HORSESHOE - "A REAL CAMP FOR REAL BOYS"

1929 - 1940

His Own Campfire

Let a camper thrill to his own campfire.
Let him find his wood and tinder at the dusk of day.
Let him light his fire and nurture it tenderly, feeding it, controlling it, and keeping it personally small.
Let him forecast his needs so as to keep his fire bright.
Let him sit on his bed, at the open edge of his tent before his dancing fire, watching the flames lick his small kettle and set the water bubbling.
Let him thrill to being alone with his fire, his thoughts, his fears, his dreams, and with the responsibility of keeping that light alive.
Let him feel the warmth of the glowing coals, hear the noises of the night, and peer into the shadows.
Let him fall asleep, safely, soundly, to wake to find the dead gray ashes still hiding the hot coals that can be awakened to service with the ready tinder and waiting twigs.
Let him pack his gear, deaden his fire, clean his camp, and shoulder his pack to return to his fellows, having experienced "his own campfire."

- J.K."Korister" Wismer

1929 The name of our camp had been announced in the Camp Echo newspaper this past summer - "Our camp will be known as 'THE HORSESHOE' until an official name has been given it." Appropriately, that name became a fixture. The first Indian ceremonies in the new Council Ring built near the Sherwood Forest camp that summer also took on the name of "The Horseshoe."

Chief Heistand called upon his experiences with the W.W.W., the historical significance of the Indian history associated with our camp and his knowledge of Indian Lore to create campfire programs using Indian themes and ceremonies. The Indian pageants held to honor the Horseshoe campers that summer have formed one of the fine traditions that the campers enjoy to this day. At these end-of-the-week campfires the campers are still recognized for their individual and troop achievements just as they were in 1929.

As the Council grew and strengthened, so did the W.W.W. honor camping fraternity. In the fall of 1929, not only had they completed their ceremonial circle across the Octoraro, but they had made plans for a major service project that would have a lasting impression on Horseshoe. Their "Good Turn" project was to plant a grove of Norway Spruce trees between the north end of the Athletic Field and the camp road dedicated to the Eagle Scouts of Chester County. Each Eagle Scout would have a tree planted in his honor and the Eagle Grove would be maintained by the W.W.W.. This idea caught hold and it was soon thereafter that a number of Scoutmasters were interested in doing a similar planting at the southern end of the Athletic Field, arranged in the same configuration as the Eagle Grove. This, too, would be handled by the W.W.W.. The Lodge was indeed living up to the English translation of its Indian name, namely "The Brotherhood of those who serve cheerfully."

In Philadelphia that fall, our representatives from the W.W.W. attended a Grand Lodge Session (the forerunner to Conclaves that are held today). Here, meetings were held to reinforce the brotherhood features of the organization, election procedures and methods of the W.W.W..

Arriving on an Atlantic Refining Company tanker this fall were two special additions to camp, thanks to Chief Heistand. One of them was small and gray and "partly gentle", the other was larger, black and "will be gentle some day!" The new members at Horseshoe came from their native country, Texas, and were two burros. "Their arrival on our shores almost coincided with that of the British Prime Minister and his distinguished daughter, hence the burros' names - Ramsay(MacDonald) and Ishbel. Mr. Cole (C. C. Cole), our Camp Ranger was given custodial responsibilities for our new friends. Wearing bells, the burros soon became a popular fixtures at Horseshoe.

Carrying on his fine leadership of the Council through the transition period was Council President Robert W. Wolcott. J. Gibson McIlvain continued to serve as the Council Commissioner, the highest ranking uniformed Scouter in the Council. Some years previously, several assistant Scout Executives were hired to help in administering the program, forming new troops and seeing to the wellness of existing units. "Uncle" Ben Thomas who had served as a Scoutmaster was one assistant and the other was E. F. Huber.

Following a farewell party for Chief Heistand, our new Scout Executive was on the scene. Chief Thomas J. Price joined the Council in October with these words "Scouting is a great game, a real brotherhood, so let us play together, as all good Scouts and brothers should."

The first annual First Aid Meet was conducted this year. Sixteen troops from the five Districts entered the event and all met the "standard" rating and were presented certificates. Bell Telephone Company representatives put on demonstrations following the first aid problems worked by the competing troops.

1930 Funding camp expenses and hiring a staff to start new troops, to recruit and train good volunteers is a never ending process. This was as true for the early Executive Board as it is for that of today.

Mentioned earlier was the work being done by Owen J. Roberts under the Heistand administration in the $150,000 fund drive for the Council. These were especially difficult times to raise money because of the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the country entering into a deep financial depression. There was a need to raise $72,000 to maintain the program for 68 troops and to make possible the inclusion of many more boys. The remainder, $78,000, was needed to pay off debt on present equipment at camp; provide 10 more tent houses for the boys; a small "safety" swimming pool; purchase 100 more acres of property to insure isolation at all times; to enlarge the water supply; and to develop the camp road. Mr. Roberts enlisted some of the most prominent people in the County to aid in this effort.

In January, Owen J. Roberts was named Chairman Of the Council's Executive Board. This prominent Chester County Lawyer was to serve the Council for many years. In the spring, Mr. Roberts was honored when President Herbert Hoover selected him to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. "Scouting feels highly honored in having such a distinguished man...on its Executive Board. And now as he shortly leaves for the highest tribunal in this nation, the Boy Scouts of Chester County salute the man who has won a place granted to only the greatest legal minds of the country."

During Scout Week in February the Council troops joined to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Scouting in the United States. President Herbert Hoover, the Honorary President of the Boy Scouts of America, gave a special speech in Washington, D.C. recognizing the achievements of Scouting and the nation's appreciation for this fine organization. Among the invited guests to that occasion were Owen J. Roberts, Chairman of the Council Board; Robert W. Wolcott, President; J. Gibson McIlvain, Scout Commissioner; and, P. M. Sharpless, Vice President of the Board. Scouting boasted a national membership of nearly 843,000 active Scouts and Scout officials that year.

The Council conducted a Junior Leaders' Conference in the spring this year at West Chester High School. Chairman for the event was Harold Schramm, Troop 6 West Chester. By all reports, it was one of the best of such sessions held for our leaders. Mr. William Hillcourt attended the Conference to "provide a few words of interest and to help every Scout." Mr. Hillcourt wrote the "Patrol Leaders' Handbook" and until his death in 1992 played an important role in developing other manuals for Scouts, including his popular versions of the Boy Scout Handbook and the Scout Field Book. In his later years he was probably better known to Scouts and Scouters alike as "Green Bar Bill." Following the day long conference a camp reunion took place.

