Miki101

I see that we have a debate going..yes that was me. I'm not writing anything currently but published a best-selling book on a century of BSA heroism last year for Michael S. Malone titled Running Toward Danger. It should be in your local Scout Shop as the National Supply Division is distributing it along with Amazon. Else, I'm off to hear Dr. Julie Seton (the granddaughter of Ernest Thompson Seton) at the national Scouting Museum. David C. Scott

It's 1914. That was the year that BSA botched up the Scout emblem on the new Lyendecker artwork Handbook and printed it the same way on everything else. David C. Scott

Kristian, That's a bit of a silly statement. If there were not pros to dedicate their days to the program, I assure you that it would die very quickly. We volunteers have other work to perform during the day. It's a team effort on all parts...Not a we vs. them attitude that prevails at times. That goes for the "money guys" as well. They are needed as much as anybody is. David C. Scott

Thank you Dean, And I applaud your dedication to wanting to help make your program as accurate and character-building as possible. Should have any further concerns regarding any merit badge requirements or content, please let me know. David C. Scott

Dear DeanRx, I am a member of the Merit Badge Maintenance Task Force and have passed on your comments to the appropriate individuals. Rest assured that your comments and suggestions have been heard. David C. Scott

Sadly, There were no Council records except for a document in 1914, one each in 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927 and 1928. So, I had to find the information to build the history and did so in the only other way possible...the Dallas Morning News archive. Your answer is to scour the local news archive and you'll get what you need. Copies of "Where Character is Caught" will be available at the Circle Ten Council hq (www.Circle10.org for $25 in softcover and ask for Wendy Kurten).The Scout Executive had no intention of making this a fundraiser. He wanted it to promote the glorious history

In 1935, Boys Life included a section of units celebrating 25 years of continuous service. This section ran for the entire year beginning in February. Else, there are no other National resources outside of individual troop or council records. For the record, Circle Ten Council in Dallas will have its first Century troop (Van Alstyne, Texas) in 2013. There are a couple of 90 years units already. Good luck, David C. Scott

In 1935, Boys Life included a section of units celebrating 25 years of continuous service. This section ran for the entire year beginning in February. Else, there are no other National resources outside of individual troop or council records. For the record, Circle Ten Council in Dallas will have its first Century troop (Van Alstyne, Texas) in 2013. There are a couple of 90 years units already. Good luck, David C. Scott

Circle Ten Council in Dallas, Texas formed a Centennial book committe and authorized its centennial history book due in January 2013. It's a massive undertaking of about 400 pages, 90,000 words, and over 500 images. David C. Scott

By the end of the year, Circle Ten Council in Dallas, Texas will very likely have a Boy Scout Band that will be put on scheduled concerts and participate in local (and eventually national) events. It is especially meaningful in 2013 as it is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Council's first Boy Scout Drum, Band, and Bugle Corps as well as the Council itself. David C. Scott

Shortridge, Back about a year ago, they had a small, 1 case exhibit of Bill's stuff. It was in relation to Woodbadge but it was a temporary exhibit. So, they have exhibited him there, just not an homage. David C. Scott

This is Brownsea Island v.2011. That should excite some British Scouts.

I'd add a shelfload of the book "We Are Americans, We Are Scouts." David C. Scott

Ramblin, Do you have a scan of that image at the Pilgrimage? I would love to see it. David C. Scott

FYI...the Gates speech was done at the Circle 10 Council FOS banquet, not a unit event. They raised $2.1 mil. Not bad...

Wes: Thanks for the idea. I have all of the 1930s, '40s issues of Scouting Magazine and will check. I have been researching in my Boys' Life archive from 1911 on and had not thought of Scouting Mag just yet. jhankins: yes, I was aware of the Redlands Pilgrimage and would like to photos from the event. Copyright permissions would have to be secured if one was used in the book. But if you have a series on thumbnails, I would love to take a look.

I am looking for a couple of choice shots from each of the BSA presidential pilgrimages for a new book that I am working on. Do any of you out there have images of Scouts in front of the presidential tombs of: Theodore Roosevelt, Warren G. Harding, U.S. Grant, Lincoln, Washington, and during the events at Mt. Rushmore and Valley Forge. If I missed any presidential pilgrimage, please let me know. It does not have to be a current one, but one that a BSA council sanctioned in the past century. Thank you for your assistance. David C. Scott

I am working on a project and was wondering if someone out there might be able to provide me with a scan of George W. Bush's Card of Congratulations (or Letter) for Eagle Scouts. I have the others going back to Richard Nixon but lack GWB's. Does anyone know if Lyndon B. Johnson or earlier presidents sent a standard card or letter as well? Thanks, David C. Scott

Rick, I appreciate your kind comments and in depth analysis of my book, "The Scouting Party." To answer one of your first questions, I do still read the boards, but not as much as I used to. (I'm busy working on a large and expeanded re-write of my book "We Are Americans, We Are Scouts" that I plan to publish on July 4, one of Theodore Roosevelt's favorite days.) One of the questions that you had regarded a "model of principles" for Dan Beard's organizations, namely the Sons of Daniel Boone and the Boy Pioneers...the answer is "yes" and I can go one further, "The Buckskin Men of Amer

It's interesting that this discussion is happening at all. If you look at the history of British Scouting, I cannot think of anyone who has caused the recruiting excitement that Bear Gryllis has since the death of Robert Baden-Powell. That's because he's a well-known national/international personality who loves the program and teaches the skills. In the US, no one has commanded that type of attention in the non-Scouting population since Dan Beard died in 1941, who was one of the most popular men in the country during his Scouting lifetime. An argument can be made for Bill Hillcourt within

..."most strongest"...where's my editor? Right here! You're welcome. (This message has been edited by a staff member.)

My Dear ONA1, You certainly would. Thanks for making the connection between the books! And in "The Scouting Party" TR pops-up again and again as a source of encouragement for James E. West, not only as a supporter of the strenuous Scouting life, but also as BSA's strongest and vocal proponent for becoming the national service organization that it is today. BSA always had that angle, given to us from BP's original vision, but TR forced the issue when BSA was waffling between pacifism and preparedness during WWI. TR won. (This message has been edited by a staff member.)

Theodore Roosevelt, the first and only Chief Scout Citizen of the BSA, was the only modern president to actually live completely the values taught within the founding principles of BSA. No other president (Ford's close but not with regard to the pull that TR had with the American people) has had such a clean and integrity-driven life as he. I suggest that this is why prairie made that statement. You should refer to the book "We Are Americans, We Are Scouts," which lays TR's case out pretty well, if I do say so myself... David C. Scott

The fleur-de-lis is the "peace lily"...quite appropriate for the Movement, actually.

Here is an article from the New York Daily News on the subject for which I was interviewed for comment. http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2010/04/30/2010-04-30_boy_scouts.html David C. Scott