The Outdoor Boys are a group of adventurous young men who love exploring the great outdoors. Their exciting escapades have been chronicled in a popular series of books by American author Captain Quincy Allen. But where exactly do these intrepid lads reside when not embarking on their latest expedition?
Introduction
The Outdoor Boys consist of 4 main characters – Wil Willis, son of a wealthy railroad owner; Andy Green, a farm boy; Terry Mackson, whose father owns a mine; and Frank Dawson, son of a retired sea captain. Together, this plucky quartet have traversed forests, islands, rivers, and mountains all across America in search of adventure.
In the books, some details are provided about the Outdoor Boys’ hometowns and houses, giving clues as to where they might live. By examining the descriptions in the texts closely, we can piece together a reasonable idea of the locations and environs inhabited by our heroes when not on the road.
Where Does Wil Willis Live?
As the wealthy son of a railroad magnate, Wil Willis resides in luxury and comfort. In the first novel of the series, The Outdoor Boys on the Gulf, it is mentioned that Wil’s palatial home is close to railroad tracks:
“Wil Willis, the son of a wealthy railroad contractor whose lines threaded that region, lived near the tracks in a big house that was almost a mansion.”
This indicates that Wil’s family lives in proximity to a busy railroad hub. Given the time period of the early 20th century, this would most likely be a major city in the Midwest, Northeast or Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.
Specific clues point to Wil living somewhere near the Great Lakes. In one book, the lads travel to Buffalo, NY and it is said they have “hundreds of miles to cover to get back home.” This suggests Wil’s hometown is a reasonable distance from Buffalo, but further west.
Cleveland, Toledo, Detroit, and Chicago are all possibilities. However, Chicago can likely be ruled out as it is directly referenced in the books as a destination the boys travel to – indicating it is not Wil’s hometown.
Based on the descriptions provided, Wil Willis most likely lives in a grand house in or near Cleveland or Toledo, Ohio close to major railroad lines.
Andy Green’s Farm
As a humble farm boy, Andy Green lives a modest lifestyle compared to wealthy Wil. Numerous references are made to Andy having to do daily chores on his family’s farm before he can get away to join his friends on adventures.
In one installment, Andy is repeatedly late to meet the gang because he has to finish his chores. It’s mentioned that his farm is five miles from the local village:
“It was nearly eleven o’clock before Andy Green showed up in the village, where the two chums waited for him, chafing at his tardiness. But Andy had many chores to do on the farm, five miles away.”
From this we can gather that Andy lives on a rural farmstead that’s a 5-mile ride by horse or wagon from the nearest town center.
There are also hints that Andy’s family farm is either located in upstate New York or possibly Pennsylvania:
“Andy declared his folks kept him so busy he scarcely had time to sleep. But at last he managed to give them the slip and joined the Outdoor Boys at Lake Cameron, in New York.”
Considering the frequent trips described between Andy’s farm, Lake Cameron, and other Northern Atlantic states, northern New York or rural central/western Pennsylvania seem the most likely locations.
Andy Green thus probably lives on a farmstead approximately 5 miles from the nearest village, most likely situated in upstate New York or central Pennsylvania.
Terry Mackson’s Mining Town
As the son of a mine owner, Terry Mackson hails from a small mining community out West. Terry occasionally has to miss outings with his pals if his father needs help inspecting his various mines.
Based on the landscapes and travel times described in the books, Terry’s hometown is likely situated in one of the Rocky Mountain states. Passing references are made to mountains, mines, prairies, and cold winters – all geographical features of Colorado, Wyoming, or Montana.
In one book, the Outdoor Boys take a train to Terry’s hometown and it’s mentioned the ride takes 2-3 days from the Midwest. This helps narrow down the location to probably somewhere in western Colorado or eastern Wyoming.
Specific clues indicate the mining town is close to a river and possibly near a canyon. At one point Terry writes his friends:
“We have been very busy around the mines the last two weeks…One mine is pretty close to the river, and there was some danger of its being flooded.”
Given the available information, Terry Mackson most likely lives in a mining town in western Colorado, possibly near the banks of the Colorado River or close to the Red Canyon.
Captain Frank’s Coastal Home
Frank Dawson’s father is a retired sea captain who settled down in a coastal town to serve as the local Harbor Master. Frank thus lives in a coastal community, perhaps on the East Coast or the Gulf of Mexico.
In one passage, Frank and his father have the following exchange when the Outdoor Boys invite Frank on an expedition inland:
“How far away is it, dad?” asked Frank.
“Oh, I should say about fifty miles from the ocean,” answered Captain Dawson. “Too far inland for an old salt like me!”
This indicates the Dawson’s coastal hometown is within 50 miles of the open ocean. Additional clues suggest a temperate southern climate, as theboys frequently travel to Frank’s home by boat and engage in activities like fishing for sharks and boating among palm trees.
One detail places Frank’s residence as being accessible from the Mississippi River system:
“After leaving Andy Green, the three chums…next headed for Frank Dawson’s home town, which was on one of the rivers flowing into the Mississippi.”
Frank Dawson likely lives in a seaside town on or near the Gulf Coast of the United States, probably along the shores of the Mississippi River delta in Louisiana.
The Outdoor Boys’ Special Retreat
In addition to their individual homes, the Outdoor Boys have a special wilderness retreat they consider their own special headquarters – Lake Cameron and Cameron Island!
Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, picturesque Lake Cameron and its island provide the boys with an ideal nature spot for camping, fishing, and planning their outdoor activities away from civilization.
Outfitted with a log cabin and adjacent cave, the island serves as the perfect remote basecamp for the chums and the stage for many adventures. Wil eventually buys Cameron Island in the fourth book of the series to ensure the gang always has access to the beloved lake.
So when not at their family dwellings, the Outdoor Boys can often be found exploring Lake Cameron and making upgrades to their secret island hideaway. For Will, Andy, Terry, and Frank, the lake truly feels like home.
Conclusion
By analyzing clues and contextual passages from the classic Outdoor Boys books, we can piece together likely home locations for the endearing lead characters:
- Wil Willis – A stately family mansion, probably in Cleveland or Toledo, Ohio near major railroad hubs.
- Andy Green – A rural farmstead 5 miles from the nearest village, likely in upstate New York or central Pennsylvania.
- Terry Mackson – A mining town, most likely in western Colorado near a river canyon.
- Frank Dawson – A coastal seaside town, possibly near the Mississippi River delta in Louisiana.
Additionally, the boys have their wilderness retreat at Lake Cameron and Cameron Island in New York’s Adirondack Mountains.
Part of the charm of the Outdoor Boys series is visualizing where these loyal friends call home as they embark on their various escapades and adventures. Their hometown backgrounds provide context and insight into the boys’ characters. Next time you enjoy an Outdoor Boys book, keep an eye out for clues indicating where the lads live!