"WE'RE ON THE UPWARD TRAIL"

1953 - 1957

"We're on the upward trail,
We're on the upward trail,
Singing, singing, everybody singing,
Scouting Bound!"

- Camp Horseshoe Round

The next years for our Council were growth years. Growth brought on by a major shift to the suburbs of families seeking the benefits of open land, attractive single homes and communities where their children could enjoy community-related activities and the benefit of our suburban school systems. As new home owners came to Chester County communities, they became involved in their community. Scouting was popular because it represented ideals that our Nation had fought for in World War II.

1953 The boom in Scouting had begun and was to take greater hold in the years to come. The effects of this would have a marked impact on our Council operations and Board decisions in the coming years. The "bridge" that was being built for the future by Chief Lester, Council President J. Frederic Wiese and our Board put us in a good position for making good choices for the direction in which our Council and Scouting was to go. Budgetary matters would play a great part in the years ahead.

Of great interest in 1953 was the Third National Jamboree. It was to be held at the Irvine Ranch in California. Plans were being made for two troops from Chester County to attend this event. Chief Lester was to serve there as Director of Public Transportation on the Jamboree Staff. Some 50,000 Scouts from America and other countries were expected to take part in July. It was the largest gathering of boys in the history of America. Hab Butler, Council President from 1990 to 1992, recalls his being able to attend the 1953 Jamboree thanks to the Lukens Steel Company. The Company provided a number of Jamboree scholarships. Hab, a member of Atglen Troop 20, was the fortunate recipient of one of these. Another current day Council Board member, Donald Goebert, was also a member of the Council troop at the Jamboree that year.

On the other hand the "fifth" Philmont expedition was being formed to go to the southwest for the great Philmont experience. Trail Blazer reported: "The Burro Pack Trip expeditions are Philmont's most popular scheduled. Through canyons from Abreu to Rayado - through mountain passes along the Skyline Trail and over Clear Creek Mountain (11,600 feet above sea level)...the expedition takes you from one end of the Ranch to the other on 81 miles of trail."

It was a full house at the Annual Meeting and Dinner in Downingtown in January. Scouters and their wives and friends convened for the special recognition of Scouting excellence. Twenty-one Scouts were called out for their achievement of Eagle Scout rank the past year. Mr. W. Waldo Hayes, Advancement Chairman, complimented the Scouts as their names were read from the "Book of Eagles."

Past President Charles S. Swope commended the fine work that President Wiese had done as he presented him with a set of Scout Bookends engraved with his name and tenure. Mr. Wiese retired as President this evening. Elected as the new Council President was F. Huston McIlvain. Art McGinnes continued as the Council Scout Commissioner.

The Silver Beaver awards were made to Dr. Agnew "Hank" Ewing and Arthur P. G. McGinnes, Jr. as a highlight of the evening. Dr. Ewing had been a Scout in West Grove Troop 30 as a boy in 1925 when he had camped at Camp Rothrock. "Hank" served in this Troop in several leadership capacities becoming its Scoutmaster in 1941. An Eagle Scout, he served on the Horseshoe Staff as Stockade Leader and Waterfront Director for six years. Art McGinnes' record included his Scouting in Paoli Troop 1 in 1930 where he became an Eagle Scout. He was a leader in District 1 and had been Council Commissioner since 1945. He also had been a leader on an early Philmont expedition and served at Round Table meetings, on Camporee Staffs, training courses and in many other capacities. It is interesting to note that his father had been similarly recognized in 1943.

Since 1938 John H. Ware, 3rd had given extraordinary service to the Council as Camping and Activities Chairman. His leadership in these areas had been a tremendous asset to the Council over these years. In 1953, it became necessary for him to resign from these duties due to pressing matters beyond his Council activities. However, he would continue to maintain a close liaison with the Council. Appointed to take over the Camping Committee was Dr. B. Anton Hess. Dr. Elwood Spellman was appointed as Chairman of the Council Committee on Health and Safety.

There was discussion in 1953 of the property the Council owned east of West Chester which was currently used as a Lenni-Lenape District camping site. A new state highway, by-passing West Chester, was being planned which would affect the site. The Board carefully watched the developments of this state project in the coming year.