Chairman of Camping Richard F. Warren spoke at the camp reunion about plans for summer camp. The Horseshoe Camp Staff was announced. Chief Price was the announced Camp Director with returning staff leaders C. C. Schmidt, Donald Hughes, William P. Lear and new members Agnew R. Ewing of West Grove, O. Richard Heistand and J.G. Starr of Lebanon County, and Dr. Joseph Scattergood, Jr. of West Chester. The junior staff members included among others Ray Watson of West Chester, Henry Heintzelman of Coatesville, Isaac Whyte, Jr. of Devon, Dave Heilig of Downingtown, William Gotwals of Phoenixville, Tom Yerkes and George Fox, 3rd of Westtown. Also announced was the planting of 5,000 seedlings at Horseshoe by Troop 76 of Frazer, Troops 13 and 24 of Oxford, Troop 30 of Avondale and Troops 12, 60, 57 and 73 of Kennett Square.

A disaster at the Devon Fireworks Display Company that spring saw members of Devon Troop 50 aiding in the rescue work . Several Scouts had been on the train passing the plant when the explosion occurred and others were in an automobile just passing by the plant at the time. "The Scouts were given a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate their ability of helping in such a critical time." Their help include directing traffic, keeping crowds back and carrying furniture from the building destroyed by the blast. As Trailing noted - "our motto is 'Be Prepared.' Troop 50 was prepared to render service. Paoli Troop 1 Scouts were also on the scene and likewise did an exceptional job in helping the sufferers. Many compliments were extended the Scouts for their exceptional effort.

One of the most important people at Horseshoe on a day in and day out basis is the Camp Ranger. Charles C. Cole, a native of Canada, came to Horseshoe after working a number of years on the construction of the Conowingo Dam. He was a familiar and friendly person to the campers, sporting a cow boy hat, pink chaps, vest and bandanna. Trailing printed the following poem about "Coley" written by Scout Frank Hope of Troop 2 of Downingtown:

"To Coley"

Here's one to Coley whom we all like,
He is a nice fellow, and I'll bet he can hike;
He likes the Scouts, and the Scouts like him,
He always wears a hat with a great big rim.
He is caretaker of the Boy Scout Camp,
And he can see in the dark without an electric lamp;
So all the Boy Scouts are going to camp,
While Coley is the caretaker of the Horseshoe Camp.

There are many stories of C. C. Cole to be told. He was the first of three generations of the Cole family to serve the Council at Horseshoe and who are serving to this day.

"Camping days are here again" read Trailing. A special announcement was made of Horseshoe's new pool. No longer would the Ol' Swimmin' Hole in the Octoraro Creek be used because the Council had constructed one of the largest, most modern of pools in the country. An "Open House" day was held at camp that June, hosted by the W.W.W. and the Camp Staff, for over 150 parents and friends of Scouting. A picnic lunch was held and visitors had an opportunity to tour camp and get their first glimpse of the pool.

The W.W.W. Lodge major project was the construction of the Horseshoe on Flag Pole Hill. It was a major undertaking building stone benches, leveling the area and constructing a fence around the chapel with an appropriate entrance way off the Chapel trail. The sight was beautiful, allowing one to reverently contemplate his surroundings, overlooking the Octoraro, camp buildings, Athletic Field and the newly planted groves of trees. The chapel has come to mean much in the lives of our campers and in their respecting the 12th point of the Scout Law - a Scout is Reverent.

Trailing reported that there were over 1600 friends and well wishers at Horseshoe to honor Associate Supreme Court Justice Owen J. Roberts. This was the largest crowd to ever attend a Scout function in Chester County. A number of dignitaries, including President Wolcott, made brief remarks as the campers lined the sides of the pool. As the Associate Justice stepped forward to be recognized, Scout Philip Jacob brought from the waters of the new pool a large package which contained a gift for Mr. Roberts. He graciously accepted the gift of friendship from 200 Scouts in the County.

Among the distinguished people present were our Scout Commissioner J. Gibson McIlvain and Dr. James E. West, the National Scout Executive. The dedication of the pool was a highlight of the work that Associate Justice Roberts did in raising funds for the Council. An impressive Retreat Ceremony was conducted on the Athletic Field Parade Grounds as the flag was lowered on top of Flag Pole Hill at the sound of the cannon. A camp fire later that evening brought an end to a perfect day.

George Balderston (Horseshoe camper 1933 to 1937 - Jr. Leader 1937 and present day Scouter) recalls his days at Horseshoe:

"An annual event was the Hiawatha Pageant held on a Saturday evening, about the third or fourth week of camp. It was staged along the Octoraro Creek at the bend where present day Sunday evening campfires have been held. The Pageant was a dramatization of Longfellow's poem and was well attended family and friends of Scouts and Scouters."

"Shows were staged in Kindness Center several nights a week. A popular show was the dramatization of 'The Shooting of Dan McGrew'' by Robert W. Service."

"There was usually a night game once a week which was a contest between the Stockades - usually a variation of Capture the Flag."

As camp was coming to a close that summer, the campers were treated to a special Indian camp fire ceremony at the Horseshoe Circle. Under the direction of Ralph Elliott Blakeslee (who had been honored by the Sioux Tribe and given the title 'Chief Medicine Eagle) of Pittsburgh, an authority on Indian Ceremonies and histories, members of the camp staff put on an authentic ceremony. Needless to say the campers went away impressed and besieged Chief Medicine Eagle to return to camp again. He took time to visit Buzzard's Rock and to make a study of the mound builders' graves found in the vicinity of the Rock. He considered some of the pottery specimens found there to be historically significant.

At the foot of Buzzard's Rock during the summer, as Trailing reported it, a systematic excavation of the graves in the "Mound Dwellers Village" was continued by Bill Baldwin under the direction of Chief Medicine Eagle. Also, that summer ten campers enjoyed a fifteen-mile canoe trip - the first river trip of any significance. Seedlings had been planted and Eagle Scout and Scouters' Grove had been planted. Camp Ranger "Coley" reported on how the camp was going, of his enjoyment of the boys at camp and about the burros, Ramsey and Ishbel which our campers had enjoyed. He also announced that he had acquired a saddle horse named Sandy to go with his cowboy outfit. With all that happened at Horseshoe that year, it was one of the best camping years in the brief history of our Council.

Chester County Council in 1930 was one of many councils making up the Third Region area of the National Scout organization. At the Region's meeting in Atlantic City that fall Chairman of the Camp Committee Richard F. Warren and Chief Price had the pleasure of meeting Eagle Scout Paul Siple of Erie, Pennsylvania and hearing him speak of his exceptional adventure and experiences in the Antarctic with Rear Admiral Richard Byrd in 1928. It was certainly an impressive opportunity for this young man to go on such an exploration. The entire scouting world enjoyed hearing of this Sea Scout's adventures.

