Bolivar Central School - Gusher Yearbook (Bolivar, NY)

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BOLIVAR HIGH SCHOOL “BLIZZARD li BOY SCOUTS Boy Scouts of America A year and a half has passed since the Boy Scouts of Troop I, Bolivar, N. Y., made their first appearance as an organization. In looking back over things which have happened, the most skeptical must admit that the time has been well spent. The organization of course has changed somewhat in personnel as all these organizations do, for the Boy Scouts of America are always eager to welcome to their ranks all wide awake boys of Id years or more who want to join. The troop committee, as represented in the new charter, now consists of R. C. Witter, chairman, H. L. Ilulett, P. II. Dougherty and C. M. VanCuren. The executive end is in charge of M. M. Larrabee, scout master, and Reverend (). 0. Baker, assistant scout master. So, if tho interest and co-operation of the boys themselves does not fall below what it has been in the past year and a half, there is no reason why the organization cannot look forward to another year, or what is better, years of wonderful benefit and enjoyment such as only work of this kind can give. By far the most interesting part of this article will be in telling of the work which has been done and the events which have happened during Troop I’s existence in Bolivar. The culmination of all the scouts’ activities of 1923-24 came in the camping trip to Cuba Lake, which took place in the latter part of the summer shortly before school started. Here followed such a week of jolly fun and profitable entertainment as never to be forgotten by all scouts who were present. Each day was one round of swim-

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16 BOLIVAR HIGH SCHOOL “BLIZZARD” Washington at the Congressional library, one of the finest and most elaborate structures in the capital city. Monday morning was passed at the fisheries and at Arlington National cemetery. The latter stop was most impressive due to the visit, to the grave of America’s unknown soldier, the mast of the battleship Maine, tiie old Lee mansion and other marks of historic interest. Just as the party entered the national burying ground a military funeral was observed which lent considerable color to the scene. The afternoon hours were profitably engaged in the trip to Mt. Vernon where the mansion and grounds of Washington’s estate were inspected. Returning to Washington, the evening was devoted quite generally to theatre attendance, Keith’s being most popular. Tuesday morning the party “made” the national capitol building, the bureau of printing ana engraving and the Washington monument, a structure 555 feet in height. The latter was ascen 'ed with considerable perspiration since the elevator was not in action and the only means of ascent available was by stairway. On Wednesday the party was assured of the honor of meeting President Coolidge at the White House. President Coolidge seemingly evinced a desire to pass through his line of hand-shakers as quickly as possible, and four minutes after the long line of well-wishers had started to move through the executive offices of the White House, the experience of meeting a president was a thing to be reflected on. The general concensus of opinion among members of the Bolivar party was that President Coolidge was far too busy a man to spend much time in greeting visitors. Thursday was the day set for departure from the capitol city. The party left enroute to Philadelphia, and passed the afternoon in the Quaker City. Motor bus accommodations conveyed the group about the city, dropping them at the Broad street station, and leaving them to their own devices until evening. Piling into the Pennsylvania R. R. sleepers shortly after seven o’clock, the members of the party were at last settled, and as the train rolled on into the night, a few hours of much needed slumber were gained. The arrival at Clean was in the darkness of the early morning, some time in the vicinity of four o’clock. The party—tired, travel stained, and generally weary —presented a rather woeful appearance. Sprawled on waiting room benches in every conceivable position, they awaited the trains that were to convey them to their respective villages. When the Philadelphia train paused at Clean, less than five minutes was allowed for the party to alight. Earle Harrington, dreaming blissfully of the wonders of the capitol city, did not arouse easily. He was left on the train to be put off at Franklinville and to return to ()lean on a later passenger service. At home the goddess of sleep was assiduously courted by all members of the party—at least for a day or more. But now that some time has passed since the excursion and time has dimmed the memory of vicissitudes, the “wonders of oui- trip to Washington” are sometimes rehearsed.

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BOLIVAR HIGH SCHOOL BLIZZARD” 18 ming, diving, cooking, rowing, canoeing, hiking, and every other form of entertainment both protit-able and enjoyable. The whole camp was organized into groups which looked after the details of camp life such as cooking, dish washing, cleaning up the grounds, planning meals, etc., and, by changing around every day, each one had valuable experience in the things mentioned above. Perfect discipline prevailed, and, when the time came to go, all were sorry that there was not a week more. Troop 1 upheld the traditions of the organization when several of its members were responsible for the saving of two women from drowning, a thing which should make every Bolivar scout proud of his troup and anxious himself to add to its good name. The year following the camp has now nearly come to a close, and every scout looks forward with eager anticipation to another camp this summer. The interest has been kept alive and even increased by frequent hikes and over night camps. The number of second class scouts is steadily growing larger and this summer should be the opportunity for many to become first class scouts, which is the iirst goal of all scouts. From this enviable position, they can look forward to becoming Eagle scouts, life scouts, etc., and also to be wearing the coveted merit badges, the mark of scout achievement and attainment in various useful arts and sciences. Finally, in closing, the Boy Scouts of Bolivar wish to thank one and all for any help that they have given, or any interest they have shown and appeal to all for their co-operation in making con- ditions better in Bolivar especially for young people, and what could be a better plan, along this line, than to make it possible for their boys to become future scouts and the girls to become members of similar worthwhile organizations. The members of Troop I at the present time are as follows: Scribe, Lawrence Wightman; bugler, William Osgood. Otter Patrol—Patrol leader, William Osgood; assistant patrol leader, Lawrence Wightman; and members: Frank Henderson, Fred Maxson, Howard Shaner, Melvin Shaner, Nelson Shavalier, Howard VanCuren, LeRoy Seely. Beaver Patrol: Patrol leader, Fred Newton; assistant patrol lea 1-er, Howard Richardson; and members: Joseph Shaner, Burton Buell, Robert Sawyer, William Foster, Bernard Jones, Guy Bullock, Robert Richardson. New members: Guy Wilber, Edward Dougherty, Donald Good-ridge, Joseph Smith. + 1111 M» 1 HI + M mm Ml — ■ — ■ «. t R. C. Ressler Dry Goods and Notions Allen “A” and Phenix Hosiery BOLIVAR, N. Y. 1 Ml-HII-II