Every staff cabin was assigned a name in Camp Hinds, usually Maine river-related, like Kennebec, Presumpscot and Androscoggin, but this cabin’s original name has been forgotten.  In the forties it stood about where the Konecki Health Lodge is now sited, but when Frank Bailey became the resident of this cabin the decision was made to move it out of the mainstream of camp life.  The name "Skid Ridge" was applied after Frank Bailey, Spud Nason, and Fred Foster moved the cabin on to the hill by using skids, block and tackle, and truck power.  This cabin was used by Frank Bailey until his retirement.

The Skid Ridge Saga

It all started because Uncle Dick snored. Dick Gustafson, Camp Hinds Waterfront Director, and Uncle Frank Bailey shared Androscoggin Cabin and Frank was not getting enough sleep. He mentioned to me one time that “you can love a fellow Scouter dearly, but not getting a good night’s sleep, night after night, is wearing on one’s nerves.”

The decision was finally made for Frank to occupy the cabin which once stood near where the Konecki Health Lodge is now located. But first the cabin must be moved because it was too close to the road and to the council ring.

The professional  staff  were convinced that a large group of men and boys could simply lift the cabin and put it wherever it was to go.  I remember Dad (Uncle Spud) and Uncle Frank saying something like “Let them try; they’ll see!”

Well, it was tried, but with much grunting, grimacing and futile effort, the “crew” failed to even budge that building.

Next it was decided that Camp Ranger, Fred Foster, need only to hook the camp truck to the cabin with a chain and tow it to its final destination. This also failed.

Finally Frank and Spud asked the Camp Director, “Do you want this thing moved? Then let us show you how!”

As young men, both Frank and Spud had had experience moving huge things and now that experience was to be put to good use.  A log skid was constructed and put under the cabin. Next heavy chains and a large set of block and tackle were obtained. Expertly using this equipment and with Fred driving the truck, the cabin began to slowly move up the road toward Byrd Campsite. Trees along the way were used to anchor the tackle thus gaining the mechanical advantage. When the cabin was near the “driveway” to Byrd, the direction was shifted and the task of moving the cabin up the slope of the small hill began. With effort and many short moves, the cabin was skidded up the slope to its present location.

The cabin came to be known as Skid Ridge Cabin and for a number of camp seasons thereafter was the summer domicile of Uncle Frank Bailey.  Uncle Dick was left to snore away in Androscoggin.

Clyde E. Nason, Jr. (Uncle Spudling)