1953 Handbook for PL
James D Wellborn 325 795 2010 (WELLBOJ@MAIL.FIRN.EDU)
Sun, 16 Nov 1997 19:53:11 -0500
Wow, what a great morning!
Went to the flea market to get a "new" sharpening stone and some files for
a hatchet and bow saw. Walked by the Book Stall just 'cause and next to
some old copies of the Big Bear book (which I had) was a 1953 ed. of
HANDBOOK FOR PATROL LEADERS : WORLD BROTHERHOOD EDITION copyright 1950.
It was just like the one I had too long ago... 'course I must have had the
10th edition or something... Originally $.50 (whew) I snatched it for
$4.00 a few step ahead of another searcher. (Along with a few copies of
some Boy's Life).
My point is, compared to the composite JR. LEADERS' HANDBOOK of today, the
real flavor of this classic (to me) really stands out. Does anyone know
why such a dramatic shift in format? ....a difference in "sophistication"
of today's youth? ....no one willing or able to try to follow William
Hillcourt's style ... the information was incorporated into the handbook
and fieldbook ..... all of the above?
I love seeing some of those camp gadget sketches I use to stare at way back
then again .... Sooo, I'm gunna go do a fire in the back yard, light a
lantern, creak in a rocking chair, throw on some cocoa and MAYBE read thru
more than 20-30 pages before my mind wanders to who knows where...
Jim Wellborn Gulf Ridge Council
wellboj@mail.firn.edu Crystal River, FL
Oh... I got 2 new files (rat tail and flat) and wooden handles for $2.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
