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Boy Scout Articles
in the Annandale Advocate


Lloyd Walburn - Presentation to the Annandale History Club: Boy Scout Troup 354


November 11, 1921

BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT ENCOURAGED  -  At a meeting of the Community Club held at the Annandale Hotel Tuesday night, several important questions were up for consideration.  The Boy Scout movement was discussed to some extent.  Rev. Peters was called on and he explained to some extent the benefit derived from the organization.  The Community Club went on record as pledging its hearty support to Rev. Peters and his assistants in the forming of a Scout organization here.  Ed Kurz and A. H. Lofstrom were appointed to assist Rev. Peters.

December 8, 1921

MR. PETERS EXPLAINED BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT – Organization Encouraged By Prominent Men

At the meeting of the Community Club on Tuesday evening November 29, 1921, the Club voted to extend to the undersigned its moral support in his efforts to organize the Boy Scout movement in Annandale.  Mr. Kurz of the Ives Lumber Co. and Mr. Lofstrom of the Citizens State Bank were appointed to assist me in getting the movement underway.  A letter to the Boy Scout Executive at St. Cloud brought Mr. Davies and myself to Annandale last Sunday afternoon for a discussion of possibilities. 

In order that the public may know what is necessary to the organization of the Boy Scout Movement, the following information is submitted.  An application for a Boy Scout Charter must be made by some institution, organization or group of citizens to pledge four things.

1.   Provide the necessary facilities for meetings of the Troop.

2.   Provide adequate leadership, including the supervision of a man, 21 years of age or over, to be commissioned as Scoutmaster, and of a committee of adults who will visit the Troop and cooperate in its direction and supervision.

3.   Endeavor to provide an opportunity for the members of the Troop to spend a week or more in a summer camp.

4.   Conduct the Troop in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, and if the Troop be under the Local Council having jurisdiction over the Territory within which the Troop is situated.

A group of citizens called the Troop Committee, three or more in number, is necessary to act as the permanent connection between the Troop and the religious, educational and social forces of the community and at the same time guaranteeing to the community personal leadership and responsibility for the movement.  The duties of this committee consist mainly in the following:

The age at which boys will be accepted to the Movement is from 12 to 18.  Proper and written permission from parents is necessary, and the payment of a registration fee of fifty cents.  Applications are made on forms which may be had from the undersigned for anyone in the above age limitation.

Respectfully, M. L. Peters

December 29, 1921

NOTICE TO BOYS  - All boys who have thus far applied for membership in the Boy Scout Troop which is to be organized in Annandale, and who have or have not paid the fifty cents registration fees, should apply at the Citizens State Bank for the Registration Blanks immediately.  Have these filled out and signed by the parents and return them to the Bank as soon as possible.  We must have twelve boy s before we can organize, so come on boys and get your applications in!

April 23, 1922

BOY SCOUT PATROL ORGANAIZED – Dr. George Norris, Scout Master

A Boy Scout organization has been organized in Annandale with Dr. Norris as Scout Master.  Michael Haggerty, A. H. Lofstrom and George Smith are assistants.  The troop committee is A. H. Lofstrom, Edwin Dunton and L. R. Williams.  The Scout Patrol, or boys who have joined the organization, are Roy Haggerty, Neil Norris, David Hart, Merton Herzberg, William Haggerty, Leonard Hart, Milton Andrews, Robert Ransom, Vernon Ponsford, Neil Bahr, George Ritchie, and James Gorman.

The boys have had a few meetings, learned the oath and had lessons in woodcraft and tieing knots.  The regular meetings are each Friday after school.  All boys between 12 years and 18 years are eligible to join.  Boys who can possibly spare the time, should join the patrol.  They will learn many practical lessons which will be of help to themselves and to those whom they daily meet.

May 2, 1922

CAMP SCOOTER - Camp Scooter, a camp for Boy Scouts, will open on June 12, 1922.  The camp is located on Clearwater Lake, what is commonly called Breezy Point.  Boys desiring to spend one or more weeks at the camp should register now in order that arrangements may be made for all.   It is hoped that every scout within the jurisdiction of the St. Cloud Council will take advantage of this opportunity and spend at least two weeks at Camp Scooter.  The charges are very reasonable and the necessary equipment is easily furnished.  See the Scout Master for further particulars.