The Order of the Arrow was very active in these years. In 1953 the Lodge scheduled an April weekend meeting at Horseshoe to prepare for the approaching camp season. Under the direction of Al Brawn work was completed on our Lodge Ceremonial Circle. Link Rice and John S. Harley took on the work of repairing the "Horseshoe Circle," including the totem pole for the Saturday night campfires. The planting of 500 Douglas Firs in our "Xmas tree grove was lead by Karl Woodward while Paul S. Carnathan staked out and started clearing the site for our Lodge building. Plans were also being made for a Lodge delegation to attend the Area OA meeting at the Seven Mountains Scout Camp at Lewistown, Pa.. Fred Gates was our Lodge Chief at that time and was to be followed by Clair Langham.

In the Arrow Bulletin issued to Lodge members that April, the following item appeared:

"Yes. We are making progress with our Lodge building. Our fund is now over the $500 mark...this will be your building. Let's all get behind the wheel and push it along."

Dr. B. Anton Hess introduced the new Camp Horseshoe Guide for leaders that spring. Also announced was the new program where troops were to come to Camp as a unit and provide their own leadership. Heretofore most of the camp's stockades were comprised of "provisional" units - Scouts from various troops. The new approach appeared to work well since it continues to the present day.

The death of Scout Robert G. Mackey at Camp this summer was mourned. The tragedy occurred during the evening Retreat and dinner period. An investigating Committee of the Council Board thoroughly reviewed the matter and concluded that the cause of the death was unable to be determined and that there was no negligence by the camp staff or Scout Mackey.

Longwood and the Longwood Gardens and grounds were as popular a spot as ever for the Scouts and leaders attending that year's Council Camporee in September. Again, the Council Scouts were the guests of Mr. Pierre S. DuPont. The troops camped in the area now referred to as the "meadows" and were treated to colorful displays of the fountains in the evening to top off a day of camping competitions and demonstrations.

In the fall a Junior Leader Training Course was well attended by 75 Scouts at the Scott High School in Coatesville. Edgar H. Haldeman, Council Leadership Training Chairman, and Scoutmaster Reynolds Taney of Kimberton Troop 49 lead off the sessions. There were six sessions emphasizing the "Ingredients of the Patrol Meeting." Leaders for this event were John S. Harley, Ray Lemmon, Dr. Agnew Ewing, John J. Johnson, J. Holland Heck and Ernie Heegard.

Alpha Phi Omega was the Scouting Service fraternity that had been formed in some colleges. At Lehigh University, the fraternity had a "Visitation Day" to which a number of our Explorer Crews, Sea Scout units and Troops went. Crews included were those from Kennett Square 53. Oxford 44's Sea Scout Ship, Troop 92 of Colora, Maryland, Troop 57 of Kennett, Post 78 of Willistown, Troop 58 of Phoenixville and Troop 2 of Downingtown.

At year end, we welcomed a new District Executive. Jim Dukovic, formerly with the Baltimore Area Council, arrived and took on the responsibility for the Conestoga and Frontier Districts. This began his long association with the Chester County Council. The new Camp Director for the 1954 season was announced. It was J. Holland Heck, Vigil Honor member and former Lodge Chief of the Order of the Arrow. He had served on the Camp Staff in past years under Chief Thomas J. Price and was currently a District leader.

1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954 called upon the Boy Scouts of America to perform a Conservation Good Turn. He stated "The Boy Scouts of America, as heirs to the future, have much to lose or gain in the years ahead, depending on how the natural resources are managed today." With that, the Council issued each unit leader a 1954 Conservation Good Turn Agreement seeking their ideas and commitment to the program. With that, the project was launched throughout the Council.

In January the best patrols from each of the District First Aid competitions attended the Council First Aid Meet. These First Aid-O-Rees were successful in preparing our Scouts for emergencies as well as creating an esprit de corps both among the patrols and the troops. Such competitions in Scout Skills not only served to educate the Scouts but created friendly rivalries that lasted for years.