During the year a number of our Scout Leaders were recognized with their 15 year Veteran Award. This honor was bestowed by the National Council on Ed Richardson, Scoutmaster of Troop 50, Devon,; and Gilbert McIlvaine, Scoutmaster of Troop 2, Downingtown. Each had begun his Scouting career four years before our Council had been chartered. They were among only 500 men in the country to be so recognized.

Wet weather at Horseshoe in December did not deter the W.W.W. from gathering for a weekend conference. A number of the scouts received their Second Degree (Brotherhood) then. Names familiar to our present day Scouts who were honored included William Gotwalls of Phoenixville and Elwood Spellman of Willistown. Sharpless Worrall, Dave Heilig, T. J. Price and Isaac Whyte, Jr. were nominated for the Third Degree.

Also noteworthy at this time was the granting of the first charters to Cub Scout Packs in the United States by the National Council. While the age for joining Boy Scouts in earlier days was twelve, there was no program for younger boys. The Cub program fit this need. It is unclear in any of the Chester County Council's records if the Cub program began here at that time.

1931 In celebration of Scouting's anniversary, the Council's Annual Meeting was held at Philips Memorial Chapel at the State Teacher's College in February. Scouting expositions by 33 of the Council's troops greeted the attendees and an Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony was conducted recognizing the sixteen Scouts who achieved this rank. The presentations were made by Hon. W. Butler Windle. Even Chief Heistand returned for the meeting to see how his friends were doing in Chester County. He was presented with a certificate of appreciation by President Wolcott and received the heartfelt thanks of the Executive Board for the fine work he had done in the Council during his tenure. The Annual Report presented that evening included various reports of the Council's Committees. At that time there were 71 troops registered and 1,282 boys in the Movement.

The Camping Committee reported an 8% increase in the number of summer campers at Horseshoe and continuous week-end camping was being done by troops from October through the first of June. Walter Wright announced successful training courses for both adult and boy leaders had been conducted. William V. Varker of the Activities and Civic Service Committee and John S. Bleeker of the Organization Committee announced their successes. Goals for the following year were announced and accepted by the Board members.

As one looks back on this period in our Council's history, it is interesting to read about the great programs being conducted in the Troops of that day as reported in Trailing. Chester County was predominantly a rural agricultural community with its population oriented to its cities and towns. so opportunities for troops to hike and camp virtually were on the outskirts of their communities. Willistown 78 hiked into the great Chester Valley; while Francis Maule took his Rising Sun Troop 28 camping at Horseshoe (who will ever forget their being entertained by "Coley" and his harmonica on such a weekend?); Devon Troop 50 was a "mounted" Troop thanks to their Scoutmaster Ed Richardson who acquired the use of horses; and, many other troops had similar camping and hiking experiences. One reads of a Sea Scout Ship being formed by West Chester Troop 21; another in Malvern under Skipper Ken Sowden; and, we learn that Paoli Troop 1 Scouts are on a "big hunt' for treasure at Horseshoe. Trailing was an excellent forum for troops and medium for keeping others aware of what was happening in Scouting.

Yes. It was true...our Horseshoe burros were expecting an addition! The contest was on to name the baby burro. Would it be May-shoe? Rambel? Marcole? Napoleon? or? That was the burning question in the Council that spring. Well the name "Rambel" won and became the baby burro's name thanks to Joe Cole of the Rising Sun Troop. One of the features at Camp during this summer was the Camp Band that had been established in 1930. Invitations were extended in Trailing for Scouts to sign up. It was well supported until the summer of 1933 after which it took on a more modest appearance in later years.

Following the spring Jamboree and other Council activities, Horseshoe again beckoned the Scouts. Much was happening in the loop in the bend of the Octoraro. The trees planted by the W.W.W. to honor the Eagle Scouts and Scouters were being added to...the plantings were done in a semi-circle at opposite ends of the Athletic Field with seedlings being planted in the form of rays or spokes pointing away from the circle. Retreat ceremonies in those days took place on the field near the Eagle Grove.

Camp attendance reached an all time record in 1931. Much of that success is attributed to the W.W.W. who had special round-ups to promote camp. Nearly 300 Scouts or 25% of our membership attended Horseshoe for at least one week. The vast majority stayed for two weeks. This year we had five Scouts attend from outside our Council. The merit badge programs were tops with 33 Scouts passing Life Saving merit badge and 56 the Swimming merit badge. Horseshoe's fine facilities and programs would serve to set the pace for other council camps.

The Fifty Year history of Devon Troop 50, recounts the experiences of some of its Scouts at Camp:

"The campers, among whom were Jim (Coleman) Sellers, Tom Parlaman, Bill Lyman,and Tom Casper were greeted by 'the Spirit of the Horseshoe' pageant. Both Jim and Tom...participated in 'The Covered Wagon' an Indian pageant produced for the enjoyment of those at camp. An article in the July 31, 1931 Philadelphia Evening Bulletin pictured another of Horseshoe's Pageants with the following description - 'Legend of Minnehaha portrayed by Chester County Scouts' at Horseshoe... Robert J. Else...is pictured on the bier of the funeral pyre in the role of Minnehaha, made famous by the poem by Longfellow' "

Such pageants were the forerunners of the present day pageants put on by the Order of the Arrow as the Horseshoe week comes to a close.

Cecil H. Good, who was one of our Council's Field Executive and assistant Camp Director, along with the Camp Steward toured big Scout camps in the Middle Atlantic and New England states that year to see what their facilities and programs offered. In the course of their journeys, they encountered Chief Heistand and Joe Brinton. Joe at this time was a Camp Director at the Ten-Mile River Camp in New York state. Cecil returned confident that Horseshoe was among the finest of camps they had seen!

1932 Of special note this year was the Annual Meeting. The impressive feature of the occasion was the awarding of the Silver Beaver recognition for two of our Scouters "in recognition of their great interest in Scouting in this county. They have labored long and enthusiastically in the interests of the Scout Movement in Chester County and the awarding of the Silver Beavers is an honor merited by both of them." With this citation the award was presented to J. Gibson McIlvain and Major Clifton Lisle.

Major Clifton Lisle had served as one of the first Vice Presidents of the Council and was the Council's Scout Commissioner in 1923 and 1924. An Eagle Scout, his service to Scouting also included that of being Scoutmaster of Paoli Troop 1 for many years where he developed a special esprit de corps among the boys in the Troop. The Troop had won numerous honors at Council and District 1 events and had been to International Jamborees in England on two occasions under his fine leadership. He also had served on the Council's Camping Committee and as Camp Director of Camp Rothrock in 1921 and 1922. He became the first recipient of the coveted Silver Beaver Award in Chester County.

J. Gibson McIlvain served as Council Commissioner from 1925 until 1932. He served with distinction not only in that capacity but also as the chief architect of Camp Horseshoe. Under his leadership the Council troops flourished. New Scout troops were being formed and the strength of Scouting was evident in all areas of the County. Much is owed to both McIlvain and Lisle for setting the pattern for years to come.

