The East Hartford Gazette

Fifty Years For Boy Scouts

50 YEARS - These members of Boy Scout Troop 1, sponsored by the First Congregational Church, help observe the 50th anniversary of the Scout movement in this country. Troop 1, one of the oldest troops in the country, also is celebrating its 50th year during 1960. Above, Henry Carragher, one of the youngest members who joined the troop a month ago, stands next to Michael Dubiel, chairman of the training program, and Otis Stevens, assistant scoutmaster, two of the oldest active members in point of service. Both have over 30 years service with Troop 1. (Photo)

1910-Members of Troop 1 fifty years ago line up behind the Rev. William C. Prentiss, who was the organizer of the troop, and the photo below shows them on a camping trip-just like the boys of today-except of course for the change in the fashions. Troop 1 will officially celebrate their anniversary this coming October.

Scouts' 50 Years Motto For World

Fifty years ago next week, of significance to Connecticut where many boys are enjoying the advantages of membership in Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops and Explorer units, Great Britain exported the Boy Scout movement to the United States by way of William D. Boyce of Chicago. For these 50 years, the motto "Be Prepared" has passed from father to son, brother to brother, friend to friend, and the unceasing challenge that these two words present has kept scouting at a level of interest which is now enjoyed by five million boys and leaders all over the United States.

Through the past half century more than 30 million boys have participated in scouting, and in recognition of this, the week of Feb. 7-13 has been designated throughout the nation as Boy Scout Golden Anniversary Week.

In East Hartford 861 boys are presently in scouting, 526 of these are Cub Scouts, 284 are Boy Scouts and 51 are Explorers.

Governor Abraham Ribicoff made this statement concerning the scouts' Golden Anniversary:

"The nation has enjoyed immense benefits from the Boy Scout program of character development, citizenship training and physical fitness. It is impossible to calculate how much of America's greatness and position of leadership is due to the early training our citizens received as Boy Scouts, but we know that the contribution is large.

"This is an observance of Scout troops and Explorer units, and where many adults voluntarily devote time and energy to Scout leadership to the lasting benefit of the community.

"My heartiest congratulations go to the Boy Scouts of America and to each individual Boy Scout and Scout leader on Boy Scout Golden Anniversary Week. May this fine organization continue to grow and observe many, many more anniversaries."

Growth is being provided for here. Beginning Monday for one week, a Registration Booth will be set up at Raymond Library for boys who are interested in becoming scouts.

District Commissioners for East Hartford are: Ralph Secord, Chairman; Olin G. Taylor, Vice-Chairman; C. Dudley Berglund, Camping and Activities; Ernest Amiot, Organization and Extension; Michael Dubiel, Leadership and Training; Robert Brown, Advancement; Donald Wheeler, Public Relations; Wendell Rapp, District Scout Executive.

Commissioners: J. Alfred Akerlind, District Commissioner; Leonard Dufresne, Assistant Commissioner; Fred Dewey; Dean Cronkite; Robert Rosati; William F. Ryder; and Richard Spofford.