"CHIEF" - THE LEGACY

1923 - 1928

"Then up rose the great Sun Dance Spirit and with him Wulisso. And then Woapossum told the youth that a mark should be placed upon his body and that those who in the future years he wished to bless, would be given the opportunity of selecting life for themselves from him. Even when a person was ill in mind or body, his powers would restore them to health again - that which Wulisso saw in the form of a winding stream, was the sign placed upon his breast, that of a horse's hoof - and with that sign he was blessed."

From the "Legend of the Horseshoe" Indian Pageant

1923 In the four years that passed since the Council came into being, Scouting flourished. A number of events outside of Chester County had taken place in the formative years of the National Scouting Movement which would have an impact in 1923 and for future years. This would be an important year for the Chester County Council.

One of these events occurred at the Treasure Island Camp for the Philadelphia Scout Council, in 1915, when an experiment conducted by Dr. E. Urner Goodman, Camp Director, and his Assistant, Carroll A. Edson, had proven successful. These far-sighted men wanted to find some way of recognizing those Scouts who had best lived up to the spirit of the Scout Oath and Law. Out of this desire, and from the rich traditions of the Indians of the Delaware, the roots of the Order of the Arrow took hold to recognize honor campers. Although the organization grew slowly, by 1922 the Order of the Arrow became an official program experiment of the National Council.

In Oil City, Pennsylvania, in the 1920 to 1923 period, was a man who would be a key player in the lives of our Chester County Council boys in 1923 and for years to come. He would eventually become Assistant Chief Scout Executive of the National Scouting organization. This man was Charles M. Heistand, then Scout Executive for the Oil City area. Upon the endorsement of our former Scout Executive Arthur A. Schuck and the qualifications he presented, Mr. Heistand was hired to take the place of Henry Sluyter on a temporary basis to help the Council. He joined the Council just in time to head Camp Rothrock which was starting its third season. The title "Chief" was given the Scout Executive in those days and fitted this young man well. Chief was an Eagle Scout and had an intuitive way with the men selected for the camp jobs as well as knack of impressing the young Scouts. Undoubtedly, his prior training would stand him in good stead with those he led. He had a keen sense for what the boys wanted in the way of a Scouting program.

JB Rettew's note: In my years of Scouting, I have observed the influence this man has had on both old-timers who camped with him and young people alike who got to know him on his visits to the Council and in his retirement years. There is almost a reverent quality in their voices as they recall their talks with Chief. He was a leader of men and dedicated to the volunteer Scouters, respecting the work and dedication they had for the Scouting Movement and the youth they served. He was a gentle man and embodied all the fine qualities of Scouting. It was my pleasure to meet him at the celebration of Horseshoe's 50th anniversary and to enjoy his stories of early Scouting in our Council.

The July 19, 1923 Daily Local News reported on the opening of Camp Rothrock:

"The boys found many improvements at camp this year, as members of the force...had expended much energy getting everything in perfect order for the opening.

The camp staff consists of the following: Camp Director and Scout Executive, Charles M. Heistand; Assistant Camp Director and Physcian, Dr. B. S. West, of Philadelphia; Assistants, Christian C. Sanderson of West Chester; L. C. Saunders, Spring City; cook, Alexander Griesk, Philadelphia; assistant, J. W. Chalfant, Coatesville; camp clerk, Albert W. Kitts, Kennett Square; camp bugler, Horace A. Riggs, Paoli; truck driver, William Everett, Kennett Square."

Some of the Scoutmasters in camp that summer included; Earl Webster, Phoenixville 1; Ben J. Thomas, Malvern 1; Norman Kirkner, Tredyffrin 1; Franklin Wandless, Berwyn 1; Rev H. H. Kurtz, Honeybrook 1; and, Major Clifton Lisle, Paoli 1. Articles throughout the summer in the Daily Local News reported on the fine camp and experiences of the Scouts.

The annual Council meeting was held at the Green Tree Inn. Chief Scout Executive James E. West was the honored guest of the Council that evening and addressed the gathering on the work of the Scouting organization throughout the country. Norris B. Slack presided at the business meeting. Chief Heistand also presented a progress report of the Council since his joining it earlier this year. New officers for the coming year were elected. They were: Clyde T. Saylor, President; Norris B. Slack, Honorary President; Herman Schmaltz, of Kennett Square, Major Clifton Lisle, of Wayne, and Judge J. Frank E. Hause, of West Chester, Vice Presidents; and, Herbert P. Worth, of West Chester, Treasurer.