Judge W. Butler Windle presided over an impressive Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony at the Annual Meeting which was directed by William Palmer Lear. Among presentations that evening were those by Council Commissioner McIlvain to the top troops in each of the five districts. They were Troop 21, West Chester; Devon Troop 50; Troop 56 of Phoenixville; Downingtown Troop 2; and, Troop 12 of Kennett Square.

Among the many events put on by the Council in this period were Council Swim Meets, Expositions of Scout skills, First Aid Meets and the popular Jamborees. For many years, the Wykoff Smith Farm near Downingtown was the site for the Jamborees where Scout camping skills and camp craft would be contested. The winning troop would then be qualified to go on to the Scout Region Three Jamboree as our Council representative.

1933 Clifton Lisle returned as Council Scout Commissioner in 1933. Chief Price continued his fine service seeing to the deliverance of exceptional programs to the troops and training for both adult and boy leaders. Scouting continued its growth.

The Silver Beaver Award was presented to Gilbert McIlvaine in 1933 for his outstanding contribution to Scouting. Mr. McIlvaine had been a long time Scoutmaster of Troop 2 of Downingtown. Mr. McIlvaine also served as Commissioner of District 4. Mr. McIlvaine was one of the key people in the construction of many of the original buildings at Camp Horseshoe. He was honored on the Scout Anniversary week in February at the Annual Meeting of the Council Board.

The 1933 camping season was the sixth at Horseshoe. "Coley" in these years took a strong role in helping to promote camp attendance throughout the Council. He would show up sporting his cowboy outfit and instantly became a hit for the boys. He would regale them with stories of camp and entertain them with his harmonica playing. Camp in those stark depression days was only $5. per week. What a bargain! And of course the campers were again greeted by "Coley's" four footed friends. We also had a number of deer on the property tucked away in the hills.

"The Horseshoe Echo" newspaper of July 22, 1933 reported:

"Big Medicine"

"The Pawnees are on the warpath tonight. Their medicine man has aroused their wrath against the pioneering palefaces. The cruel Commanches are scouring the plains in search of scalps. The Apaches have dug up the hatchet. With the Ojibwas and the Winibagos in their war paint, the frontier is no place for weaklins. What will happen to that small but sturdy band of pioneers who took the California trail?

Chief Medicine Eagle and his Indians, in one of the biggest out-door pageants ever produced at Camp Horseshoe, will disclose their fate tonight.

The only ox team in Lancaster County owned, trained and driven by H.J. Sprout, who drove them six miles to Camp this morning will be the feature attraction of the Pageant, The cast is as follows:

Director: Ralph Blakeslee (Chief Medicine Eagle)

Indian Medicine Man: William Lear

Assistant Medicine Man: Al Love

Pawnee Snake Dancers: Happie Winham, William Sellers, Donald Ratchford, Wesley E. Campbell, Harold Sauers, Robert Whyte, William H. Kates, Thomas McIlvaine, Joseph Aronson, and William Murphy. Comanches: Richard Shepherd, Frank Sellers, Alvin Jones, Arnold Spohn, D. Stanford, and Richard Bolster. Chief of the Ojibwas - Glenn Wolfe; Ojibwas: R. Orcutt, D. Kunkle, J. Gotwals, Robert Bush, Ken Gable and J. Tomkins. Chief of the Winibagos - E. Dick; Winibagos: G. Terry, R. Strode, E. Savory, C. Kates, A. Steinmetz and W. Taylor. Old Guide: C. C. Cole. Father of the family: Donald McIlvaine."

And there were many more in the cast from the Camp. It seemed that the entire Camp participated. From the description[ this was one of the more elaborate Pageants that was staged at Camp. At other times the Horseshoe Echo reported on the Hiawatha Pageant and others held during that summer.

This summer there was mention made in the July 18 Camp newspaper by Scribe Gilbert Cardwell of the "Wilderness Camp." He reports:

On Sunday two new boys came to the Wilderness Camp...Sunday evening officers were elected: Senior Patrol Leader - Cecil Good; Patrol Leader - Russell Gotwals; Assistant Patrol Leader - Palmer Raysor; QM - Fred Mowlds; First Aid Man - Don Roabough; Life Guard - Don McIlvaine; Craftsman - Loon Lawrence and Bugler - John Riedinger.

By the following week, the wilderness Camp had been named Camp Thomas in honor of Ben Thomas of Malvern Troop 7. This camp was located off the Camp road coming into Camp. It would serve for a number of years for the older Scouts as an exploring base.

Rob McCarter, Scout Museum curator in 1994, takes note of a conversation he had with the 75+ year veteran Scouter Francis Maule of Rising Sun, Maryland about Ben Thomas before he passed away:

"Francis, being a 75 year Veteran of Scouting, was an integral part of the history of our Council. Seeking to preserve his Scouting memorabilia, it was turned over to me to become a part of the Scout Museum to which I am dedicated. He asked that I promise that if and when there was a history developed of the Council to make certain that one specific man be recognized that played a great role in the lives of boys of the County in its early years. That person was Ben Thomas. Ben was a Scoutmaster of the Malvern Troop and eventually served on the Council's professional staff. According to Francis Maule, Ben was like the "Pied Piper"... kids always gathered around him and followed him in those days whenever he turned up. Ben used to travel around the County in his old car and personally deliver Scout pins and badges to the troops from one end of the County to the other. He became a part of the Camp Horseshoe mystic when the first outpost campsite was named in his honor - "Camp Thomas."

Walter "Dutch" Kerwin was on the staff that summer. (He, by the way, became a ranking General in the Pentagon in later years.) Our 365 campers and 69 leaders may remember other staff members - like Hank Ewing at the pool, Bill Lear, Bob Jennings, Glenn Wolfe and so many others - who made the summer special for them.

1933 saw our first Cub Scout Pack registered along with 62 Scout troops. Weekend camping in the off season remained strong at Horseshoe and advancement was strong in all the troops.

1934 That year was a special celebration for our Council as it marked the Fifteenth Anniversary of our Council. Thirteen Scouts earned Eagle that year. At our Annual Meeting, in 1934, Commissioner Col. Lisle presented Scoutmaster's Key awards to leaders for service and training. President Robert W. Wolcott presided over the meeting and reviewed the Council's achievements of the prior year. Speakers included Associate Chief Justice Owen J. Roberts on the "Forecast of Scouting" and former Council Presidents, Dr. S. C. Schmucker and Clyde T. Saylor, who reminisced about the early years in the Council ... the days of Camp Lafayette and Rothrock. Our first Scout Executive, who was now Director of National Headquarters Operation Division, Arthur A. Schuck, also addressed the attendees. William Palmer Lear's Pageant - "Scouting in Chester County" (past and present) formed the backdrop of fond memories of boys past and present.

