Troop 2 continues to celebrate our 100th anniversary as we move through 2011.
So far we've done the following:
In January we announced the plans formally to the Troop, and distributed our new unit numeral patch to all Scouts. This observance recognizes the point in 1911 when we got our start. It all began at the East Weymouth Congregational Church, where there was a boys Sunday School class taught by Mr. Ernest A. Smith. This class was organized about 1908. The boys had such a good time in their Sunday School, that they formed their class into a social club. As time went on they felt more in need of a program of activity, and when the Rev. Walter H. Commons, pastor of the Congregational Church, East Weymouth, read the Boy Scout Handbook, edited by Gen. Baden Powell, it was decided that a scout organization would provide valuable training for these young men.
On January 22, 1911 they voted to organize their class as a Boy Scout troop and immediately applied for a charter. Reverend Commons asked Mr. Smith to assume the role of Scoutmaster, and soon after they filed for a charter from the Boy Scouts of America. To commemorate Mr. Smith's contribution, and the continued contributions of those men who have volunteered to serve as Scoutmaster, we've created a banner with their names and dates of service, which hangs in the back of the Weymouth Heights Club.
In February we began work as a group on the Scouting History Merit badge, which included learning about the history of Boy Scouting in America, as well as about the contributions of historical figures, common games and activities from the early years, and the history of our own Troop. Included in our badge work was interviewing of several adult leaders who had been involved in scouting as young men, and it was quite interesting to compare and contrast their experiences with the way scouting is done in the 21st century.
In March we finished up the Scouting History merit badge, and we've added many historical exhibits to the hall in the Weymouth Heights Club. At this time over 8000 photos from the troop's archives have been scanned, and can be viewed in the three electronic picture frames in the hall. We've also assembled photos of our scoutmasters, including Ernest Smith, Walter Briggs, Franklin Pratt, Ron Parry, Jim Hamilton, Charlie Clancy, and Mr. Kelley. When possible we've included photos of the scoutmasters when they were young men in the troop (Ron, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Clancy and Mr. Kelley were all scouts in the Troop). Many of the photos have been featured here on the Troop BLOG as well as part of the "Our History" feature.
In April we're planning to recognize the formal date of our chartering with the scouts in two ways - on our April campout at Valley Pines we'll have several surprises, and at the traditional Monday night Troop meeting April 18th we'll have a small cake and a presentation.
This brings us up to the date with our two milestone dates, but the observances and fun will continue for the next year.
In June we're planning observances for the 5 year anniversary of Ron Parry's death. The 10 AM mass at Immaculate Conception Church, East Weymouth, will be offered in Ron's memory, and we'll have a short collation at the Parish Center following the mass. The drum and flag corps will proceed to Fairmont Cemetary to visit Ron's grave for a brief ceremony. We will also place a wreath on Mr. Pratts grave at that time whcih is nearby.
Finally, we are hosting a homecoming event with light refreshments, September 10th and 11th at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center. All alumni and friends of the Troop and the general public are invited to join us at this event, to catch up with old buddies, view pictures and memorabilia from 100 years of Scouting in Weymouth, reminisce about their time with Troop 2, and learn more about scouting
As you can see, we have a great deal of activities planned for the year, and we hope you'll join us in September for the alumni event.
