KINDLING SCOUTING'S FLAME

1919 - 1923

"In lighting this fire, I will be ever mindful of the eternal fire that burns within us and guides us in our daily lives, especially as is outlined in the great Scout Oath.... may the Great Spirit kindle within us a spiritual fire to keep us ever mindful of our solemn obligation." - Outer fire lighter - Horseshoe Pageant

An old Army Pup tent, a two-blanket bed roll with safety pins, mess kit, campaign hat, leggings, hob-nail boots and poncho are just a few of the nostalgic reminders of what a Scout of 1919 would have to "be prepared" for that overnight hiking trip to the woods or to summer camp. How fondly do we and other old timers look back on those special days of our youth...how many tales would be related to our sons and grandsons of our first trip into the woods with our patrol...the camping contests...cooking (and even eating) our own dinner...the leaky tent...the fun and challenge of the out-of-doors...and, after a particularly rough campout, the pride we felt and carry with us to this day because we had made it.

1919 The development of character and training for citizenship remain the fundamental aims of Scouting. The basic principle of Scouting is " learning by doing." This has always been done with a program based on camping, the development of camp craft skills and the out-of-door activities associated with it. Undoubtedly, it was with the strong camping program acting as the catalyst for achieving Scouting's aims that those far-sighted founders of our Council had in mind as a strong foundation for Scouting in Chester County.

Information gathered from the histories of several Scout troops, including Paoli Troop 1 and Berwyn Troop 11, give some insight into the Council in its founding year. The following are the Troops and Scoutmasters who were registered in the Council on that occasion. Many are still in existence today. As previously noted, troops formed in those days were identified numerically by when they were formed in the community. It was in 1928 when troops were renumbered in the order formed in the Council; and, some time afterward, numbered according to formation by the National Scout Council.

Scouting for many of these troops had begun before our chartering, and their records are replete with stories of their camping experiences in rural areas within their own communities. Concepts of the Patrol Method instilled in Baden-Powell's first Scouting organizations became the fundamental for troops in America. The first patrols formed in Paoli Troop 1 were the Wolf and Lion patrols and inter-patrol contests were devised to hone the Scouting skills taught by troop leaders in that time. Paoli 1's history includes the following:

"The first overnight (campout) was held in the summer of 1912, when Paoli 1 and the Jenkintown Troop held a camp at Valley Forge Park. This may have been the first inter-troop contest held in Chester County. Tents were pitched on the ... hill in back of the Washington Memorial Chapel. Scouts were proud to swim the Schuylkill over and back without stopping."

Another troop in operation before the Council was chartered, was Malvern Troop 1. It was formed in 1916 and remains as one of the oldest troops in Chester County and is identified as Malvern Troop 7 today. The Troop's first Scoutmaster was John Richardson. Among its earlier members was Ken Edwards who attended Camp Lafayette and Camp Rothrock. Other members of the early Troop included Ken Sowden and Vince Farley. Ken served as one of the Assistant Scoutmasters in the early 1920's and lays claim to earning a "sleeve full" of merit badges, however, he just missed making Eagle Scout. Another Scout in this Troop who is still active in Scouting in 1994 is Walter C. Burkey.

The Berwyn Troop recounts its initial camping experiences in describing early hikes and camping in woods surrounding the town. And, in a recent history of Downingtown, there is mention of its first troop which was started and sponsored by the Charles F. Moran American Legion Post 475. Gilbert McIlvaine served as one of its early leaders. Scouting indeed was on the move in our county as these troops and others built strong out door programs and performed service within their respective communities.

In 1994 Walt Burkey now serves on the committee of Willistown Troop 78. He recalls his early Scouting experiences with his fellow Malvern Troop 1 Scouts:

"I joined Malvern Troop 1 in 1919 when I was 14 years old. I would have joined earlier but could not because a Scout had to 'pay his own way' and I couldn't until I was older.