The Daily Local News reported on an Executive Committee meeting held in December:

"Reports as to troop standing and financial conditions of the county were heard, both of which showed a revival of interest in the county.

Mr. Heistand, the Scout Executive, coming here in July, with the understanding that he would remain until January 1st, 1924, made it necessary for consideration of plans for 1924 insofar as an Executive was concerned. After some discussion and planning, it was decided to make an effort to retain him as Scout Executive for the coming year."

The rest, of course, is history. Chief agreed to stay on and work for the best interests of Scouting for the boys in the County for a number of years to come.

1924 There are numerous stories told of those early days at Camp Rothrock. Only a few men remain that spent their first days away from home in the remote forests of Pennsylvania. Walter C. Burkey is one such person and another is Ken Edwards. Ken was also at Camp Lafayette in the Council's infancy.

One of the earlier accounts of a troop's travel to Camp Rothrock is the account related in Paoli Troop 1's 75th Anniversary History when they hiked from Paoli to Camp Rothrock (could it be that they did this due to Army personnel carriers in those days lacking a certain comfort?):

"In 1924, the Troop was excited by the prospects of its first long hike, a 125 mile trip from the parish house (in Paoli) to Camp Rothrock, Chester County Council's Cumberland Mountain summer camp. Scoutmaster Clifton Lisle led this trip, and neither 'blisters, snakes, nor nearly vertical mountains' slowed the hearty progress..."

Scribe Horace Rigg captured the rush of pride all felt upon reaching camp:

"Fireworks noted our arrival as we marched into camp. We felt like returning heroes. Pausing for no one, we made quick tracks for the mess hall, and soon cleaned out the kitchen of barbecued chicken, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, fresh apple pie and lemonade."

Such experiences lay the groundwork for the spirit of the boys and helped to set the example for others to follow in their footsteps. In fact, Paoli 1 followed this hike with similar ones in 1925 and 1926.

Walter C. Burkey, now an 89 year-old veteran of Scouting, attended Camp Rothrock with his Troop 1 of Malvern in those early years and recalls:

Camp Rothrock was a great time for us. We enjoyed the games and hikes to such spots as Pole's Hill, Hammond's Rock, Bunker Hill Farm and other spots. It was a great camp...but difficult to get to."

The camping season at Rothrock was divided into four periods of two weeks each. This was to allow for a "breaking in " period the first week for camp routine with the "real benefit" being derived from the second week. Camp routine began early...6:40 am First Call...6:50 am, assembly with setting up exercises, morning dip, etc. (One can imagine the invigorating dip in Laurel Lake that early in the day!) Other parts of the program day included woodcraft instruction, aquatics, Scoutcraft, games, hikes, construction work, and the like. After Retreat and Colors, there would be games and an evening camp fire.

1925 The brochure for Rothrock announced the Camp Staff for the June 29 to August 24 season. Chief selected as his Camp Adjutant, Eagle Scout Joseph H. Brinton, Jr. of West Chester. (Joe became a life-long friend of Chief's, eventually entering the Scouting profession and serving until his retirement as Scout Executive of the Detroit Area Council.) Jules Prevost served as Activities Director, as he had in earlier days. "Pre" was known for his football and wrestling prowess at Penn State. Eagle Scout J. Wayne Chalfant of Coatesville was Director of Woodcraft and Eagle Scout Tom Bishop of Paoli was Director of Scoutcraft. Johnny Chambers of Coatesville, who had been a camper for several seasons, headed up the Commissary and Transportation. "Jake" O' Donnell the cook was back for his third season, "which alone speaks for his popularity." The cost for a Scout to attend was $1. per day....quite a deal !

Previously mentioned in this chapter was the early beginnings of the program to recognize honor campers...the Order of the Arrow.

1926 According to Chester County Council's Octoraro Lodge 22 of the Order of the Arrow history written for the Lodge's 50th Anniversary, in 1924 Chief Heistand wrote to the National Council seeking further information about the new organization known as the "Wimachtendienk" or "Brotherhood." He had become interested in the program through Mr. Horace Kern, the Scout Executive of the Philadelphia Council. Chief's interest in the program became an integral part of his planning for the 1926 summer camping season at Camp Rothrock.

