In 1945, Elizabeth Trumbull granted 120+ acres of wild woodland to the Lynn Lions.[1]  Three members of the Lynn Lions held on to the Lions Real Estate Trust.[2]  For the Lynn Lions could not hold title to the property, Camp Lion was created and "Taxes thus were avoided."[3]

There was a covenant created in the Articles of Declaration for Camp Lion as a non-profit organization, to maintain the wild woodland for a campground.[4]

In later years, the Lynn Lions ran a capital campaign to raise funds, $15,000 min. in rebuilding the campground [5] (while in the same period, land was transferred to private parties.[6])  As members of the Chamber of Commerce,[7] the Lions allowed the labor council to publicly request funds to help the camp be "tenants for life at no cost.” [8] The Lions assured the public the land was "reserved for the exclusive use of Girl Scouts and their various outdoor projects”.[9] Donations poured in,[10] public subscriptions in donations were made,[11] bonds were sought,[12] and the Marines donated time and resources to help build a facility. [13]

Only 70 acres of the land granted by Elizabeth Trumbull remains today.  Lost acres transferred to private parties, today are known as 460 Highland Avenue (Walmart plaza), 462 Highland (Meineke), 400 Highland Place shopping plaza (in front of condominiums), Highland Condominiums, the cell tower areas, residential lots, and Easi Self Storage facility. [6]

News of 25+ more acres is under a current sale agreement for a Lowe’s, Super-Wal-mart expansion, Meineke expansion, Salem water tower and displaced camp facilities, leaving nearly 49 acres of the original 120.   It was the Lion’s ‘wisdom of the purchase’ to maintain a wild woodland for a campground, yet the land is continuing to be transferred to private parties. [6]


References:  Found in each link [#] above.