The highlight of the evening came when Mr. George P. Orr of our Board of Directors had the honor of presenting Associate Chief Justice Owen J. Roberts with the Silver Beaver Award for his exceptional work in behalf of the Council in raising funds for the support of Camp Horseshoe and the Council's programs. Mr. Roberts continued for many years to provide fine counsel and leadership to the Council. To honor his work, Roberts' Day was set aside as a special day at Horseshoe every summer and he would attend many of these events.

Since the Council's inception in 1919, the number of troops had grown to 62 with 1,210 Scouts, Cub Scouting was in place and we had 512 registered Scouters. This compared to the fifteen original troops with 300 boys fifteen years earlier. In addition, some of the Scout troops had started Sea Scout Ship programs; the fore- runner of Exploring.

While we know that our W.W.W. Lodge of the Order of the Arrow was active in promoting camp attendance and in a number of service projects in support of Horseshoe, there is no specific record of who was the Lodge Chief from 1933 to 1935. Sharpless Worrall had been Chief in 1932 and our previous one was Dave Heilig. During this period the growth of our Lodge slowed with the induction of fewer new members. Undoubtedly, Chief Price took an active involvement in the Lodge activities as an advisor during his tenure as Executive of the Council.

1935 The Annual Report of the Council was presented at the meeting in February. Board members were impressively greeted at the meeting by a Band Concert by the Parkesburg Troop #35 Scout Band which set the stage for the celebration of the Silver Anniversary of the Founding of Scouting in America. The band was under the leadership of Scoutmaster Frank S. Beam. Mr. Beam would eventually become an Executive in the Council and play a large role as a Camp Director.

The report showed that while our Boy Scout membership had held to the same level as the prior year, more boys were being served through other Scouting programs. The Cub Scouts had doubled their membership, Sea Scouting had increased and a new program, Rovers, had been started. The Rover crews were essentially service groups for troops and councils. Increased attendance at Horseshoe was announced along with off season week-end camping on the increase. Advancement continued strong reflecting the excellent troop and Horseshoe programs. The American Red Cross for the third consecutive year awarded the Camp its banner for Water Proficiency.

Mr. Charles S. Swope was Chairman for Training in the Council in 1935. President of the State Teachers' College, he took a strong interest in the Council this year and for many to come. He reported on effective training presentations being put on by Troop Committees from Devon 50, West Grove 30, Downingtown 2, West Chester 66 and Paoli 1. Eighty Scouters had attended the Annual Troop Committee Conference. Scout Commissioner Lisle announced that the Commissioner's Staff was complete and that they carried out troop visitations throughout the year. He was looking to form a Rover Scout Crew in each of the Districts.

After the presentation of twelve Eagle Scout certificates, the highlight of the evening arrived - the presentation of the Silver Beaver Award. The presentation was made by Hon. Owen J. Roberts to Edward H. Richardson, Scoutmaster of Devon Troop 50, with the following citation:

"To Scoutmaster Edward H. Richardson...who has rendered noteworthy service to this organization, with distinction, for twenty years as a Scout, Eagle Scout, District Commissioner and Scoutmaster. ... I congratulate you!"

Of further note this year, the Annual Report listed a change in the Council's organization. A Board of Trustees had been established under the Chairmanship of Hon. Owen J. Roberts. The Trustees included; Frank B. Foster, Col. A. M. Holding, J. Gibson McIlvain, George P. Orr, P. M. Sharpless, W. Plunkett Stewart, J. Bancroft Swayne, John H, Ware, Jr., Council President Robert W. Wolcott and Charlton Yarnall. Also to be noted, John H. Ware, 3rd joined the Directors this year. He, too, would play a great role in future years in our Council.

According to the Minutes of our Executive Board meetings, funding for the Scout programs became a primary issue. There were certain debts that had been incurred and there was a need to improve the boating facility on the Octoraro Creek by creating a dam. To secure funding various fund raising dinners were planned on both the Council and the district level. As an outgrowth of this need, a book describing Scouting and more specifically the Council's role in providing the Scouting programs to youth in its service area, was published and presented to key people in businesses and the communities in the County.

In those days, Horseshoe's fleet of "ships," consisting of canoes and row boats, sailed out of their waterfront base on the east part of the Athletic Field near the 'swinging bridge' that spanned the Octoraro. At a Board meeting in March 1935, it was decided to improve the boating area by constructing a rough rock dam with 500 tons of stone. The boating area dam was built on the Creek near the camp road, around the bend and down river from the docks. The facility proved very adequate in those days as silt and debris from up stream had not built up as it did in later years. Picture post cards of the day illustrated the fine boating facility the boys enjoyed.

Edgar "Gumps" McComsey was a camper in 1933 at Camp Horseshoe with the other members of Troop 74 of Coatesville. Following his being a camper, he served on the Camp Staff for several summers. Gumps reflects on his days of being a dishwasher:

"Calvin Trunk was a friend of mine from school who was in charge of the kitchen and who I worked for washing the dishes and keeping the coal fire going. We would have to get up at 5 o'clock in the morning to start the fire so we would have hot water after breakfast to wash the dishes. You had to make sure you didn't overheat the water and turn it to steam because it would blow the valve and you end up with cold water. While you waited for the water to heat up, you would have to peel potatoes. There was always something to do...Cal saw to that!"

The Camp Echo in August reported activities in each of the Stockade camps at Horseshoe. The Sherwood Forest camp reported "A serious epidemic of 'Ear Lobes' broke out in our stockade last night. Even the leaders were smitten." From Boonesboro we read the following travelogue entitled "We Came, We Saw, We Left":

"The Boonesboroites left ... for a wild tour. We first visited Conowingo Dam. ... We then went to the great city of Rising Sun. We ate outside this big metropolis and then set sail again in the good ship 'Dodge' (car) for Charleston Beach. There we swam and ate (mostly ate). Ozzie (Spellman, who was Stockade leader of Boonesboro at the time) and Zell gave the girls a thrill in their swimming suits. En route to Camp Chesapeake, our spirits rising steadily, Ozzie was worried about the tires - but what did we care? We arrived home just in time to miss Retreat (Oh shucks), but we were in time for mess. A good time was had by all."

The first winter lodge to be erected at Camp Horseshoe was built in 1935 and 1936 from lumber acquired from the Cecil Paper Mill Superintendent's house that stood on the hillside by the old Horseshoe road and overlooked the mill and the Octoraro Creek.

In the latter part of the 1935 camping season, the camp staff dismantled the Superintendent's house and hauled the lumber to the main part of Camp. There, under the supervision of Camp Ranger "Coley", the "two-patrol" weekend shelter was erected in the 1935 to 1936 period. The "New Building" was used for our winter campers. It was formally dedicated in 1940 to Gilbert McIlvaine one of the Camp Horseshoe founders and the Camp's chief architect. Today, it is more commonly known as McIlvaine Lodge.

