The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-03-11
CAMP SAUFLEY MAY
BE RE-OPENED SOON
Meeting Held at Rooms of Chamber
Of Commerce for Purpose of Plan
ming Development on Gulf Beach.


At an informal meeting held last
night in the rooms OF the Chamber
of Commerce. tentative plans were
made for the opening of Camp Saufiey,
which, through a permit granted by
the war department, has been turned
over to the Chamber of Commerce
for development.
A number Of men interested in
launch, pleasure craft and concessions,
as wclleas members OF the Chamber
of Commerce and other interested citi-
zens were present at the meeting, and
| the opinion generally expressed was
that the opening OF Camp Sauffey
would mean much in the way of at
traction and would act as a splendid
advertisement for Pensacola, drawing
visitors here who would later return
to visit the resort to be established at
the terminus Of the Gulf Beach high
way.
| In the event that Camp Saufley is
opened and good boat schedule es-
| tablished, the Louisville & Nashville
railroad has agreed to run weekend
excursions into Pensacola, with stop
over privileges from Friday to Monday
and an arrangement whereby the time
limit may be extended to ten days by
small additional payment.
1t was estimated by men who have
been connected with pleasure craft
and who were interested in hotels or
pavilions on the island prior to the
war, that at least 1900 people could be
counted upon to visit the island on
Sundays, and Fridays, even with ex-
cursions from outside of the city.
An informal discussion of equip
ment, schedules and rates brought out
the fact that already there are build
ings at Camp Saufley which might be
utilized, provided permission can be
obtained, which would make possible
their acquisition.
1t will be necessary to build a wharf,
and lighting system must be in
stalled. Besides this, crockery, bath
ing suits and other adjuncts must be
purchased.
The secretary of war has given per-
mission for Camp Saufley to be used
and to BIO converted into a pleasure
resort, provided it Is operated under
the direction of the Chamber of Com
merce, which is to guarantee that I'll
is conducted along the proper lines and
that no liquors are sold on the reserva-
ton, or drinking of intoxicants be per-
mitted.
1t Is estimated that the cost OF plac-
ing Camp Saufey In proper condition
will be considerable, and 1t is planned
to form a company which will finance
the development, the expenditures OF
which will be paid back from the re-
eeipts from concessions, rental of
bathing suits, and a small admission
charge to enter the grounds OF the gulf
resort.
Some OF the more optimistic at the
meeting were of the opinion that the
returns OF one season would finance
the proposition. Others failed TO agree
on this But 1t was pointed out that
while this development was planned to
take care of the situation here, prior
so the building of the Gulf Beach high |
way and the resort to be established
at its terminus, that the opening of
such a resort would in no way tend to |
kill the resort at Camp Saufley, but on
the contrary the two would work to-
gether for development, and Camp |
Sauhey might be operated for several
seasons.
That Pensacola needs such a resort |
was generally acknowledged. A sec
ond meeting will be called at some
date next week, when further plans |
will be worked out