May 4, 1922  (Excerpts)

BOY SCOUTS ATTEND BANQUET AT ST. CLOUD - On Monday evening May 1, at the Breen Hotel at St. Cloud, was held a mother and son meeting for the benefit of the Boy Scouts of the community.  Annandale’s entire troop attended.  They are as follows:  Neil Bahr, Milton Andrews, John Schaum, Merten Herzberg, William Haggerty, Roy Haggerty, Leonard and David Hart, James Gorman, Vernon Ponsford, Robert Ransom, George Ritchie, Neil Norris, with Carleton Gruss as candidate.  Each scout was required to bring his mother or an adopted mother.  Last but not least, we mention that the serving was done by Girl Scouts in uniform.  The movement of Girl Scouts or Campfire Girls came as an afterthought, but it is fast growing.

September 28, 1922

BOY SCOUTS ENTERTAINED - The Scout Committee of the Commercial Club consisting of L. R. Williams, A. H. Lofstrom and E. E. Dunton, assisted by their wives, entertained the Boy Scouts at the Ransom cottage on Clearwater Lake Sunday afternoon.  The boys spent the time playing ball, pitching horseshoes, roasting wieners and potatoes.  A very good time is reported.

April 5, 1923 (Excerpts)

The Boy Scouts of Annandale took a hike to Ransom’s.  Our Scout Master was not able to go on account of it not being Sunday, and it was his duty to attend to his patients.  He appointed George Smith, our assistant Scout Master.  There were 11 scouts.  Each boy brought something along to eat.  We reached Ransom’s at 3:30.  We went down to a large wash-out, built our fire and while the food was cooking, we made daring leaps, sliding down the bank, going up and down a wire ladder.  We ate our lunch and as time went by, we started back.  We reached Ransom’s house and played a game of baseball, then started home.  We reached home at 6:30.

By Roy Haggerty

April 26, 1923

TWO BOY SCOUTS SPEND AFTERNOON ON HIKE – Boys are Urged to Attend Regularly to Prepare for Memorial Day.

Regular meeting of the Boy Scouts was held Friday night.  Owing to unavoidable circumstances, Courtney Dunton could not be present, and W. D. McDonald took charge of the meeting.  We assembled in the basement of the State Bank and had a demonstration of guns of ancient and modern make.  Some of the guns were used by the squirrel hunters when the bullets had to be made by the hunter himself and had long barrels, but could shoot true.  Other rifles were in use in some of our old wars.  Mr. McDonald also showed us some army swords that he said had honorable service.  We were also instructed how to take care of firearms.  All of the troop were present, except three, and they missed something worthwhile.

On April 21 Neil Norris and Roy Haggerty, second class scouts, hiked to South Haven and returned by a different route, walking each way.  They took along compass, paper and pencil, also rule, and while making the hike drew a map showing cross roads, houses and other points worthy of observation.  Such a trip as this is one of the tests to pass before one can become a first class scout.  Neil and Roy are now the most advanced scouts, and became that way because they devote study to the work.

We are anxious to get out good attendance so we can have some drill and prepare for Memorial Day exercises.  We will soon have a bugle, and some day hope the Troop will own a National Flag of our own.  The next regular meeting is at the schoolhouse Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

April 29, 1923

TWO MORE SCOUTS PROMOTED TO TENDERFOOT CLASS – Boys Are Being Instructed in First Aid Work – Two More Join Troop.

At the regular meeting of Troop No. 1, Boy Scouts of Annandale, candidates James Gorman and Wendell Sparks were awarded badges and are now promoted to Tenderfoot Scouts. 

Present at our last meeting as visitors, Mrs. Courtney Dunton and Mrs. George Maurice.  Mrs. Dunton gave a talk.  Messrs. A. H. Lofstrom, Assistant Scout Master, and Courtney Dunton also present.  Mr. Dunton is taking great interest in the Scouts and is instructing them in First Aid work.  The latest additions to the troop are Lawrence Maurice and Russell Broberg. 

We hope to be able to save our money and be able to take one or two weeks outing this summer.  Anyone who has work to do, please ask a Scout to do it.

May 10, 1923  

BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT SPONSORED FOR ANOTHER YEAR - The usual routine of business was attended to and a unanimous vote taken to sponsor the Boy Scout movement for another year.  A rousing vote of thanks was extended to Dr. Norris as Scout Master.

June 14, 1923  (Excerpts)

BOY SCOUTS TO GO TO CAMP SCOOTER - Scouts Neil Norris, Roy Haggerty, David Hart, Russell Broberg, Wendell Sparks, Carleton Gruss, Newton Haggerty and Robert Ransom, will start on Monday morning June 18 for a two weeks camping vacation at Camp Scooter.  There will be about 50 scouts from St. Cloud and other places.  There is a charge of $5 per week for each scout.  Annandale Scouts will occupy a tent by themselves.  Dr. Norris of Annandale has donated his services as Medical Officer for the period and will occupy a tent for the nights

June 21, 1923 (Excerpts)

YOU MAY VISIT CAMP SCOOTER SUNDAYS - The parents of Annandale Boy Scouts are invited to go out to Camp Scooter any Sunday and visit the Camp.  Scout Law No. 9 states, “A Scout is THRIFTY.  He saves his money so that he may pay his own way, be generous to those in need, and helpful to worthy objects.  He may work for pay but must not receive tips for courtesies or good turns.”  If you have work to do, give a boy a chance to earn something.   This is one way of being an older brother.  The future America will be made up of our present day children, and it is well worth to cultivate the principles of good citizenship in our own children and in other young people.