"Ossie" Spellman again was called to lead the singing at the Annual Dinner Meeting. Nearly 400 people were there to recognize the accomplishments of the Scout leaders and our new group of Eagle Scouts. Council President McIlvain presided and in his remarks emphasized the need for leaders to take advantage of training opportunities to better serve the Scouts; and, by being trained and experienced, the advancement, program activities and camping would follow naturally. Chief Lester outlined the Conservation Good Turn project for that spring and asked for the 100% support of the troops.

Eagles were recognized for the previous year and then the Silver Beaver awards were made. This year Monroe L. Nute of Kennett Square and Harold J. Schramm of West Chester were singled out for their years of commitment to the Scouting Movement and the Council.

The Scouters and their wives and friends were treated to a fine talk by Dr. Paul A. Siple, Eagle Scout, who had accompanied Admiral Byrd on the first Antartic expedition. He stated that he won the honor in a nationwide contest. Not only did Dr. Siple describe some of his adventures on the expedition but also spoke of the values of Scouting, directing his remarks to the new group of Eagles. Cub Scout Francis Hickey of Cub Pack 21 closed the meeting by expressing his appreciation and that of 3000 other Scouts in the Council for the opportunities Scouting offered.

The Schiff Scout Reservation, near Mendham, New Jersey, was a major training center for Scouters and in the spring of 1954 was offering Scouts similar Junior Leader training opportunities. The property had been donated to the Boy Scouts of America many years before upon the death of Mortimer L Schiff. President McIlvain encouraged our Board members' attendance at the Finance courses being presented at Schiff that spring. Many of our Scouts took advantage of the Junior Leader Training offered there that year and for many more until it was sold.

Training opportunities were also offered to boy leaders in Junior Leader Training courses in the Council. A "Buckskin Conference" for training was held at Camp Horseshoe that spring. The Junior leaders were housed in Browning and McIlvaine lodges and spent a weekend of intensive training in the "Patrol Method" and troop operations.

In the spring of 1954, the Council introduced a new recognition for Scouters to be earned within the District. The Order of Merit award was instituted this year with requirements similar to the Silver Beaver award except specifically directed to exceptional service in the District.

There was an Order of the Arrow III - A Conference held at Camp Horseshoe in May. Delegates from seven different Lodges in the Region were represented. Over 180 attended the meeting and were treated to an address by Thomas Keane, National Director, Civic Relationships, for the National Council, BSA. Much work and planning had been done by our Order of the Arrow members led by our Lodge Chief Ernie Heegard. Camp was well prepared and all were impressed with our organization and the appearance of our Camp. Under Ernie's leadership, Octoraro would become one of the outstanding Lodges in the United States.

Horseshoe opened under the leadership of J. Holland Heck in 1954. He had assembled a spirited Staff including Ernie Heegard who had been a Staff member since 1949 (or before). Ernie had been Aquatics Director. Another old- time Horseshoe Staff member that summer was Ed "Casey" Jones. Attendance neared record proportions. The decision to promote troop camping and providing their own leadership was a sound one. It added much to the Scout's fun and experience at Camp. This year, the Board had authorized the construction of two Adirondack style shelters for summer and winter camping use at Camp. Dr. Anton Hess commented after the camp season that this was one of the best seasons for the campers reflecting the fine facilities and the spirit of the Staff.

Representatives of Region III, who took part in the annual camp inspection of Horseshoe attended our summer Board meeting. Mr. William Poole, former President of the Delmarva Council and Region III representative, commented on the favorable impression he had of Camp and especially the Conservation Program implemented that year. He stated that our efforts were far above most Councils in the country. Mr. Poole urged that steps be taken to further develop the Explorer programs for our older Scouts.

Speaking of older Scout opportunities, Joseph H. Balthis, Chairman of the Octoraro District, led the Philmont expedition for older Scouts and Explorers that summer. There were ten members in the crew that tackled the mountains and canyons of the Ranch. The Philmont high adventure program was so successful, the Council planned for 35 Scouts and leaders to travel west in 1955. A three week trip by bus was planned, stopping each night to camp both going west and returning. Four adult leaders would serve as trail leaders. Stops at prominent spots along the way and a stay at a U. S. Air Force Base were scheduled. Robert H. Meier was Expedition Director for 1955.