Mr. Warren of the Camping Committee reported on another great year at Horseshoe for the Scouts. He did state that we needed to replace two canoes and two 'clinker type' rowboats. The total price for this new equipment was $212.80! But, then again, it only cost a camper $6.25 a week in those depression day prices. Even this expense prohibited some 200 boys from attending camp that summer. A later Board meeting dealt with this problem.

This year there was much discussion about the need to bring Scouting to the mentally and physically handicapped youth in the County. The Council proceeded to organize a Troop in the Pennhurst State School. This was the start of Scouting programs for the handicapped in the Council.

Scout Commissioner Clifton Lisle had spent the summer in England and, now recounted to the Board his experiences at Gilwell, where he had encountered Major Wilson, Camp Chief of Gilwell. Lisle spoke of his Wood Badge training experiences at Gilwell and the methods being used by British leaders for their Scouting programs. Mr. Lisle stated that Major Wilson had contacted him upon his return to America and he had suggested that Wilson put on one of the three training courses to be held in America at Camp Horseshoe. The Board agreed; and, both Lisle and J. Gibson McIlvain were given responsibility of coordinating this with Major Wilson and Dr. James E. West, National Scout Executive. That project resulted in Major Wilson's visit to Horseshoe in May 1936 to assist in the Council's Leadership Training program.

1936 For his exceptional service Ernest S. Walker, the Scoutmaster of Troop 17 of Phoenixville sponsored by the St. John's Reformed Church, was presented with the Silver Beaver award at the Council's Annual Meeting in February. Making the presentation was Justice Owen J. Roberts, assisted by previous recipients Gilbert McIlvaine, Edward H. Richardson, and Clifton Lisle. Ernest Walker had served as Scoutmaster of Troop 17 since 1921. He also has served many other positions in Scouting including that of a District 3 Commissioner.

At the recognition dinner certificates were also presented to the new class of Eagle Scouts in the Council and recognition given to the fine services rendered by troops in the Council as part of their "Good Turns."

The Training program conducted at Camp Horseshoe in May 1936 was successful. The work of the Training Committee and that of Commissioner Lisle served to maintain excellence in leadership for troops in the Council. The Camp Chief of Gilwell, Major Wilson, was on hand to guide the training of our leaders.

That spring, a new boat dock had been built under the direction of Mr. Dannenberg, architect, and Mr. Ossie Spellman, foreman. This afforded a much safer place to land after a refreshing "tour on the lake." The new canoes and rowboats greeted the campers. Bill Lear had painted special Indian names on the canoes. Much of the credit for the fine looking dock was attributed to Apprentice Sea Scout Joseph Nugent and Boatswain's mate William Weichart. The Sea Scouts were welcomed to camp and thanked for their service at the boat docks in The Camp Echo.

Forty-seven of our Council's 54 troops attended Horseshoe that summer. Scouts who did not have financial resources were able to attend thanks to the generosity of a number of businesses and contributors. Downingtown's Troop 2 had the best attendance with 34 of its 38 members at Camp. Following the Camping Chairman's report there was considerable discussion about improving camp attendance. It was agreed that Scoutmasters should be encouraged to attend with their boys or a troop committee member if the leader could not attend. It is to be noted that it was not customary for troops to attend camp as a unit. The camp was made up of conglomerate troop members in a "provisional" type unit with the camp providing leadership for such.

The W.W.W. began its upward movement under the leadership of the new Lodge Chief Glenn E. Wolfe. He had been active for many years in the Lodge and had become a Third Degree (Vigil Honor) member this year. Twenty new members had been inducted into the Lodge this year. Seventeen Lodge members had attended the National Conference this year, held at the birthplace of the Order, the Treasure Island Camp on the Delaware River. It was there that Glenn Wolfe was initiated into the Third Degree. Other delegates to the Conference were David Hartman, Leon Lawrence and Charles Wilgis.

1937 This year was marked with the resignation of two people who had played a key role in all the Council endeavors over the years. Scout Commissioner Clifton Lisle turned over his duties to the new Commissioner, Gilbert McIlvaine. In addition, Robert W. Wolcott, who had served as Council President since 1926, stepped down to continue serving as Vice President.

Thanks to the West Chester Mothers' Auxiliary, a fine dinner was served the Board members at the Annual Meeting at the Holy Trinity Parish House. The 1936 movies taken at Camp during the summer, thanks to the Philadelphia Electric Company, were shown and received numerous compliments. The reports of our financial condition presented by Treasurer McIlvain were positive, showing that the previous year's deficit had been overcome. The slate of Council Officers for 1937, headed up by Mr. Jay H. Jeffries as President, received unanimous acceptance.

Mr. Jeffries then presided and called upon Mr. McIlvain for a special presentation as follows:

Citation to Mr. Robert W. Wolcott

To Scouter, Robert W. Wolcott, who has rendered noteworthy service to this Organization; served with distinction since January 1926 as President of the Council. In that period, the organization has shown a remarkable growth in membership. Camp Horseshoe has been bought and paid for. The financial support of the Council has been substantially improved and in every way this Council has benefited by his inspired efforts.

He is President and Director of the Lukens Steel Company of Coatesville. Has served as a member of the Boards of State and National Business and Civic bodies. Serving all of these to the best of his ability and with distinction.

Mr. Justice Roberts, will you, therefore place about the neck of this distinguished Scouter, this Silver Beaver - the highest award which the Chester County Council, Inc. Boy Scouts of America, can confer."

Justice Roberts also acknowledged the fine service that Mr. Wolcott had given and the fact that he had continued to head the organization at considerable sacrifice.

The name of the new Council newsletter, replacing Trailing, was subject of a contest early this year. The name Trail Blazer was selected. It had been sent in by James A. Royal of Parkesburg 35. Announced in it this spring were the senior staff members at Horseshoe. Camp Director is Chief Price with his assistant being C. M. 'Danny' Dannenberg who also would be Program director. Frank S. Beam, Scoutmaster of Parkesburg 35 was Camp Steward, and would be assisted by Cal Trunk, Troop 74. Albert Smith and Clarence were the cooks. Al Weeks, Scoutmaster of Avondale Troop 3, would be in charge of Swimming and Boating with Mercer Sloan, "an old timer at Horseshoe," assisting at the pool and "Bill" Wickert at the boats. Glenn Wolfe was in Handicraft. "Ossie" Spellman was returning for his last summer before going in to the field of Dentistry; Lee Lawrence would be a stockade leader; and "Dutch" Kerwin will have summer leave from West Point to return to the Staff as a stockade leader. There were six weeks of camp that summer and a seventh week devoted to black Scouts.