June 24, 1926

Annandale Alumni Scouts vs. Saint Cloud Boy Scouts played each other with the winner being Annandale by a score of 13-5.  A large crowd showed up to the game as the Annandale Boys trounced Saint Cloud.

May 12, 1927

Camp Scooter, the Boy Scout Camp on Clearwater Lake, will open June10.  The Camp is open to all Boy Scouts at a very nominal cost.  There will be an able staff of instructors this year, perhaps better than ever before.

July 7, 1927

FOURTEEN MILACA SCOUTS AT CAMP SCOOTER - Fourteen Milaca Boy Scouts are enjoying the week at Camp Scooter.  The camp is located on a high site overlooking the south shore of Clearwater Lake, Annandale, making it an ideal summer vacation spot for fishing, swimming and boating in front of it, and being easily accessible.  The camp is clean and sanitary in every way, and the boys are well supervised.

Swimming is one of the scouting phases that receives much attention; woodsmanship, firemaking, and the like also receive their just due.  There is a regular program for each day in camp, and many of them add to their scout honors by passing tests.

There are accommodations at the camp for 35 scouts.  Steel cots are used and there is a first aid tent.  Otherwise the camp is much the same as in former years with five big tents besides the officers’ tent and the big wooden mess hall.

Much credit for the success of the camp is due to C. W. Armstrong of St. Cloud, chief scout executive, and h is assistant, Mr. Rush of Minneapolis.  Mrs. Cater is the camp cook and serves good wholesome meals.

Parents can be sure that their boys are receiving good supervision by these trained men in the various branches.  Every effort is made to observe the scout law and the boys will derive a great deal of value from their week’s stay.  They will return Sunday.  Parents are welcomed at the camp, taking their own lunch and inspecting it, seeing the work that the boys are doing. – Milaca Tribune.

It is to be regretted that Annandale has no Scout troop to take advantage of the opportunity so near at hand.

July 2, 1936

SCOUT CAMP TO BE ERECTED ON SHORE OF SYLVIA - $5,000 Given for Purchase and Development; Site Has Ideal Location.

The gift of a much needed camp for Boy Scouts of the Minneapolis Area Council has just been announced.  E. J. Stearns of Hutchinson, who has been interested in Boy Scouting for a number of years, recently offered $5,000 for the purchase and development of a camp, provided a suitable location could be discovered. 

A complete survey of that part of Hutchinson has been made in the last several months by a committee representing the Districts involved.  The site agreed upon was a 35 acre tract of land on a peninsula in Lake Sylvia near Annandale.  It was discovered that this land was owned by a former Scouter in Cokato, R. M. Peterson.

The site is ideally located for camping purposes.  The peninsula’s location includes nearly a half mile of shore line, two fine beaches for boating and swimming purposes.  The lakes involved are spring fed and as a result the high water level is constantly maintained.  Practically every specimen of common Minnesota plant life is to be found growing on the site.  The hilly, heavily wooded, and secluded characteristics of the place make it so admirably suited for Scout camping that is practically unrivalled as such in central Minnesota.

The plans for the camp include a mess hall, a well, improvements on the beach, and other improvements as will be needed later on.  The site is excellently located for the territory it will serve and is easily accessible by good roads the year around.

July 16, 1936

VOLUNTEERS RUSH NEW CAMP WORK - The new Boy Scout camp on the shores of Lake Sylvia just north of the R. H. D owning home, was the scene of a crowd of about 70 volunteer workers Sunday.  Men from Hutchinson, Glencoe, Silver Lake, Norwood, Dassel, Young America, Delano, and several other points in the area, gave their services Sunday.  Hammers were kept hot, not by the sun alone, but by driving nails into the timber and lumber that was going into the kitchen and the mess hall.

The site of the camp was made possible by the gift of $5,000 by E. J. Stearns of Hutchinson.  The sum was used to purchase the 35-acre tract which has water on both sides, offering a fine bathing and boating beach with virgin timber covering the tract.

