Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 03

In this lively recollection, a band of thirteen‑year‑old boys—Fibe, Rich, Pie, and the narrator—turn a stretch of forest near the Adams Farm into their own secret camp. Their mischievous exploits, from pilfering coal to borrowing eggs, set the tone for a summer of reckless freedom. When a tragic accident claims their friend Skinny at the “big‑kids” swimming hole, the incident haunts them and drives the need for a safe refuge.

Determined to build a place of their own, the boys sneak into town after dark, borrowing lumber, shingles and even a second‑hand stove through clever bargaining. Within weeks they assemble a ten‑by‑sixteen cabin with bunks, windows, and a porch—a modest yet proud headquarters for their adventures. The camp quickly becomes a hub for weekend escapes, stocked with homemade meals and shared stories.

Even the narrator’s father, initially reluctant, eventually joins a night‑long stay, bringing a sense of adult approval to the boys’ world. Together they enjoy fried apples, ham, and coffee under the lantern light, cementing the camp’s role as a cherished slice of independence and camaraderie.