While there had been a number of International Jamborees held in England to which Chester County Scouts and leaders went, there had not been a similar event in the United States. In 1935, there was a plan for the first National Jamboree to celebrate Scouting's 25th anniversary in America. More than 20,000 Scouts had planned to attend. Because of a Polio epidemic, however, the Jamboree was called off in a radio address by President Franklin D. Roosevelt just two weeks before its scheduled start. In 1937, however, the Jamboree was back on the drawing boards for the Boy Scouts of America. Plans were being made for the first National Boy Scout Jamboree which would be held in Washington, DC. Although sign ups were slow from our Council, we did send a troop of 22 Scouts from Chester County. Jamboree Scoutmaster was Donald McIlvaine of Downingtown #2 assisted by Horace Temple of Troop #21 of West Chester. The later reports indicate that all had a great time being among the 27,232 attendees. It was the largest gathering of Scouts up to that time.

The World Jamboree also took place that year in Holland. The Council had one representative there - Richard Kerwin. His article related his experiences there including the closing night program with the Queen of the Netherlands and Lord Baden-Powell officially closing the Jamboree.

At our October Board meeting, discussion turned to our 20th anniversary to be celebrated two years hence. In light of this, the members took a retrospective look at the Council's situation up to the current year. It is interesting to note that we had come through and continued to be in a state of depression in the country. While the depression had a marked impact upon our organization, we had continued to make progress with Scouting. It was felt that in the 1928 - 1929 period, when Horseshoe was acquired, that people had a positive feeling about the organization. However, there was a common perception by people in the County after that time that it was the duty of the organization itself to carry forward the banner of Scouting. This, however they failed to do...Scouters tended to talk about Scouting only in a Scout meeting and failed to press home Scouting's advantages at other times. A familiar problem echoed in today's Council deliberations.

Richard F. Warren continued his fine service to the Council as Camping Chairman. He reported on great summer at Horseshoe with advancement increasing 25%. Work had been started on widening and grading of the Camp Horseshoe road by the W.P.A. in the fall and was to be completed by the next February. He also expressed the need for a new Health Lodge that might be funded through a memorial.

It was reported that former Commissioner Clifton Lisle had qualified for the Gilwell Wood Badge award this past summer. Lisle continued his strong involvement with his Paoli 1 Troop and his support of Scouting in the County. He served the Council on the Advisory Committee this year.

It was around this period in the history of our Lodge that annual W.W.W. banquet was being held for the first time. The December 27, 1937 dinner was particularly significant. Joe Brinton, Eagle Scout from the Council and former Assistant Camp Director at Rothrock and Horseshoe, returned for the dinner as key speaker. Joe had been the first Chief of Octoraro Lodge. He returned that evening as the National Chief of the Order.

1938 Mr. John H. Ware, 3rd was Chairman of the Council's nominating Committee this year. He presented amendments to the Council's Constitution and By-Laws that limited the term of Council Officers. He then submitted the slate of Officers and Members of the Board of Directors for the coming year. Mr. Ware had played a role on our Board for several years and would continue his activity up to the 1990's. President Jay H. Jeffries was re-elected as well as many other men who had devoted many years to the Scout Movement.

The Silver Beaver award at this meeting was presented to Richard F. Warren for distinctive Scouting service. Among his accomplishments were - Chairman of the Council Camp Committee; during his tenure Horseshoe was acquired; a Council Director; member of the Region Three Camp Committee; Troop Committee member of Paoli Troop 1 since 1924; and, Rover Scout member of Crew Committee of the Horace A. Walton Rover Crew. J. Gibson McIlvain, Treasurer and Scout Commissioner, delivered the Citation while Justice Owen J. Roberts presented the award.

Troop recognition for meeting certain prerequisites was give in the form of stars - Red, Silver and Gold - signifying different levels of achievements. Similarly, green crosses and teepees were presented for participation in the Council First Aid Meet and the Camporee respectively. More than 350 Scouts earned the red star award this year.

In May, a strong wind forced a fire from adjoining properties to jump the Octoraro Creek and burn through part of the Camp Horseshoe Reservation. Camps Carson, Crockett and Taylor were destroyed along with a large tract of woods. Many Scouts, hearing this news rallied and went to Camp to assist in the clean-up and to help put camp back in order for the approaching season. The Council Board reacted swiftly and secured bids for reconstructing the camps. All but the Taylor site were ready at the opening of Camp. Bob Lorgus, a Scout in West Chester 6 (and Past President of the Council) remembers that time and his trip to camp to help. Bill Sellers of Troop 50 (later a Council Board Member), who was on the 1938 Camp Staff at Handicraft, headed up a group of Scouts from his troop to aid.

The Horseshoe Staff in 1938 had several new men. J. Holland Heck became Program Director; Mercer Sloan, Eagle Scout of Troop 30 West Grove, was Swimming Director; William Sellers was Handicraft Director for the second year; and the Camp Naturalist was Rev. Bentley R. Morrison, Scoutmaster of Troop 41, Warwick. "Coley" would hold forth as the ever popular Ranger. It was another fine camping season for the Council Scouts thanks to the spirited Camp Staff. Attendance hit a new high with 537 boys in camp from 44 of the Council's 58 troops. The Natureheart tent camp was established this year.

Six members of Octoraro Lodge, Order of the Arrow, attended the National Lodge meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. They were Dave Hartman, W. Leon Lawrence, Charles Wilgis, Ted Supplee, Frank Gohean and Francis Beeby. There were 43 lodges represented with 448 in camp from sixteen states. All reported a good time was had with fun and the fellowship in meeting Lodge members from other parts of the country.

Sea Scouting had taken hold in the Council. The Trail Blazer reported that our Sea Scouts had been invited to join those of Lancaster County in a Sea Scout program at Peach Bottom on the Susquehanna. Here the Council's Sea Scout Whale Boat is located and would be available for weekend cruises. The base that was under construction this June would be able to sleep 75 Scouts. A formal aquatics program would be administrated by a Staff of instructors. It appears this base operated for only a few short years and was probably dropped at the start of World War II. However, it did demonstrate Scouting's flexibility in meeting needs of older boys at not too distant a spot from Horseshoe's borders. Among the Sea Scouts involved with the program were Harold Schramm, Leslie Schramm, 'Petey' Warihay, Fred Crossan and others.

Another feature for the 1938 season at Camp was the specialty program to fit the desires of Scouts of fifteen or more years in age. Reverend Bentley Morrison, Camp Naturalist, formed a patrol of Senior boys in a Nature program at the Natureheart Camp site. Merce Sloan formed a similar 'patrol' for an aquatics program which would be encamped at the Octoraro Camp site...they were to be known as the "cliff dwellers" for where their tent camp was located.