The Lodge history reports these happenings:

"In preparation for the camp season, the charter for Lodge #22 was approved on May 17, 1926 and a nucleus of nine new members were given their induction by founder Goodman." Inducted at the time were - Charles M. Heistand, Joseph H. Brinton, Benjamin Thomas, Raymond G. Watson, Thomas Gillingham, C. Charles Schmidt, Carlton Supplee and Walter Burkey. They were conferred with both the First (Ordeal) and Second (Brotherhood) Degrees at this ceremony in May. The ceremony took place at Hilldale, a weekend campsite of the Council, located on the Brandywine Creek in the western part of the county. Of these nine men, six were to receive the Vigil Honor before the decade was out."

Hilldale was a property obtained in 1926 by the Council to serve as a weekend campsite for troops in the Council. In the spring of 1926, there were nineteen troops assembled there for a special demonstration by Clifton Lisle and a patrol of Scouts on the basics of overnight camping, hiking and packing skills. This was done to give leaders an opportunity to see how the Council Jamboree would be worked in June that year. A subsequent report commented about Hilldale hosting the 'sixth annual Jamboree'.

The Jamboree of those days was a contest among the troops on Scouting and camping skills. Upon arrival the Scouts were inspected for the proper packing of their equipment, then sent on a hike to their campsite. Here, the Scouts set-up camp and that was followed by a variety of judges' checks for proficiency. "The contestants were under constant observation of the judges and entirely out of communication with their Scoutmasters." The winner of this Jamboree would have the honor of representing the Council at a Regional Jamboree.

Hilldale was made available to all troops in the Council to support and encourage their camping programs. It was to serve the Council well for the next two years to compliment the summer camping program. In 1928 Hilldale was closed for camping as Camp Horseshoe would then serve the troops' needs.

On May 1st, 1926, the 16th Annual Meeting of the National Council, BSA was held in Washington, DC. A contingent of Chester County Council leaders, Scouts and Scouters, among whom were Chief Heistand and Joseph Brinton, attended and witnessed what is now an historic moment in Scouting. The first Silver Buffalo awards were presented at this time. This award is made to individuals for distinguished service to youth on a national level. The first award was presented to the "Unknown Scout." The citation read, in part, - "To the Unknown Scout whose faithfulness in the performance of the Daily Good Turn, brought the Scout Movement to the United States of America."

There were over 20 such presentations made on this occasion. Sir Robert S.S. Baden-Powell was on hand and was the second recipient. Others attending and being presented included William D. Boyce, Daniel Carter Beard, Ernest Thompson Seton and James E. West leaders of the Scout Movement in the United States. Our Scouts took part in the impressive ceremonies and parade.

Erected in Gilwell Park in England is a prominent statue of a Buffalo recognizing the first Silver Buffalo Award to be presented by the National Council, BSA to that Unknown Scout who helped guide Publisher William Boyce through the fog in London and who refused compensation for doing so because he was a Boy Scout.

It is important to note that the Council's Executive Board, led by Clyde T. Saylor in 1924- 1925 and Dr. Samuel C. Schmucker from 1925 to 1926, played a key role in supporting the work of Chief Heistand and Scouting in the Council. There is one person in particular who played a strong role in Camping activities in the Council from 1923 to 1937. He was Captain Richard F. Warren, a member of Paoli Troop 1. He served on the Council's Board and was Chairman of the Council's Camping Committee. Not only did he play a strong role with Camp Rothrock in those early years, but would play even a greater one in the later 1920's in the securing of Camp Horseshoe.

Communications to the Scouts and leaders were important to keep all informed of Council's plans, reporting events and an opportunity for Troop scribes to report on their own troop activities. Published on an every other week basis, apparently starting in 1923, was the official bulletin named Trailing. The current history of our Council's early years has relied heavily upon this as a source. It has given the author a valuable insight into the formative years of our Council.

From the July 1926 issue of Trailing one gets a glimpse of plans for summer camp at Rothrock:

"Camp is beginning the first period ... with a full attendance of boys and a staff that is hard to beat." It goes on to talk of "Jake" the cook and other members of the camp staff. "...there is, of course, Chief Heistand, to whom is due the credit for making Rothrock one of the most successful Boy Scout Camps. He is on the job this season with a lot of new schemes...for making this the most interesting and efficient seasons ever. Next to him is his assistant, Joe Brinton who faithfully carries out Chief's plans to a detail, and who has charge of Scoutcraft." Other members include C.C. Schmidt of Downingtown for program, E.H. Brown, Jr. resident camp doctor, Heubi at the waterfront, and junior staff members Harrison Rigg of Wayne, Frank Bicking, Raymond Watson and William Hathaway from West Chester. Kenneth Sowden of Malvern is listed as truck driver.

