Scherr, Merle S.

This article describes the tenth anniversary celebration of Camp Bronco Junction on July 24, 1977. Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) Executive Director John A. Gable represented the TRA at the West Virginia camp for asthmatic children because Theodore Roosevelt suffered from asthma as a child. The article details the day’s activities, the speakers and special guests, including two heavyweight boxers, and describes the camp’s facilities and staffing. 

 

The photograph which accompanies the article shows TRA Executive Director John A. Gable with one of the campers.

Richard Billing Thoman discusses Theodore Roosevelt’s childhood struggle with asthma. Thoman worked at Camp Bronco Junction in West Virginia, a camp designed for asthmatic children, and he notes that Roosevelt used a vigorous exercise and conditioning regime to help him combat his affliction. Thoman says that Camp Bronco Junction allows children with asthma to pursue physical activities just as Roosevelt did.

 

An accompanying photograph shows Mrs. John D. Rockefeller IV (Mrs. Sharon Percy Rockefeller), the First Lady of West Virginia, with a camper at Bronco Junction.