Of interest this December was the announcement by the National Scout Council that nearly 36,000 acres of land in "Kit Carson Country" had been given the Boy Scouts by Mr. and Mrs. Waite Phillips of Tulsa, Oklahoma. This land, near Cimmaron, New Mexico and encompassing the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, was for the development of 'Philturn Rocky mountain Scoutcamp.' It would later be named Philmont and provide a variety of exciting and challenging experiences for many Senior Scouts from across America and especially our Council.

Announcement was received of Gilbert McIlvaine's resignation as Council Commissioner due to illness. His brother Donald McIlvaine became the new Scout Commissioner in December promising further development of the Commissioner's Staff to better support the troops in the Council.

1939 This year marked the Twentieth Anniversary Year for the Council. Scouting in the Council was continuing to grow as the nation slowly recovered from the devastating "Great Depression." While the Council witnessed several rough periods since 1929, it had weathered the storm. Additional land had been acquired in 1932, 1935 and 1936 to protect the Scout Camp from the potential of encroaching building construction in later years. The 160- Scout capacity of Horseshoe was suitable for our needs and our staff quarters needs were being satisfied with the addition of the Natureheart campsite.

The Annual Meeting and dinner in January was well attended to celebrate our Anniversary. Again, highlighting the Meeting was the Silver Beaver award presentation. This year the honor was bestowed upon Dr. J. Elmer Gotwals. Dr. Gotwals, of Phoenixville, had provided many years of excellent service as a member of our Council's Board and working with Scouting in the Phoenixville area.

Camping Committee Chairman John H. Ware, 3rd reported to Board members in June that a successful Region Three Camping Course had been held at Horseshoe and that attendees were complimentary of the Camp and its administration. Furthermore, he discussed a bequest from the estate of Rev. Bentley R. Morrison that may be available and make it possible to build the needed Health Lodge facility at Camp for the coming season. It was also noted at the Meeting by Mr. Arthur T. Parke of the Organization Committee, that our Scouting enrollment was nearly 1,500 with both Cub and Boy Scout members. The Scout Explorer along with the Sea Scout programs for boys of 15 or over and Rover Crew program for 17 year old boys had been added to the Scouting programs.

The Council's annual Camporee was held near West Chester in June. The boys enjoyed swimming in Sharpless Lake and later were inundated with rain. In spite of the rain, there was a visit from Chief "Bone Necklace" in full Indian regalia who performed Indian dances as part of the camp fire program. The Chief was the last hereditary Crow Creek Sioux Chief. Later that month Horseshoe opened for its 11th season. It was in this period that the "Roberts' Award" was started to recognize troops having a high percentage of their Scouts at Horseshoe and participating in Council activities. The award was established to honor Justice Owen J. Roberts. This summer he was to personally present the award to each Scout who earned it.

In September, to further mark the Council's 20th Anniversary, the first Scout-O-Rama was held which was the high water mark of the Anniversary Celebration. Mr. Charles S. Swope was General Chairman for the event held at West Chester. More than 2,000 friends of Scouting and parents created an overflow crowd to see 800 of our "Scouts in Action." Mr. Gibbons Cornwell was Master of Ceremonies and Mr. N. Harlan Slack handled the business and logistics operation. The Horseshoe Band performed and there was a grand entry parade of Scouts, Cubs and Leaders under the direction of Commissioner Donald McIlvaine. Events included an episode from the 1937 World Jamboree; a Tenderfoot Investiture with Justice Owen J. Roberts presiding with President Judge W. Butler Windle and Judge Ernest Harvey and Eagle Scouts assisting; a Wood Chopping contest

directed by "Coley;" Cubbing demonstrations; Camping and Sea Scout Demonstrations; and, an impressive closing ceremony.

Sakima Ossie Spellman, D.D.S., now Scoutmaster of West Chester Troop 6, was in charge of 1939's W.W.W. Lodge Banquet. Attending the third annual banquet were fifty Octoraro Lodge members. Dr. John R. Hart, Rector of the Valley Forge Chapel, was the speaker and gave every one something to think about.

1940 On the National Scouting scene, this year marked the 30th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. In May, there was to be a special Boy Scout Camp at the 1940 World's Fair in New York. Plans were being made early this year in the Council to send a Provisional Troop of Scouts from Chester County to take part in this special event.

Arthur A. Schuck, our first Council Executive in 1919 and now on the National Staff, along with Justice Owen J. Roberts were the guests and featured speakers at our 21st Annual Meeting at the West Chester High School. Scout Leaders were invited guests of the Council. Presiding at the affair was Council President Jay H. Jeffries who read messages of congratulations from former Council Presidents. Chief Justice Roberts called forward John S. Harley, escorted by his Scouts, and read the following citation:

"To Scouter John S. Harley, who has rendered noteworthy service...as Troop Committeeman, Troop 74, from 1933 to 1934; Scoutmaster, Troop 74 from 1934 to date; Neighborhood Commissioner and Training Course Scoutmaster. ...It is my pleasure to...place around the neck of this distinguished Scouter, the Silver Beaver..."

Following this impressive presentation, Mr. Schuck was introduced by John H. Ware, 3rd. He recalled the earlier days of the Council but cautioned that one must not dwell on the past but rather build for a greater future on the foundation of past experience.

The role of the various districts and their leadership continued to play an important part in the Scouting Movement in the Council. Among the District Chairman serving in this period were Col. Thomas H. Stilwell of Paoli and Dr. Walter Wright, President of Lincoln University.

This spring the Council Camporee was held for the first time at the Longwood Gardens, the estate of Pierre S. duPont near Kennett Square. It turned out to be a spectacular event for our Scouts. The Scouts were treated to a tour of the gardens; participated in Kennett Square's "Old Home Week" celebration and parade; and the special fountain display.

That summer, Scouts planted 22,000 trees at Horseshoe to reforest the section of camp burned out in the 1938 fire as well as other areas of camp. Camp attendance was again strong with an increase over the prior year. There was a delay in receiving the bequest to erect the Health Lodge as originally planned. However, moneys were made available later in the year to commence construction.

In the fall a letter was received from the North Bergen County Council asking the Council to release Chief T. J. Price to serve their Council. Chief Price then tendered his resignation. The Board acknowledged the fine contributions that Chief Price had made during his ten years with the Council under some trying conditions caused by the difficult Depression years. Subsequently, under the direction of Charles S. Swope, a Selection Committee was formed to secure a new Council Executive with the assistance of Paul H. Love, the Regional Executive.

After careful consideration by the Selection Committee, several candidates were chosen to be interviewed. It was decided to offer Louis Lester of Norfolk, Virginia and the Tidewater Council the job. Mr. Lester accepted the Committee's invitation and so was set into motion the building of the Council's "bridge" to the future.