Celebrating Boy Scouts of America February 6, 1949

       "Boys will be boys, they say. But we’re sure you'll agree they’ll be better, friendlier, happier boys if they’re in the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America. For 39 years, the Boy Scouts have made an increasing contribution to a better America through a well-planned, up-to-date program to meet boys’ interests.” Interlaken Review editorial February 4, 1949.

       The editorial continued, “Many a boy of 12 or over still needs to be informed of the exciting activities of Scouting. Many a parent needs to discover the values of Scouting for his boy. Many an adult needs to find out the enjoyment to be derived from helping boys find themselves through Scouting...”

       Highlighting the role of newspapers he concluded, “For these reasons we’re taking the opportunity—during Boy Scout Week—to fulfill our obligation as an information-medium, by reminding you of your responsibility to the boys of America—the Man of Tomorrow!

       Also, on the front page, one picture proclaims the 39^th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. The caption notes, “In every part of the nation more than 2,200,000 boys and their adult leaders will observe Boy Scout Week, Feb. 6^th to 12^th, marking the 39^th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.”

       Under the heading of Boy Scout News several events for the local scouts and their families were noted. “Sunday, the sixth, the Scouts are having special church services. The Scouts are having a Parents and Alumni Dinner, on February 10, 1949.” Another article details the dinner plans, including, “one feature of the arrangements: the Scouts get their dinner free if one or both of their parents attends. Tickets for the dinner are 85 cents for one and $1.50 for two, where both parents attend.”

       One feature of the weekly newspaper was a report submitted by a Scout, normally the Troop Scribe, about events and activities. Interlaken Review, Friday, February 18, 1949: in an article written by Bernie Stout, Scribe for the Troop noted, “The Scouts’ banquet was a success…the dinner was excellent and was enjoyed by everyone who attended. The main speaker was Eldred Tunison.” Mr. Tunison is noted as being the first Scout Master of the Interlaken troop, which was also the first troop in Seneca County. Bernie Stout concluded his report, “His speech was very interesting…[there was also] a display of documents of the first Scout Troop.”

       That first troop was sponsored by Rev. E.B. VanArsdale of the Interlaken Reformed Church. He was assisted by Eldred Tunison and James Grant.

       May 1911, the members of the troop were part of the Memorial Day parade and afterward posed for the above photo. Through the efforts of others, we have the names of these young men.

       Back row, left to right: Fred Stout, Ken Farlen, Seward Case, John Bogart, Bob Edington, Royal VanArsdale, Bob Manning.

       Front row, left to right: Leon DeMont, Guy Torbert, Basil Melville, Lyle VanArsdale, Harry Peterson, John Chadwick, Orin Severn.

       Additional members of that first troop who were not present for the picture are Guy Fowler, Ray Allen, John Quinn, Joe Kellogg, Henry Bassett, Geo. Kellogg, Merrill Swick and George Stout. These names are contained in an undated newspaper article in the Interlaken Historical Society collection. The photo has been preserved as a photo post card of the era.

       Over the years the Interlaken Scouts have served and assisted the community in many ways. In April 1928, after training by the Fire Chief the Scouts arrived at the fire scene with a coil of rope. They proceeded to rope off streets and direct traffic. [1928 Fire on Main Street]

       Boy Scouts have changed throughout the 114 years since its beginning. One of the most significant changes is the admission of young ladies several years ago.

       To all those who have been part of Scouting in the past, to those working within Scouting today, we say Happy Birthday. Thank you for all you have done for so many, and best wishes for the future.

 

Dewitt’s Diary, Sunday, February 6, 1949: Temperature 10 degrees, clear. A fine sunny day. Went fox hunting, plenty of tracks but no foxes. I saw a deer in Covert apple orchard. Strong south wind and warmer. Went to movie in town tonight.