The Region III Meeting in October saw another Chester County Scouter recognized for his work in behalf of the Region and the Council by being presented with the Silver Antelope award. That year, J. Frederic Wiese was singled out for his service to Scouting which started when he was a Scout in 1913. He was cited for his service as our Council president, member of the Region III Executive Committee and Chairman of the Southeast Service Area. Mr. Wiese was Vice President of the Lukens Steel Company and was past Chairman of the American Red Cross of Coatesville. He had many other community and business affiliations to his credit. The citation read: "...his capacity as an Executive and an innate ability to get things done, his association with all worthwhile community projects is constant."

1955 The "Voice of Scouting" broke the silence at the Annual Meeting and Dinner in 1955 as it had done in prior years. That night Dr. Earl F. Sykes, Chairman of the Silver Beaver Committee, presented the Silver Beaver to H. Milton Jones of Parkesburg and Fridtjof Tobiessen of Berwyn.

Mr. Jones was cited for his commitment to Scouting for more than ten years. He had served on the Troop 35 Committee for several years before becoming Scoutmaster of the Troop in 1945. He also served on the Pack 35 Committee and the Explorer Post 35 Committee. He was Post Advisor from 1946 to 1949 and was acting as Assistant from 1951 to the present. He served on numerous staffs for leadership training and was an active Order of the Arrow member. For his exceptional Lodge service he was nominated to the Vigil Honor.

"Tobie", as he was known, had been the recent recipient of the Conestoga District's new "Order of Merit" award for his work in the District. "He has been an inspiration to all with whom he has been in contact" in his involvement in Scouting. He served as a leader of Berwyn Cub Pack 11 and later as its Institutional Representative. From 1949 to 1954 he was the Conestoga District Commissioner and during the past year was the Council Commissioner for Exploring. He, too, was an active member of the Order of the Arrow and a Vigil Honor member of Lodge 22.

Joining the Council Officers as Treasurer that year was H. Allison Fosnocht. F. Huston McIlvain was re-elected Council President. Because of poor health, Owen J. Roberts could not attend the Annual Meeting and sent his regrets. Later that year Justice Roberts died.

(It should be noted that Justice Roberts provided exceptional service to Scouting in the many years he was associated with the Chester County Council. Our history is enriched by his service and commitment to the Scouts.)

The eighteen Eagle Scouts that had been honored at the Meeting participated in the Closing Ceremonies conducted by William Palmer Lear. The theme of those ceremonies was based on the words of Sir Robert Baden-Powell, Founder of the Boy Scouts: "From now on the symbol of peace is the Golden Arrow. Carry it fast and far, so that all men may know the brotherhood of man." The narrator then read the poem "We are building for the future". "Taps" sounded as the last words of the poem were read.

Mentioned earlier was the new arrangement for the Philmont Scout Ranch trip this year. Since the original plan had been introduced nearly twice as many Scouts had registered for the trip than originally planned. The plan was changed and two bus loads of Scouts, 60 to 72 Scouts and leaders were sent. In addition, there was a group of three Explorers which were to be selected to represent the Council at the World Jamboree taking place that year in Canada.

Of the 52 Councils in Region III, Chester County ranked 4th in the number of Explorers related to total available youth; 6th for Cub Scouts; an, 7th for Boy Scouts. Statistically it was noted that 34.8% of the available youth were Scouts in the County. Indeed the Council was on "The Upward Trail".

As summer Camp approached, the Board directed the Camping Committee to do a thorough study of present facilities and anticipated needs for the Horseshoe Reservation. This was an important project that would have an impact on the camp to fit the burgeoning needs. In line with this, Horseshoe was "sold out" by the April Board Meeting. At that time the Council consulted with the Region concerning the possible expansion of our Horseshoe facilities. In July a representative of the National Scout Engineering Service visited Horseshoe to make appropriate studies.