Ben Thomas was Scoutmaster around this time. Ben was a real special person and meant a great deal to the boys. He'd be strolling down the street in Malvern, as we did on Sundays in those days, and the boys would flock around him. He knew the boys so well that he'd ask each one about the specific requirement being worked on by the Scout for advancement. I took over as Scoutmaster of the Troop from Ben when he moved to Downingtown.

The things we did? Our Troop hikes in those days were over to the Knickerbocker Quarry in back of Berwyn, the Diamond Rock and to Valley Forge. Of course, there were mostly farms and woods...it was really country then. We had inter-troop competitions with Paoli 1 and others and Malvern won one year...I remember the contest to boil water and I just missed out winning because my bucket wasn't set right on the fire!

In 1919 the arrival of Scouting to Chester County was big news. The Daily Local News of West Chester provided a great source of information about the first years of the Chester County Council. From its columns much is learned of the activity that took place following the granting of the Boy Scout Council Charter in January. Chief Scout Executive Arthur Schuck worked long and hard in spreading information about the Scouting Movement among all corners of the County. His efforts were devoted to not only developing a working organization of volunteer leaders but to helping different organizations form Scout Troops. On January 14 the newspaper reported:

"One of the first moves to establish efficiency...was made...when the Scoutmasters' Round Table was formed in West Chester. The following officers were elected: President, Scoutmaster Frank H. Kramer; Secretary, Assistant Scoutmaster B. Arthur Stephens; Treasurer, Assistant Scoutmaster Harry Kaufman. It was decided to have a large mass meeting in February to celebrate the ninth anniversary of the Boy Scout Movement in this county."

The Daily Local News later reports:

The...Council has been formed with the election of Norris B. Slack as President; Arthur A. Schuck, Secretary; and Herbert P. Worth as Treasurer. The Council consists of three representatives from each of the district organizations being formed...and from these three vice presidents will later be chosen. Each local organization having troops will elect three members of the district committee, and there will be members-at-large.

The movement is Chester County is being financed in its preliminary stage by funds received through the War Chest. (The Scouts were named beneficiaries of the Chest the prior year)"

That March, a meeting was held at the West Chester Y.M.C.A. to present plans for the development of Scouting in the County. The attendees were treated to a band concert by a Scout orchestra and singing. Attending were men from every corner of the County. Rev. Jay Dickerson, Scout Commissioner for the West Chester district spoke of the Scouting Movement. He was followed by Rev. Horace Walton, rector of the Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli, talking of the role of the Scoutmaster based upon his experience with Paoli Troop 1 and what he had observed in England in 1910. Other speakers including Chief Scout Executive Schuck who spoke of other facets of the Movement. The result of that and other meetings was evident. In March, the number of Troops had increased from 15 to 22. By the end of the year Scouting had grown even more in the Council. The membership grew from 300 to 761 Scouts by November and was anticipated to reach 1000 by year end. In addition to new troops, the Council had its first summer camp and participated in a successful Liberty Bond drive.

Much effort was invested in the Scout Program in the County. Plans for a summer camp were developed this spring by the Camping Committee consisting of Rev. Horace Walton, Rev. Jay Dickerson and Rev. John Martin of Malvern. A site at Icedale on the Horseshoe Pike near Honeybrook was chosen and leased for five years from Rev. John Buyers. A camp brochure was prepared and the opening of camp set for July 1st.

By that June, Adam J. Himmelsbach, then Secretary of the local Y.M.C.A. and who had more recently been involved with help for returning World War I wounded soldiers at Cape May, New Jersey, was hired as Assistant Scout Executive of the Council. He was to serve as the Camp Director of the Council Camp named Lafayette. The camp leader was Jacob Nevyas. Twelve Army pyramidal 16'x16' tents, each holding eight Scouts, were acquired and 40 camp cots were contributed by Midvale Iron Company of Coatesville. Another 75 cots were purchased.

