrant cultural arts center, continuing to serve the community through diverse programs and events. It hosts festivals like the renowned Appalachian String Band Music Festival, attracting visitors from across the region. The camp’s grounds are also available for private events, such as reunions and weddings, allowing people to experience the unique atmosphere of this historical landmark. By preserving its past and embracing its role as a cultural hub, Camp Washington Carver remains a valuable asset to West Virginia.

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The village of Lake Linden, on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula, suffered a devastating fire in May 1887 that destroyed 75% of its structures. Although the frame village hall survived, the village leaders believed a new fireproof structure with space for a fire station would be in the community’s best interest. In 1901, the village requested architectural designs and chose one submitted by Charles K. Shand of Calumet. Built by local contractor L. F. Ursin, the hall opened in 1902 and served as village offices, a fire station, a polling place, and a public meeting hall.

A propeller from the Lady Be Good, an American B-24 Liberator lost in the Libyan Desert in April 1943, is on display in front of the village hall. Crew member T/Sgt. Robert E. LaMotte of Lake Linden was a radio operator aboard the aircraft. His remains were found in the desert in 1960.

The Lady Be Good mysteriously disappeared without a trace on its first combat mission during World War II. The plane, from the 376th Bomb Group, was on a bombing raid to Naples on April 4, 1943, when it was lost. Although the aircraft was presumed to have crashed into the Mediterranean Sea, with the loss of its nine-man crew, it was eventually found 440 miles inland in the Libyan Desert in 1958. The remains of all but one crew member have been recovered.

It was accidentally discovered by a BP oil exploration team in 1958. Investigations concluded that the crew failed to realize they had overflown their air base in a sandstorm, possibly mistaking the moonlight reflecting on the wavy sand dunes for the sea. After continuing south into the desert for many hours beyond their estimated time of arrival, they bailed out when the plane’s fuel ran out. The survivors then died in the desert attempting to walk to safety.

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