For Horseshoe's 28th season, J. Holland Heck was Director. A seasoned Senior Staff was comprised of Arnold Daffin as Business Manager; Edward "Casey" Jones as Assistant Camp Director and Program Director; Al Weeks as Commissary Director; and Ernie Heegard as Waterfront Director. Almost all of these Staff members had been campers at Camp in their youth and had much staff experience from prior years. The Camps used this year included the Stockades; Sherwood Forest, Boonesboro, Kit Carson, Davy Crockett and Bayard Taylor; and, Dan Beard, Timberline and Nature Heart tent campsites.

J. Holland Heck, Camp Director, presented an interesting and factual report on the happenings at Camp to the Board members who were visiting Camp on Robert's Day. Mr. Heck was complimented on the appearance of Camp and the morale of the Scouts and Staff. The Board Meeting was held on the lawn of the "White House" in the cool of the evening. Chief Lester was presented with his 35 year Veteran Scouting award at the meeting that year.

In the fall, Mr. Meier of the Philmont Committee reported on the great time the Scouts had on their trip to New Mexico. J. Holland Heck who had directed the expedition commented on the sights that were enjoyed and the rugged camping experience at the Ranch. The three week trip had covered over 4000 miles. The Philmont Committee for 1956 was placed under the leadership of Elliott R. Jones. His Committee was authorized to proceed with plans for the coming year.

Budget needs for the Council were under discussion. With the added membership and increased number of troops, the professional staff needed to be expanded. That fall Bob Alexander, who was in Atglen Troop 20 in 1942 and on the Horseshoe Staff in later years, was hired as an Assistant Executive to serve in the new District being created in a prospective merger. Horseshoe's physical needs also had to be addressed with respect to our capacity to handle more Scouts at Camp. Each year the budget requirements were increasing and so too was the need to raise funds to compliment those received from the various Community Chest organizations in the Council's service area.

In December an announcement was made that the Districts would be combined to create a more efficient organization in the Council operations. The Lenni-Lenape and Octoraro Districts were merged as were the Conestoga and Frontier Districts. Also, there was a realignment in the territories of each of the three new Districts.

At the annual Order of the Arrow Dinner Meeting held in Berwyn that December, G. Ernest Heegard and Fred Gates were called out for the Vigil Honor, the highest award the Lodge can bestow upon a member. The Octoraro Lodge continued playing a vital role in its service work to the Council and to Camp Horseshoe.

Activities Chairman J. Gilmore Wilson recounted in the Trail Blazer the numerous events that had taken place during the year. For Exploring, their activities had included "Operation Emergency", an Explorer encampment at Gettysburg and "Operation Vocational." Cub Scout days were held at Horseshoe; Goodwill Industries collections were done by Scouts; Council troops participated in the Valley Forge Council's "Scouting Fair"; and a Retreat was conducted for Scouts of the Catholic Faith. And, of course, there were the District Field Meets, First Aid events and the Council Camporee at Longwood. Quite a full calendar of events to support troop programs.

By year-end Scout membership neared the 4000 mark and there were 1835 Scouters who volunteered their time and talents to the success of the Scouting Programs. There were now 144 Boy Scout troops, Cub Packs and Explorer Posts delivering the program in the Council.

1956 The Board in January received an application from Albert Fegley ,then Assistant Scoutmaster of Phoenixville 15, for the Wood Badge recognition, the highest leader training offered by the Boy Scouts of America in basic outdoor program work. He was the first

leader in the Chester County Council to qualify for the Wood Badge course conducted in the United States. Since, at that time, he was with "Operation Deepfreeze" at Little America in the Antarctic, he would be recognized in absentia at the Council's Annual Meeting. (It is to be noted that two other Scouters had qualified for the Wood Badge, Clifton Lisle and Franklyn Sharpless, but their award was earned in the British Scout Association program). Al Fegley was a Scout in the Council and had served on the Horseshoe Staff in the '40's.

The twenty Scouts who had achieved Eagle had their names recorded in the "Book of Eagles" and were congratulated on their achievements at the Annual Meeting and Dinner.