Plans for camp included a large wooden mess hall, facilities for boating, swimming, baseball and Scoutcraft instruction. An Indian village was to be featured with council fires, totem pole, wigwam, etc.. The cost of a week in camp was set at $4. The camp season was set for six weeks.

The staff for the first year included Camp Director A. J. Himmelsbach, Camp Leader Jay Neyvas of West Chester and directing activities of the boys were Bartram H. Dilks, Prof. Frank H. Kramer of West Chester; Rev. H.O. Frey, Atglen; P. R. Schmaltz, Kennett Square; J. Holland Heck, West Chester; and, Arthur Crowell, West Grove. Steward John R. Hollinger was handling the commissary; the Chefs were S. Jones and C. Grant of the Normal School. Dr. A.C. Morozzi, of Honeybrook, was the camp physician.

Camp opened a week later than planned due to Scouts in the County remaining in their home towns during the July 4th celebration period to participate in parades to honor returning World War I soldiers. Camp opened and on July 13 a formal dedication ceremony was held with over 200 friends of the Scouts in camp. Talks were made by Chief Schuck and Council President Norris B. Slack. The Daily Local News reports:

"Visitors found the camp site ideal...a cleared space in the dense woods on the farm of Rev. John M. Buyers, with facilities for boating and bathing handy. Trained leaders in attendance assure the boys an outing under conditions calculated to upbuild and instruct.

The tents arranged along the edge of the woods are models of neatness, and the permanent mess hall kitchen and commissary department building all contribute to the comfort of the Scouts.

Under the direction of Scoutmaster Herbert O. Frey, of Atglen, the boys have taken several hikes during the week, going as far as Wagontown. Scoutmaster Edward Marsh of Phoenixville Troop 3 has been drilling the boys, and they are showing efficiency along these lines.

A chicken dinner was served...and maybe these Scouts didn't go for that dinner. Heaping platters of chicken, flanked by mashed potatoes and peas, and the whole surmounted by ice cream and cake, disappeared as if by magic."

Visitors were welcomed by Scout Executive Schuck. President Slack in his address noted the significance of the Camp Lafayette name and the fact that this Frenchman had contributed so much to our country's history. Mr. Slack remarked that he had thought of the great problems (in the world) that would be solved by boys trained in such camps, and felt that the country would be safe in their hands. Mr. William W. MacElree, Esq., of West Chester who was vacationing nearby also briefly spoke to the Scouts and visitors about the history of the County and its settlement two hundred years earlier. He mentioned the situation of the County, its relevance in history and referred to Valley Forge, the Brandywine Battlefield; the old Indian village in nearby Glenmore; and, the springs that serve as the source of the Brandywine Creek.

Inspite of a summer of inclement weather, it was a successful first year encampment for the Council "even beyond expectations". The Daily Local News reported in August near the end of the camping season:

"Ninety-one boys are in camp this week, representing several sections of the County. Assistant Scout Executive A. J. Himmelsbach is being assisted by Russell C. Jones of Spring City; Rev. H.H. Kurtz, of Honeybrook; and Edward Richardson, of Malvern, an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting.

Signal towers have recently been erected, which aid greatly in interesting the boys in (semaphore and Morse) code."

Camp ended August 18. The end of camp report testified to the success of Camp and the fine experience the Scouts enjoyed. 396 Scouts attended Camp Lafayette that first summer and there were 33 leaders providing supervision. Activities that summer had included swimming and boating, an all-round sports program, hikes out-of-door life, campfires and mock trials and other fun programs.

"The camp emblem was a much coveted prize." The boys would have to earn eighty points or more to earn the "L" emblem. This was done by the passing Scout requirements, good behavior, proper care of themselves and their equipment, etc..