The mess hall and kitchen, 24x60, was well under way, shingles were being laid Sunday afternoon.  Carpenters were on hand Saturday to start the building, the cement work being done a week ago Sunday.

A tubular well was ready for use Sunday, and proved the most popular spot on the grounds.  The building will be completed and receive the first troop on July 24.  Improvements to the grounds will be made from time to time. 

Officials feel that the place is admirably suited for Scout camping and that they were very fortunate in securing the acreage.  The owner was R. M. Peterson of Cokato.

The rural portions of Carver and Hennepin, McLeod, Meeker and Wright counties will send troops, either boys or girls, to the camp.

July 30, 1936

The Scout camp on Lake Sylvia opened to scouts on July 24.  Some fifty boys are camped there now.  In conversation with one of the officers, he stated, “It is a wonderful site for a camp, and everyone is enjoying the life.  The bathing beach is just about perfect.”  This troop of boys remain until Tuesday.

August 6, 1936

SCOUTS TO RECEIVE CAMP EQUIPMENT - At a recent meeting of veteran’s organizations at Hutchinson, a unanimous vote was cast to donate a complete set of camping equipment to Boy Scout Troop No. 247, sponsored by Hutchinson Posts.  The equipment consists of a tent 14x30, cooking utensils, dishes and many other articles, more than 400 pieces in all and valued at $250.  In the agreement it states that this complete set of camping equipment shall be used at the area camp of the Boy Scouts at Lake Sylvia, and that all equipment shall be used by all scouts without discrimination between troops.

Hennepin and Carver County Boy Scouts left Tuesday after a ten day’s stay at Minniska Boy Scout Camp on Lake Sylvia.  There were 50 boys in camp Wednesday and scouts from McLeod County moving in.  There are 90 scouts in this group.  Scotty Johnson of Mound is the camp chairman for this district.  Wayne Hopkins is the camp director, Ray Brooks and Bob Stearns are the water masters, George Windorst is the camp clerk.

The Catholic scouts attended the 8:30 mass in Annandale, while at the same time the Protestants held a service under the flag pole amid God’s great outdoors.  Rev. C. H. Blake of Annandale conducted the service.

March 26, 1931

SCOUT TROOP NO. 197 ON HIKE - Boy Scout Troop No. 197 and four friends enjoyed a hike Sunday afternoon.  Three Scouts took the lead and made a trail for the others to follow.  Some of them hit the trail; others did not, but we all gathered near the E. J. Kiehn home at Lake John.  We hiked down the shore a distance and fixed our lunch.  After lunch we put out our fire and started home.  The following Scouts were present:  Assistant Scout Master Roy Haggerty, Gaylord Erickson, Charles Herzberg, Charles Johnson, Tom Kurz, Basil Maurice, Wendell and Babe Ponsford, Howard Paulson, Harold Rozenberg and Fritz Zable.  The friends were Gerald Cheney, Paul Dowler, Ding Johnson and Neil Swayer, and we hope they join our number soon.

 Howard Paulson, Scout Scribe

September 24, 1931

SCOUTS SPEND WEEKEND AT PEBBLE BEACH - The local Boy Scout Troop 197 enjoyed a weekend hike and camp at Pebble Beach on Lake Sylvia.  The boys left Friday afternoon, hiking to the camp site and pitching tents.

Twelve boys composed the group, namely:  Howard Paulson, Harold Rozenberg, Kenneth Ponsford, Jack Locke, Donald DeChaney, Wendell Ponsford, Donald Wright, Keith Kurz, Richard Betsinger, Charles Johnson, Neil Sawyer and Gaylord Erickson.

Saturday was spent in fixing up the camp and preparing for the evening Council Fire.  The boys were kept pretty busy hauling water and peeling potatoes.  Saturday night a Council Fire was held at which the boys sang and talked until taps.

Sunday morning the boys were busy in preparation for the visit of the parents and friends in the afternoon.  The afternoon program which was held around a Council Fire consisted of:  Talk -  Rev. J. E. Dowler; Talk – Roy Haggerty, Scout Master; First Aid Demonstration – Boys; Swimming and Life Saving Demonstration – Boys; Inspecting of Camp – Guests; Breaking Camp and Lowering the Colors.

All the boys voted it a fine way in which to spend a weekend.

 

August 16, 1951

TROOP 279

Representatives from Annandale Boy Scout Troop 279 will go to Camp Minny Point (sic) on Aug. 19 for a two week outing.  The camp is in the Detroit Lakes area.  Second class scouts making the trip will be John Bendix, Jimmy Hart and Gene McAlpin.  Tenderfoot scouts going are Denny Hawkinson, David McAlpin, Douglas Triplett, Jack Ryti.