Camp Sherman Historical Society

Camp Sherman Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Camp Sherman. CSHS collects stories, photographs and reminders of the past. CSHS also works to support the preservation of historic properties and buildings in the area.

About Us

The Camp Sherman Historical Society (“CSHS”) was formed in June 2004 and received its 501(c)(3) status determination letter in August 2004. It is an all-volunteer organization. The purpose of CSHS is the accumulation and preservation of significant items, properties, structures, objects or data relating to the history of Camp Sherman. The focus of CSHS is to collect oral histories, photographs and articles relating to the area and to support the preservation of historic properties and sites in the area.CSHS assisted in the restoration of the Camp Sherman Community Hall, a property listed on the National Historic Register. In 2006, the CSHS successfully completed roof repairs, replicating the doors and stove plates for the cooking facilities, and interpretive signs regarding the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) for the 3 CCC-constructed picnic shelters on the Metolius River near Camp Sherman. Again in 2016, the CSHS began additional repairs on the fireplace in the Camp Sherman Campground.In 2005, CSHS began its effort to record oral histories of some of the very old timers to preserve the history of the area. Many of those people are no longer here, so we’re happy to have captured their voices. CSHS created two short and one longer video from those oral histories on the history of Camp Sherman. This longer video on the early history of Camp Sherman (70 minutes) is a combination of excerpts from the oral histories.

Site Preservation

CSHS works to preserve historic sites and structures in the area. CSHS assisted in the restoration of the Camp Sherman Community Hall and the 3 Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) constructed picnic shelters on the Metolius River near Camp Sherman.

Campground Picnic Shelters Constructed by Civilian Conservation Corp

The Metolius Basin is considered a jewel of Oregon and was described as "a remarkable and a state treasure" when it was designated a Wild and Scenic River (WSR) in 1988. One objective of the WSR Management Plan is the preservation of the picnic shelters constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) during the 1930s. The CCC had a camp in the area from 1933 to 1942 and its crews constructed many facilities in the area.In 2006 the CSHS, in conjunction with the Forest Service/Sisters Ranger District and the Friends of the Metolius, successfully completed roof repairs, replicating the doors and stove plates for the cooking facilities, and interpretive signs regarding the CCC for the 3 CCC-constructed picnic shelters on the Metolius River near Camp Sherman. In 2016 an effort began to restore the fireplace and chimney in the Camp Sherman campground CCC shelter to avoid future collapse of the fireplace and assure the continued viability and safety of the shelter. This project was completed in 2017. In 2018, chimney caps were installed on the Pine Rest Shelter and the Pioneer Ford Shelter fireplace chimneys, and additional restoration work completed on the Pine Rest Shelter fireplace mortar.

Community Hall Restoration

The Community Hall was constructed by the community in 1948 (pictured below). In 2004, volunteers from the Camp Sherman community completed a major renovation of the Camp Sherman community hall. The project included excavations beneath the building to replace floor beams and sill plates, installation of a new heating system, and restoration and refinishing of the floor in the main hall. The fireplace and chimney were also repaired, and new front doors were installed. The projected was financed by contributions from the local community and a grant from the State Historic Preservation Office and a grant from the CSHS.

Film, Photo, Book

The following videos and cards were collected from members of the Camp Sherman community and compiled completely by volunteers. They propagate knowledge and appreciation of the roots and stories of Camp Sherman. All are available for purchase by donation and proceeds support the continued efforts of CSHS to preserve the rich history of Camp Sherman.

Cards and Envelopes

5 cards per packageSuggested Donation: 1 package for $15.00 or 2 packages for $25.00

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