In a 1994 conversation with 89 year-old Ken Edwards of the Malvern 1 Troop that camped at Lafayette, he comments:

" I recall Ben Thomas, who was Scoutmaster of my Troop. He was a great guy. He was at Camp Lafayette with us and at Rothrock. There was a lot of keen competition among the campers in those days, especially in sports. I was pretty good at the 100 - yard dash in those days. We slept in big squad tents at Lafayette. The camp emblem was keenly sought after...it was an 'L' which I earned. "

Camp Lafayette served the Council for only two years after which time the lease was terminated. In the early 1970's, the Icedale property was again revived for use by one of the Council's Districts for its Klondike Derby winter camping events. It was particularly interesting to hike over the hills reflecting on the time the area once served as our camp in the summers of 1919 and 1920; and, to stand on the remnants of what once must have served as a Scout camp building of a bygone year and to view the beautiful lake formed by a dam. Reverend Edward B. "Casey" Jones wrote of the Icedale property in a brief history of Horseshoe in the mid 50's as follows:

"The first camp was located at Icedale, north of Downingtown. The camp proper was located in a meadow about 30 yards by 100 yards (in size). On all sides the camp was surrounded by woods, while in back were the Welsh Mountains, and in front was the historic Brandywine Creek. The only permanent building was a Dining Hall and Store House. Pyramidal tents with no floors were the shelters used by the Scouts. Later, board platforms were added. The facilities were inadequate, for the swimming area was a good half mile from the Camp and the maximum depth of the water was four feet. Each Scout ate out of a tin pie plate or mess kit and after each meal there was a mad rush for the stream, for it was the responsibility of each Scout to keep own eating utensils clean!"

Camp Lafayette's leaders and programs are now but a minute of time in our Council's 75 year history but they had an impact on our Council's Scouting. The training Scouts received in camping, swimming and life saving skills and that which our troop leaders received in those early summer camp experiences would set the mold for Scouting's future generations in the County. Many of those early leaders would become a part of a strong Council structure for the future.

An individual who was to have a key part in the development of Scouting in Chester County was on the scene many years before the Council's formation. Clifton P. Lisle was a member of Paoli Troop 1, an Eagle Scout, a scholar, an athlete, a writer, a naturalist and a decorated military man. He was one of the first Vice Presidents for the Chester County Council, Camp Director in 1921 and 1922 and its Council Commissioner in 1923. Lisle, a retired Army Colonel and former President of the U.S. War Claims Commission, was Scoutmaster of Paoli 1 and one of the founders of the Council. He attended the International Jamboree in England in 1929 and received the Gilwell Wood Badge (the first in the Council) from Lord Baden-Powell in 1937. He was author of several boys' books including Diamond Rock and Sandy Flash and was former head of the English Department of the William Penn Charter School. His Scouting experiences as a Scout, Scoutmaster, Council Commissioner and Executive Board leader would be a strong factor in the strength of the Scouting Movement here .

At a fall meeting of the Council's Board members, President Slack presided and reports from various committees were presented. Review was made of the Council's District organization. At that time there were three districts each with its own leadership. Division 1 included Berwyn, Paoli, Malvern, West Chester, Kennett Square, West Grove and Oxford. It was under the leadership of Lt. Bartram H. Dilks. Francis N. Bickel, of Coatesville, was the Field Executive for Division 2 taking in Coatesville, Downingtown, Parkesburg, Atglen and Honeybrook. Edward P. March was chosen to lead Division 3, consisting of Northeastern Chester County and including the towns of Phoenixville and Spring City. These executives busily went about the work of organizing new troops and seeing the former troops were maintaining Scouting standards.

Clifton Lisle was among the members of the Council Camping Committee at this fall meeting along with Rev. Horace Walton, Chairman. Other members included Wm. F. Miller of Philadelphia; Dr. H. R. Gummey of Downingtown; Rev. Jay Dickerson of West Chester; and Rev. J.H. Martin of Malvern. They along with others reported on the camping program as well as taking part in the discussions of future Council objectives. Clifton Lisle presented a report on the Committee of Organization which recommended the establishment of a Scout paper, Trailing and the adoption of a constitution for District Councils.

