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If you have any scout-related materials buried in the attic or the closet now might be the time to dig it out since the scouts are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.
John Tarwater of Gallatin has an example of a vintage piece he kept through the years, a Boy Scout Handbook dated 1939.
The Boy Scouts of America published its "Original Edition" in 1910. John’s book is the 4th Edition. The cover art is by Norman Rockwell. Norman Rockwell got his start at Boys Life magazine, the official publication of the Boy Scouts, and painted the covers for the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 9th Edition handbooks.
Much of the content in the handbooks has stayed the same through the years. Present day Boy Scouts read the same scout oath, scout law and scout motto as did their great-grandfathers. They learn how to hike, camp, and "Always Be Prepared."
But much has also changed. The earliest editions had merit badges for blacksmithing — the latest editions have merit badges for space exploration.
Earlier badges went for scouts who could tie a knot and build a fire. Today’s cub scouts can earn a pin for playing video games.
John’s edition was a rather low-tech print job and didn’t have color printing on the inside pages. The latest edition has its own website and can be downloaded on an Iphone.
The inside cover of John’s handbook shows a boy scout dressed in a uniform of short pants and stockings. Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta created a new Boy Scout uniform in 1980. That tunic was replaced by zip-off trousers and socks with arch support. Today there are special pockets for cell phones and MP3 players. Probably the biggest change in clothing has been from hand ironing to permanent press.
The public is invited to view area Boy Scouts perform a rare flag retirement ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 18, on the courthouse square in Gallatin during Chautauqua, according to Mark Corwin, Scoutmaster for Troop 67. The flag retirement ceremony is rarely held in a public setting. It is usually held in private due to its solemn nature.
This event will culminate a presentation by the scouts on Saturday afternoon.
At 2:30 the Mic-O-Say dancers will perform. This colorful and energetic honorary camping society considers Camp Geiger its ‘mother’ tribe. The group performs story dances from various Native American tribes. Great care is taken to ensure that the outfits, as well as the interpretive dances that Mic-O-Say perform, accurately reflect the culture and heritage of Native American culture. All of the outfits are hand-made by the members of the group.
At 3 p.m. the scouts will have a short history presentation and then announce local troops, packs and leaders. Afterwards, they will hold the flag retirement ceremony.
At 4 p.m., scouts will line up for the parade. All Daviess County troops and packs have been invited to march in the parade. They will fall in behind the VFW color guard.
An informational booth will be set up on the courthouse square all day for any youth interested in joining scouting.
The theme of this year’s Chautauqua is "Scouting for Fun on the Square" in honor of the 100 years anniversary of scouting.