The Harris Centennial
Harris --The past 100 Years

The Boy Scouts
Page 52-53

Minerva Forbes discovered a ledger and secretary book for the Boy Scout Troop that was active in Harris from 1919 to 1924. Wayland Forbes was secretary-treasurer of the group.

Members in 1919, who ranged in age from 12 to 17, included MarionBurley, Harold Morfitt, Merton Forbes, Dominick Blend, Harold Benson, Leon Keifer, Glen Willits, Dean Breffle, Loie Joeller, Wayland Forbes, Merlin Morfitt, Clifford Unz, Albert Worrick,Cecil Clark, Russell Palmer, Harold Hass, Rolly Heppler, Emery Geurtin, Pat Dieta and George Burley. The group was a large one although some members dropped out. The patrol leader in 1919, was Robert Burley and the Scoutmaster was Rev. Mueller. Later on Rev. J. S. Hutchings became the Scoutmaster. The name of the patrol was chosen from suggestions of wolf, owl, and panthers on August 27, 1919, and the name “wolf” was chosen.

The meetings were held each week on Wednesday evening and followed an agenda similar to the Scout meetings today. Most of the members passed the tenderfoot test and it was mentioned that Dominick, Skinny, Marion, Glen, Albert, Clifford, Clarence, Leon, Emory, George, Rolly and Pat became Wolf Scouts. Those who became Eagle Scouts were Dean, Wayland, Chelsey, Russ, Harold Benson, Harold Morfitt, Merlin and Cecil.

Apparently there was a problem getting members to attend the meetings because a motion was passed to charge absent members 25 cents and truant officers were elected.

Additional members mentioned between 1920 and 1924, included Lawrence McNab, Cass Curtis, Piatt Forbes, Herbert Cole, Carlyle Grady, Harold Wilson, Lawrence Gibson, Myrle Lee, Arnold Moeller, and Eugene McDoniels.

Some of the activities the scouts participated in were hikes and “wienie” roasts at Silver Lake and Indian Lake, basketball at the school gym after meetings and movies at the Opera House. They even had bake sales to raise money.

The last meeting date mentioned was July 18, 1924, when Wayland ended his term as secretary.

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