A novel competition was held by the Council this fall. A 14 mile Scout Pace Relay Race between West Chester and Coatesville was held. (Scout's Pace is a method of covering a mile efficiently within twelve minutes by running 50 paces and walking 50 paces.) 70 Scouts representing six West Chester, Coatesville and Phoenixville Troops participated. The distance had to be covered in the exact time with a Scout from each troop pacing a mile and each relayed to his Scout teammate a special message that was presented at the end of the race to the judge. Coatesville and Phoenixville troops along with those from West Chester did well.

In November, Scout Executive Arthur A. Schuck tendered his resignation to accept a job as Deputy National Field Commissioner of the Third District of the United States. His rise through the Scouting organization was to be noteworthy in that he eventually would be the Chief Scout Executive of the National Scout organization. Council President announced that Assistant Scout Executive Adam J. Himmelsbach would serve as the interim Council Executive.

At this time the Council had officially recognized the Sea Scouting Program. Prof. Frank H. Kramer was appointed 'Portmaster.' This new branch of Scouting was directed by a Sea Scout Shipping Board consisting of Herbert P. Worth, I. Roberts Comfort, Addison L. Jones and Rev. Charles R. Williamson.

1920 Colonel E. B. Cassatt, of Berwyn, was appointed Boy Scout Commissioner and served as the first appointment of its kind in the Council. Established later in his honor was the Cassatt Cup for troops in the Council. Competitions were conducted with specific requirements on advancement, uniforming, attendance, etc.. It was awarded yearly for many years.

The Council's search for its new Executive resulted in the hiring of P. Henry Sluyter in the spring of 1920. Norris B. Slack continued as President of the Council. The Council published its first Year Book in 1920 recapping the happenings during the 1919 year and serving as device to earn money for the Council by the sale of ads.

Camp Lafayette at Icedale attracted Scouts for the 1920 summer camping activities. It was under the leadership of E. E. Romberger this year.

1920 saw the first International Jamboree for the Boy Scouts being held in England under the leadership of Lord Baden-Powell. The Boy Scouts of America sent a contingent of 301 Scouts and leaders to that special event including Eagle Scout Edward H. Richardson, then of Malvern Troop 1. He made the long voyage to England and returned to take an active role as a Scout and then as a District Commissioner in the Council. In that capacity, he was responsible for maintaining strong Scouting traditions in the units he served and in the formation of new troops including Devon Troop 1, (later to be identified as Troop 50). He later served Devon Troop 50 for ten years as its Scoutmaster.

1921 In January, reports in the Daily Local News reflected some concerns by the Council Board with respect to its relationship with the National Boy Scout Council. A meeting held at the Y.M.C.A. in West Chester was reported by the Daily Local News:

"Prominent in the (Board) deliberations was a resolution to protest the payment of the quota assigned the local Council by the National body, this amount being $1253. The quota is based upon the bank deposits of the district, upon the same basis as the Liberty Loan quotas were assigned, and not upon the numerical strength of the local organization, and this is felt to be an injustice, and unreasonable. E.B. Cassatt, the local Scout Commissioner, was chosen representative to the National Council, meeting in New York, and instructed to protest earnestly against the tax. The charter fee for the coming year, amounting to $75. was ordered to be paid."

Further reporting on the January meeting the Daily Local News article notes:

" A protest was also filed against the advance in the registration fee (for Scouts) from 25 cents to 50 cents, and resolutions presented by E. B. Cassatt were adopted, and will be forwarded to the National Scout Council."

(J. B. Rettew note: This information is cited because there has been some conjecture that the protest action may have resulted in the pulling of the Council's charter for a period of time. It is felt this is related to correspondence retained by Robert McCarter in his Scout collection of cards solicited by Scout Commissioner Cassatt to bolster his concerns at the National Meeting he attended. However, inspite of this protest it appears that the Council continued to operate without undo problems in this period.)

At the meeting, Scout Executive Sluyter reported that there were now 47 Troops in the Council with 877 Scouts enrolled. He remarked that the Troops were in good shape for the most part but that more trained leaders were needed to fill some vacancies.

