Willard Nielsen, age 102, Eagle Scout

[Eagle732]

This month's Eagle Scout Magazine notes the passing of Willard LaGrand Nielsen, age 102 from Sandy, UT. It also states that he became an Eagle Scout in 1959. So doing the math he seems to have earned his Eagle at the age of 51. I know that until 1965 adults were allowed to earn advancements including Eagle. I wonder how common it was in those days?

 

Willard appears to have lived an interesting and rewarding life. See the link for more info.

 

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58186/Centenarian-finds-joy-in-gospel-Scouting.html

 

 

[Kahuna]

"I wonder how common it was in those days?"

 

Not very common at all. I don't recall anyone over 21 getting Eagle in the 1950's & 1960's. In fact, I remember some leaders discussing it in disdainful terms. "It's a boys award." That kind of thing.

[srisom]

I came up through Scouting in the 1950s and 1960s and I do not remember any adults being presented the Eagle Scout Award.

 

However, in doing some research I have found news articles concerning adults who did receive the Eagle Scout Award, locally, in the early 1950s.