10/07/2026
Jim DeVilbiss, the Great Grandson of Thomas A. DeVilbiss, visited Camp Miakonda at the DeVilbiss Scout Reservation today for a tour. When walking the camp, visitors will notice several references to Thomas A. DeVilbiss, who was one of the camp’s first major benefactors. In 1924, Thomas donated $30,000, which was used for camp improvements and to pay off a mortgage from a 1922 land purchase. When Thomas died in 1928, he left another $25,000 to the camp. Prior to his passing, Thomas had served as the Council’s President in 1928.
Thomas was the son of Dr. Allen DeVilbiss, who started The DeVilbiss Manufacturing Company in 1888 to manufacture atomizers for throat ailments. Thomas pushed the business to expand into perfume atomizers and paint sprayers. By 1917, the company was doing business as The DeVilbiss Company. In 1970, DeVilbiss Co. became part of Champion Spark Plug.
The pictures in the post share several of the references to Thomas A. DeVilbiss that are found at the camp. Also shown, are products and memorabilia from The DeVilbiss Company, including: a spray gun, atomizers, vaporizer, and employee pins.
Erie Shores Council is proud of the history of our camp, as well as the connection to the DeVilbiss name. We are extremely thankful for the time that Jim DeVilbiss spent with us during his visit to the camp.