Considering the short comings of the facilities at Camp Lafayette, a search began on the part of Scout Executive Henry Sluyter and Dr. Joseph Rothrock, then Chairman of the Camping Committee. After much exploration, in 1921 the Council, led by President Norman Slack, along with Scout Executive Sluyter and Mr. Rothrock, decided on a new Council camp. The camp was named, Camp Rothrock, for the individual through whose efforts we obtained the property was obtained. Reverend "Casey" Jones' history reports:

"Work was started immediately to tear down the Dining Hall and tent platforms at Camp Lafayette and move by truck to the new site."

The following description from the camp brochure served to promote attendance in those early days:

"Camp Rothrock is situated in the midst of 64,000 acres of woodland, known as the Michaux State Forest in the South Mountains, ...twelve miles from Carlisle (Penna.) or about 120 miles from West Chester. Through the efforts of the 'Grand Old Man' of West Chester, and the "Father of Forestry in Pennsylvania," Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock, this ...spot was secured as a permanent camp site for the Boy Scouts of Chester County."

The brochure further describes some of the buildings including the Mess Hall having sanitary eating facilities and being used for camp fire and indoor field meets during inclement weather. It goes on to state that Scouts are housed in open sided rustic shelters that have canvas curtains rolled up or down "in a Jiffy" as the occasion demands. Furthermore, " The shelters need no screens as flies and mosquitoes are unknown in this section."

"A large artificial mountain lake known as Laurel Lake is but a stone's throw from camp and affords ...fine bathing, boating and swimming facilities. ... The woods abound with animal life, as many as sixty deer being seen within ... our camp in the evening..."

The first Camp Director at Rothrock was Clifton P. Lisle. He and Scout Executive Sluyter brought together an enthusiastic Staff. The Camp Director along with the Scout Executive were responsible for teaching Scout games "which may be used at troop meeting and Scout Activities throughout the winter months" and conducting a course in 'Patrol Methods'.

1922 The Council continued to provide program activities throughout the year to support and complement the programs of the Scout troops. A so-called Jamboree was held to test the Scout skills of the patrols. Specially written invitations were extended to troops to participate and included specific details on what the various competitions were to be. Other programs included rallies to promote camp attendance. Based upon the Daily Local News article of April 10, !922 reporting on a Camp Rothrock Staff and camper reunion held at the Y.M.C.A. one gains a sense of the effort made to encourage troops to attend summer camp:

"By auto, truck and trolley they came from all over the County, with their Scoutmasters and Troop Committeemen, meeting the leaders of last year, and pledging anew their loyalty to the organization. Captain Clifton Lisle, Camp Director; Francis A. Bickel of Coatesville; Dr. Loomis of Lansdowne, the camp physician, were all there..."

"It was a happy crowd that sang the songs of the camp, led by Mr. Sluyter, who had everyone in good humor. Prolonged applause greeted his rendering of the original camp song, "On the Road to Pine Grove Furnace."

The article includes comments about Dr. Rothrock by his friend, Christian C. Sanderson. Sanderson for years had been the "sage" of Chadds Ford and now was a resident of West Chester. Sanderson paid tribute to Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock, for whom the camp was named, and who had done so much in instilling a love of nature to the youth of Chester County.

Judging from the Camp Rothrock promotion literature, traveling to Camp in those days was quite an experience. The major road to that part of Pennsylvania was the Lancaster Pike (now Route 30) for there was no super-highway at the time and road systems lacked the maintenance received today. Of course, there were not that many cars on the road either. The camp brochure gave the traveler circuitous directions by which to reach the camp via Lancaster, Harrisburg and Carlisle. For other travelers, either the Pennsylvania Rail Road or the Philadelphia & Reading rail road lines were suggested in the brochure. The Council offered transportation to camp "in large Marine Transport Trucks going by way of Harrisburg with a stopover in the capital and returning via Gettysburg with a stopover." Quoting from Reverend Jones' treatise:

"In spite of the fact that this was a much better spot suited for camping than Lafayette, there was the problem of transportation. This was solved to a degree when the Army provided trucks free of charge for the use of the Scouts going to Camp. The trucks would leave on Sunday morning and arrive some time Sunday evening. The drivers would stay overnight after unloading the Scouts and return to Chester County on Monday morning with the homebound Scouts."

