SOCIAL AGENCIES
for
BOYS in PIEDMONT
Civics Term Topic
Piedmont High School --Spring
1929
by Drew Chick
Miss Fuselman Instructor
Period VIII
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Introduction
Section I
Chapter I
History and organization of the Boy Scouts of America in Piedmont
Pages 1 - 9
Chapter II-Benefits to the Boy
Page: 10
The Scout Oath and Law
Pages 11-14
Chapter III
History and Organization of the Boy Pioneers of America in Piedmont
Pages 15-17
Chapter IV-Benefits to the Boy
Pager 18
The Pioneer Oath and Law
Page 19
Bibliography
Page 20
INTRODUCTION
Altho there are several social clubs in Piedmont, there are only few of a truly democratic nature--the Bot Scouts of America and the Boy Pioneers of America. The requirements for entrance into these organizations is very simple, requiring that the boy be of a certain age and that he ____ree to live up to the Scout Oath and Law and the Pioneer Oath and Law, respectively, in his daily life, whereas the entrance into the other social clubs is much less democratic in their nature.
I have endeavored to get the correct information on all specific statements and as near as I can find out at the present time, they are correct.
Drew Chick
March 18, 1929•
Chapter I
HISTORY and ORGANIZATION of the BOY SCOUTS of AMERICA in PIEDMONT
“Piedmont has become nationally famous as a center of efficient scout work. ‘Not large in size, but wonderfully brilliant in quality,’ says National Scout executive Chas N. Miller, who has supervision of the states of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, and who recently paid Piedmont a ____ honor in selecting it as the meeting place of Northern California and Western Nevada section of the Annual Meeting of the Twelfth region of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America.
"Ever since the introduction of scouting into America fourteen years ago, Piedmont has had more or less scout activity, first under the leadership of Rev. John Stuchell, first Pastor of the Piedmont Interdenominational Church, then under various leaders including A. C. Earl, C. H. ___llingston, H. M. Hepburn, P. E. Otey, and others, but it was not until Sept. 13, 1918, when the National Council established a Branch Headquarters in the City, that Scouting was established on a permanent working basis. George E. Keneipp, of Washington D. C., then Assistant Executive of the Oakland Boy Scouts, was transferred by order of the National Office, to the position of Field Executive, with headquarters in Piedmont, but subject to the jurisdiction of the Oakland Council. Two troops were organized at once, one under the leadership of Keneipp as Scoutmaster, and was know as Oakland Troop 2, meeting at the Piedmont Church; the other, meeting at the Beach School, was led by George B. Cushing, and was known as Oakland Troop 24.
"So rapid was the growth of the work In Piedmont, that on March 21, 1921, a separate Council was organized in Piedmont, it being the smallest community in the United States to be given a first-class council charter, and which was another tribute to the caliber of the local work. Immediately, with the organization of the Piedmont Council, with Kenelpp as Scout Executive, he gave up active scoutmastership and organized out of the two original troops, five troops all under volunteer leadership, two meeting at the Beach School, and three at the Piedmont Interdenominational Church. The leaders appointed were as follows:
"Troop 1, C. A. Adams (since succeeded by E. I. Gorie), Stuart H Gorie, formerly Tenderfoot scout in Piedmont under the leadership ___ Ellington, and the scout of longest experience of any in Piedmont, before-scoutmaster, and is now held in deep affection by all the boys in Troop 1, as well as the parents and friends of Scouting.
"Troop 2, V. R. Pentecost, present Deputy Scout Commissioner, who gave over the reigns of Scoutmastership to Clem G. Perkins, Deputy collector of Customs for the United States Government, and who has held the office ever since.
"Troop 3, A. M. Merrill, now Scout Commissioner, but who developed Troop 3 to such an extent that his successor, Mr. H. R. Galther, present Scoutmaster, has been able to maintain this troop at very high efficiency ever since.
"Troop 4, Theodore R. Pfalzgraf, now Private Secretary to National Executive Chas. N. Miller; J. A. Gooch, of Camp Martin fame; Edward Metcalf, Geo. B. Cushing, all took a hand at leading this troop, which finally fell into the efficient hands of A. G. McIntire, present scoutmaster, a most efficient and thoro leader.