A new point system was announced for camp awards. To win a camp letter a Scout was required to earn so many points in athletics, camping and hiking, handicraft, health and sanitation, nature lore, service, social life, woodcraft and good conduct. Scouts winning their letter will "also be privileged to have a large Indian head stamped on their leather or buckskin trophy. ( A forerunner of today's belt brands program.) The purpose was to spread the boy's interest over the essential features of community camp life.

Program was important to the success of camp as it is to any troop operation. Trailing reports on the events at Rothrock which included evening hikes and campfires. Junior staff member Harrison Rigg writes of one evening campfire:

"One night was 'ghost night'. Everybody came to the campfire in his pajamas. Many weird stories were told; many were true. It happened that the night was cloudy and no flashlights were allowed to be used, so you can imagine how ghostlike it was. After campfire, when the boys were going back to their beds, the wind blew a sheet, which was hanging on a bush, and attracted everybody's attention. Some of the boys were so scared..."

Another account in Trailing by S. Sinclair of Troop 1 Kennett Square echoes the super time he and other campers had that summer. He ends his report: "...I resolved that I was going to help make Rothrock a still better camp, and I think many of the other boys made similar resolutions."

Introduced this summer was the Order of the Arrow program where each troop who had eight or more Scouts in attendance could elect one of their honor campers to the "Brotherhood." An impressive ceremony based upon the legends of the Lenni Lenape Indians of the Delaware made this a distinctive honor to have been chosen by their fellow troop members. Immediately after their election, the candidates went off to take their ordeal. Upon successfully completing the ordeal, the inductees became First Degree members entitled to wear their white sash with the felt red arrow symbol over their left shoulder signifying their degree level. In 1926, both Chief Heistand and Joe Brinton were honored with the Third Degree in the Order of the Arrow, the Vigil Honor. Joe at this time became the first Chief (Sakima) of Octoraro Lodge #22. The Lodge for years to come would become an ever increasing factor in cementing together Scouting ties between Scouts and Leaders and a force in the maintenance of Camp through its service projects.

At Rothrock that summer of 1926 there were 501 Scouts who spent one or more weeks and represented 31 Troops in the Council. The troops who sent most boys to camp were Troop 1 Paoli, Troop 1 Downington, Troop 1 Malvern and Troop 11 of West Chester.

For Chief Heistand and many others, it was becoming increasingly evident that Rothrock was facing encroachment by building taking place in the area. Many people attracted by the beauty of the area had built vacation cottages near our Camp. The seclusion desired for the campers was no longer available. To the Scouts and Staff, it seemed as if they were in the middle of a resort. By 1926, the need for a new campsite was pressing. At first there was considerable opposition, however, the Council's Camping Committee and Executive Board eventually recognized that Rothrock had reached its maximum potential. A new site was to be sought.

1927 This was another pivotal year for the Chester County Council and its camping program. Camp Rothrock had come to mean so much to the Scouts who camped there. Now, in 1927, it was in its final summer of operation as our Council camp. Scouting was becoming an even stronger factor in the lives of young men in the County. The success of our Council camp, the excellent program provided there as well as throughout the year to troops was a reflection of the superb work of Chief Heistand and the Council Board. It was this quality of leadership that other councils were seeking and now Chief was being called to move up the ladder of the Scouting organization. Yet Chief had a warm feeling for his work in Chester County and especially the youth he served. After much deliberation he decided to remain with the Council to carry out his work to obtain and establish The Horse-shoe Farm as our Council's camp and ensure its getting off on a firm footing for the boys.

Robert W. Wolcott had become the President of our Council in 1926. He was a long time President of the Lukens Steel Company, the largest plate steel maker in America, located in Coatesville, and was a strong supporter of Chief Heistand. With Wolcott's leadership, and that of Board members J. Gibson McIlvain, Council Treasurer, Gilbert McIlvaine, Architect, Richard F. Warren, Camping Chairman and other members inspired by Chief Heistand, the Council set about procuring a new Council camp in 1927. President Wolcott was pleased to announce in 1928 that the Executive Board had been able to prevail upon Chief to reconsider his resignation to become Scout Executive of San Antonio, Texas and to stay with us a while longer to see the establishment of the Horseshoe Camp.