One of the two Silver Beaver awards at the Annual Meeting was presented to George E. M. Heegard this year. His scouting experiences began in 1944 when he became Chairman of Willistown Troop 78's Committee and served ten years in that capacity. He became Neighborhood Commissioner in 1952 and, largely through his efforts, organized Cub Pack 88; Scout Troops 87, 88 an 99; and, Explorer Posts 88 and 89. He was an active Order of the Arrow member, an Explorer Advisor and the father of Eagle Scout Ernie Heegard.

The second Silver Beaver recipient was Joseph H. Balthis of Kennett Square. His scouting background included Cub Pack 12 Committee; later, a District Commissioner and on the Octoraro District Camping Committee; and, the District Chairman. He attended Wood Badge Training course at the Schiff Reservation in 1954 and served as leader for the Philmont expedition that year. He also had served on the Council Board since 1954.

The names selected by the newly re-aligned Districts were the Great Valley, Minquas Trail and Brandywine Districts.

In March, the Board continued its attention to the pressing Council needs to accommodate the growth in our Council. Dr. Anton Hess' report on the study made by his Camping Committee was presented to the Board. Enlisting the services of the National Camping Service, Regional personnel and the National Engineering Service as well as using their own studies, the Committee concluded that immediate steps be taken to enlarge the Council's facilities for camping and administration. Present growth demands indicated the situation would be critical in the next several years were nothing to be done. They recommended that a special "Committee on Camp Development" be created due to the magnitude of the project.

At a subsequent Council meeting, Dr. Hess presented a plan for the complete renovation of our camping facilities, construction of a complete new camp unit and the development of preliminary plans for a third unit for review in 1970. The Board gave its approval and authorized President McIlvain to make arrangements with professional fund raising services. A steering committee was formed as an oversight group for the project. Ketchum, Inc. was selected to handle the Capital Campaign. We were on our way!

As an aside to this matter, the Council was bequeathed a sum of $10,000 from the estate of E. Hibberd Lawrence, Dec'd with the stipulation that the money be used for some capital purpose in memory of the deceased. This money was set aside for a future project at Camp.

On another matter, the West Goshen Troop 10 committee contacted the Council with the recommendation that the Council build a new Council office building on the Taylor property east of West Chester. That property had been assigned to Troop 10 for their use by the Council. Action on this proposal was deferred to another date due to its being a part of the Council Capitol Campaign projects.

To handle the pressing need for Horseshoe's 1956 season, the Board authorized the purchase of 9' x 9' wall tents for use at Horseshoe in camping season. These were to be used for the creation of a new campsite to meet anticipated needs. The Deputy Executive of Region III, James O. Boyer, was one of the Camp Inspectors this summer. He spent a considerable amount of time with Chief Lester and John H. Ware, 3rd touring Camp and seeing the programs in operation. He was greatly impressed with Horseshoe, its Camp Director J. Holland Heck, Assistant Camp Director "Casey" Jones along with Ernie Heegard and the rest of the Camp Staff and the Camp operations.

The Camp report for this season reflected the spirit of the Camp and Staff. A Naval Corpsman from the Naval Station at Bainbridge had done an outstanding job at the Health Lodge. There was a successful program provided for Explorer Scouts that season under the leadership of Ernie Heegard. The Staff was re-distributed to new sleeping quarters which freed another tent campsite for six troops in the course of the summer. An electric motor-driven fire siren was installed and tested daily at noon, replacing the ringing of the bell. Tom Myers handled the Trading Post; William Smeader was Aquatics Director; Samuel Thorndike was in charge of Camp Craft; and Ted Gettings was Handicraft Director. Of course, George Cole continued his work as our Camp Ranger. The Silver Buckle Award ( Note: one honor camper is elected for this award each week from his own troop. It is presented at the final night's Campfire.) had been established several years earlier and continued to prove popular among the troops as did the Troop and Patrol Honor plaques presented to qualifying units.

