William Hillcourt

[9muckraker7 11]

After reading about William Hillcourt on this site, I find it apalling that there is no mention of him in latest edition of the Scout Handbook.

 

...Just thinking out loud...

[Fuzzy Bear 12]

Green Bar Bill has been left out(side) before in the 70's when Scouting decided to go to the big city. Scouting then recanted and took him back for another round of outdoorsmanship when the numbers fell to an all time low. It just so happens Scouts like to go outdoors. It is one of the methods of Scouting and for a good reason.

 

It may be that GBB was left out because he was considered one of the contributors of Scouting and not one of the Founders. I personally believe that he filled the gap from BP and Uncle Dan and became more than a contributor. Some may not agree or feel that somehow he was just one of the pack but when a person looks at the history of Scouting his name keeps coming up for allot of good reasons. For many of us, he became a symbol just like the Founders.

 

I believe that his rightful place is to be among those of the legend. It is short sighted on the part of those that have rewrote or edited out his place. History has a way of not letting us forget what is the closest to our hearts no matter how hard people try.

 

 

FB

[Fat Old Guy 11]

The last Green Bar Bill handbook was one of the finest handbooks ever. Why, oh why did BSA feel the need to do a complete re-write?

[Marty_Doyle 10]

Because if you can't put "New" and "Improved" and "Updated" on the cover (even if it isn't), then it won't sell. Or so the prevailing Madison Avenue mentality goes.

[Fat Old Guy 11]

"B

[Wallace 10]

I have a Scout handbook (9th ed.)autographed to me by William Hillcourt...I know that's a keeper!