There are many stories in the annals of troops in the Council that recall those bumpy rides in the military transport trucks (with no springs) or the flat tires in dad's car on the way deep into the forests and mountains of Pennsylvania.

In a 1994 conversation with Harry Rolin, formerly Scoutmaster of Paoli Troop 1 and a 1922 camper at Rothrock, he commented:

"Clifton Lisle was Camp Director and spent a great deal of time working with the Scouts. I remember swimming in Laurel Lake and particularly the high diving board there which I enjoyed jumping from. There were lots of rattle snakes there, especially around Hammond's Rock and Pole's Steeple. We would have to carry a forked stick with us when we traveled to these spots in case we ran into any snakes. It was a beautiful camp!"

1923 In February, a steering committee was formed to consider ways and means of raising the needed money to finance the Scouting Program in the County. President Slack conducted the meeting and others attending included Scout Executive Sluyter; Guyon Miller of Downingtown; Joseph B. Phillips of Kennett Square; Frank Dampman and Benjamin F. Woodland of Phoenixville. It was decided to acquire the services of William E. Brown, Scout Field Representative of the National Council, who was considered one of their best organizers to assist in a fund drive.

The fund drive was to raise $4000. to liquidate debts incurred in recent months and $10,000. to finance the work of the Council during the coming year. Much effort went into organizing the campaign workers throughout the County. The campaign was kicked off in mid-March. A sign was erected on the lawn of the Courthouse to show the progress of the campaign to the public. Articles appeared in the Daily Local News paper talking about the campaign and people involved. While the workers applied themselves to the fund raising effort, by the end of April it was obvious that the campaign fell far short of the goal. The Scout Executive removed the sign from its prominent spot.

On May 2nd, the Daily Local reported that an Executive Committee meeting was held at which time a decision was made to discontinue the services of the Scout Executive P. Henry Sluyter effective June 1. The article read:

"This action is regretfully taken, and is made necessary by the failure of the recent drive to secure funds needed to maintain the work as in the past."

There was discussion at this time of curtailing the Scouting Program in the County because of the lack of funds and conducting the Scouting Program on a limited basis. However, late in May, Arthur A. Schuck, Assistant National Field Director, returned to the Council to study the situation. The result of this visit was a meeting with Board members at which time it was decided to raise money to pay for a Scout Executive and "push Scouting to the limit" in the County. "...after hearing the forward program presented by the National Field Executive, (Council members) were so enthused that immediately a large portion of the sum needed to put the scheme across, was underwritten."

By June 7, C.M. Heistand was officially elected the new Council Scout Executive. The Daily Local News reported:

"Mr. Heistand is a former resident of Lancaster County, and will come to West Chester with the highest recommendation of the National Council. He is personally known and his work endorsed by Arthur A. Schuck, formerly Scout Executive here, now Deputy National Scout Commissioner."

"Chief" Heistand, as he was to become affectionately called, had been in Scouting since he joined as a youth in 1910. He was an Eagle Scout and had the knack of attracting young adult leaders to the camp and top community leaders to the Council's Executive Board. Through his efforts a strong Council structure was developed that would have a lasting effect for years to come.

By the time Camp Rothrock's third season opened, Chief Heistand was on hand as Council Executive and serving as Camp Rothrock's Director. He was a man whose inspirational leadership would set the course for the Council's future. The flame of Scouting was to be nurtured and glow with the fundamental keynote of making "Scouting outing" as Walter C. Burkey, a Rothrock camper and later Scout leader, commented.