The post-camp report cited the selection of Ernie Heegard for the Explorer Program. "His leadership ability, natural acceptance by the boys and strong belief in the Exploring program made him outstanding for the directing of this new field." Activities had included: a Square Dance at Camp Tweedale; Canoe trips to Camp Rodney and up the Susquehanna River; hike to Broad Creek Scout Camp; Survival hike; and, a Mobilization Hike (midnight search for downed fliers). Quite a menu for our Senior Scouts!

There were nearly 800 individual campers from 56 different troops that summer. At the end of Camp the Staff had an elaborate banquet following which a surprise announcement was made that the Staff would go to Tweedale the next night for a Square Dance. The Staff went home in a great mood!

It was decided to conduct the Capital Campaign in the spring of 1957 under the direction of Ketchum,Inc. It was agreed that an objective of $200,000 be set for the current phase of the Campaign. The Steering Committee for the project was chaired by John H. Ware, 3rd. Members included J. Frederic Wiese, Joseph Neff Ewing, Earl C. Supplee and David Ginsburg. The official name given the campaign was "Boy Scout Camp Expansion Fund".

1957 A new year and a bright future for the Council with the prospects of the Horseshoe expansion, a new Council Training Center and administrative offices. In addition, there were lots of things happening on the Scouting activities front.

Plans were being made for two Troops from Chester County to go to the Fourth National Jamboree which was to be at Valley Forge. Another contingent would be going to Philmont this summer and Camp Horseshoe troop reservations were running strong.

The featured speaker at this year's Annual Meeting and Dinner was Colonel Clifton Lisle, Paoli Troop 1 Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster and Silver Beaver recipient. He spoke on the early development of the Scouting Movement, his personal experiences with one of the first troops in America, of the early formation of Chester County Council and his "then" and "now" impressions of Scouting.

Silver Beaver awards were presented to President F. Huston McIlvain and Dr. Elwood M. Spellman. Each had started their Scouting in Chester County as boys. Mr. McIlvain had been a Scout in Downingtown Troop 2 in 1926, eventually serving as its Scoutmaster in 1942 to 1945. He then served in a number of other Scouting roles before becoming Council President in 1953.

"Ossie" Spellman began as a boy in Willistown Troop 27 which eventually became Troop 78. He earned the Eagle rank, served as Scoutmaster of Troop 78 and then as Scoutmaster of West Chester Troop 6 in 1939. He had served on the Camp Staff and in many capacities on the District and Council level in his nearly 30 years of Scouting experience.

Chief Lester commented on the most impressive Closing Ceremony for the Dinner which was again directed by William Palmer Lear. To his surprise, Col. Lisle had an important part in the ceremony. "The scene was a closing camp fire at Arrowe Park, England, in 1929, at which Col. Lisle and a group of Chester County Scouts were present. Several local Scouts played the part with Col. Lisle for the opening scene. For the second portion of the ceremony the actual Scouts (who had been with Lisle), now men with families of their own, "returned" and once again joined with Col. Lisle around the fire."

Regretfully, Mr. McIlvain tendered his resignation as Council President. However, our newly elected President had served many years in the Council and was a logical selection to lead the Council into the expansion of our camping facilities. John H. Ware, 3rd was the popular choice as President. He, along with Scout Commissioner Art McGinnes, Jr., were faced with the challenge of renovating Camp Horseshoe to meet the demands of the growth of Scouting in the Council.

It was with deep regret that the Board accepted the resignation of our Chief Scout Executive Louis Lester that winter. In his letter of resignation he cited his 31 years of professional Scouting career and the fact that he had planned to take early retirement. He Stated that "in its class and size, the Chester County Council is one of the great councils in America" and reflects the loyal support of its thousands of volunteers.

Chief Lester had built the "Bridge" to Scouting's future in Chester County. His legacy along with that of Chief Charles M. Heistand's provided a marked impression on Scouting in the Council that continues to the present day. Here follows the remainder of the poem recognizing Chief Lester's role in Chester County Council Scouting that started the previous chapter - "The Bridge Builder" -

"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near,
"You are wasting strength in building here.
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again must pass this way.
You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build you a bridge at the eventide?"
The builder lifted his old gray head.
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building the bridge for him."

- Will Allen Dromgoole