This Day in History: 1953-07-24

The twelve high school age students who made up the American Friends Service Committee Work Camp sponsored by the Volunteer Committee Concerned with the People of the Ramapos completed the preliminary stages of the addition they were building on the AME Zion Church on Grove Street. They had been living at the home of Josephine Turslow Adams on the mountain. They  walked down to the work project each day and labored with people from the church community in laying the foundation and framework for the large extension to the rear of the historic church. The yard had been landscaped and a porch added to the front of the structure, and a septic system constructed. The young people worked under the supervision of Dr. and Mrs. Warren Smith of Penn State University, two councilors, and a work supervisor George Mann. They all share the work of preparing meals and maintaining their quarters. In everything, they attempt to build bridges of good will with the people of the community and have won over their confidence by their cheerfulness and sincere concern. (Bristow)