In 1927 the Camp Rothrock brochure announced:

"... back to old Rothrock. - yes, fellows we are going back to Rothrock, for the last time, so if you have never had the privilege of taking part in this real camping experience... sign up now for your last opportunity."

For those who had spent many of their past summers at Rothrock, undoubtedly this was sad news. There is a certain feeling one gets about the places one spends those leisurely days of summer...the smell of the woods, the cold dip in the lake, the camaraderie and the friendships that develop from such an experience. However, the prospects of a new camp piqued the interest of many. So it was in 1927 that plans were being laid to acquire the Council's very own property on the Mason-Dixon Line in southern Chester County and northern Cecil County, Maryland.

Reverend "Casey" Jones comments in his history:

"The requirements for a new site were quite rigid: it must be isolated; it must be accessible to all parts of the County. After looking over many places, each with many good points to recommend them, the Council, much to the delight of B. F. Reynolds who had moved his home from the 'Horseshoe Farm' to the Toughkenamon Valley and had recommended Horseshoe to them, decided upon this area that had at one time been sold for two dollars and thirty-three cents!"

Many fascinating stories are told of the time when Chief Heistand and several members of the Executive Board first stepped on to the property that was to serve as our official camp. The site originally had been recommended as a camp site for the Philadelphia Council and fortunately for us, they believed it was too far from their headquarters. In 1927 Chief Heistand first visited the site and immediately saw its potential. This was in spite of his initial experience as he came in the old camp road that wound along the side of the beautiful Octoraro Creek. Here, Chief encountered several questionable looking characters who were sporting guns and obviously serving as guards or look-outs. Upon convincing them that he was a Scouter to look at the property for possible use for the boys, Chief was permitted to enter. It seems these individuals were look-outs for operators of illicit stills producing liquor on the property. In fact, it is told there were some 100 such stills operating on the property. Chief had been mistaken for a Revenue Agent!

1928 The decision to purchase the farm was made, the deal consummated in 1928 and our new Council camp was on the drawing board. Funding was a key element of course since the Council is a non profit organization. Even the income from camp covers but only the cost of food for the Scout then as it is today. Chief and other Council Board members went to work. They called on DuPont and other major corporations and secured funding to purchase the camp and to build the needed camp buildings, dining hall and to equip all facilities with the proper equipment.

The Tenth Anniversary of Scouting in Chester County was being celebrated in 1928. The March 1 issue of Trailing reports on our new camp:

"Work is starting on the new camp, and at this time it looks as though everything will be in readiness. ...Several men have been making regular trips to the property and each time come back with more enthusiastic reports, such as 'A virtual paradise.' 'It has Rothrock backed off the map.' 'Didn't know we had such a thing in or near Chester County.' "

Enthusiasm was building for the summer camp season and for many other things happening in the Council.

Other matters of interest in 1928 included the renumbering of troops in the Council in order of their being chartered in the Council. An April roster of troops showed that we had indeed grown in the nine years since our chartering. Our initial fifteen units had grown to 63 including troops from most cities and towns in Chester County as well as Rising Sun, Maryland. By this time, the Council had been sub-divided into five districts and given numeric designations. District No. 1 included the West Chester, Westtown and Marshallton areas; District No. 2 included the Main Line from Malvern to Wayne; District No. 3, the Phoenixville area extending to Warwick, Spring City and Kenilworth; District No. 4, the Coatesville area extending to the Lancaster County line; and, District No. 5 the southern part of the county from Unionville and Kennett Square to Oxford and including Rising Sun, Maryland. Each District was set up with its own leadership in charge of a local committee and a commissioner with deputy commissioners to devote their time to the promotion of an efficient Scout program. The Council was now prepared for future growth of Scouting in Chester County.

Now we see, looking back on those days, the vision that Chief Heistand and the members of our Council's Executive Board had. His work and theirs has contributed greatly to influencing Scouting today and for years to come. The work that Chief Heistand did in: developing a strong Scouting organization in Chester County, an exciting Scouting program at Rothrock and for troops throughout the Council, starting the Order of the Arrow, and procuring the Horseshoe Scout Reservation is the legacy enjoyed by thousands of Scouts and leaders from earlier days, by those of today and will be enjoyed by future Scouting generations. The mark of the "Horse's Hoof" had become Horseshoe.