"Troop 5, (old) -Nash W. Quinlan. Disbanded in 1923.
"Troop 6, (old) -Geo. E. Keneipp. (for older scouts). Disbanded in Fall of 1923.
"Troop 5, (new) -C. F. Simpson, Scoutmaster. Now meeting at the Piedmont Armory.
"The relative growth of the scout work locally is shown in the following table:
Number of Scouts,
December 31, 1918 33
1919, 64
1920, 105
1921, 109
1922, 124
1923， 168
Census of boys of Scout age In the Piedmont Schools, showed that on September 13, 1923, there were but 40 boys in the Piedmont High School.
Between the ages of 12 and 14 years, who were not scouts, giving Piedmont the second highest percentage of any city in the United States, the ___th annual report of the National Council to the Federal Congress revealing the fact that only one city, Pinceton, Illinois has a lower population per scout than Piedmont.
"Not only has the local work grown in quantity, but in quality as well, From the organization of the Council on March 21, 1921, the following boys, numbering 27 in all, have reached the pinnacle of scouting, that of Eagle Scout, a goal reached by but few, and those few most exceptional : Helmik Gabrielson, Noble Gowing, Omen Hoyle, Joe Moore, James Tyson, Clarence Chichester, Richard Harvey, Harold Corbin, La Vern Corbin, Willis arks, Wintford Saint, Arthur Merrill, Fred Anderson, Merle Bashan; Harleigh _rian, Billy Hays, Rowan Gaither, Arthur Hargrave, George Olmsted, Philip Nesbitt(?), Charles Merrill, William Merrill, Jack Sherwin, Lloyd Ludlow, Anthony Fratis, Frank Adams, and Stanley Valentine. (there are now 63 Eagles to date in Piedmont Council--for complete list see the Wig Wag for November 1928.) 170 boys have qualified as Tenderfoot scouts, 122 second-class outs, and 175 first-class. 1061 merit badges have been awarded.
"In addition to the regular summer camping seasons which the local council has conducted away from Piedmont, Mr. James Tyson, Treasurer of the Council, contributed much to the local situation by donating five acres of his property in Piedmont for a week-end camp, which has formed a laboratory for year-round scout activity in the open. Because Of Mr. Tyson's objection, the name of the camp was changed from Camp Tyson to Camp Scouting, which name it has held ever since. Many improvements have been made in this camp during the Council's existence, including the Installation of modern sanitary convenances, shower baths, city water, electric lights, a large and beautiful mess hall, and two store-houses. Because of the generosity of the Piedmont citizens, the Council now owns all of its own camp-equipment.
“The United States Government, contrary to the belief of many, does not take care of the expense incidental to the Boy Scout program, but all of the funds are raised by voluntary contribution of the citizens. For five years, the local work was maintained by a few of the public-spirited citizens of the community, but this year marked a big step forward, when the finances of both the scout and the pioneer work were taken over by the Oakland Community Chest organization.
"Full credit for the development of the local situation, should go to the untiring efforts of Scout Commissioner A. M. Merrill, and his efficient staff of volunteer leaders, who have labored unselfishly for, and have contributed much of their time and means to the work without any remuneration other than the personal satisfaction of serving the boys. These volunteers include the Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Deputy Commissioners. Troop Committeemen, and Local Council Members. Over one hundred Piedmont men are actively connected with the scout and pioneer work in Piedmont in some volunteer capacity. Long live these patriotic, public-spirited Americans!
(Note; -The above quotation was taken from an issue of the Highlander during the year 1923 entitled Piedmont Ranks Foremost in Scout Circles)
"Piedmont possesses the typical Western spirit of progressiveness in scout work, according to the National Scout Authorities. Enjoying the distinction of having had the first troop of scouts on the Pacific Coast within the confines of our very excellent little city. Piedmont has consistently ranked first in achievement ever since.
"In the early days of scouting in America, Rev. John Stuchell, formerly Pastor of the Piedmont Church, organized a troop of Boy Scouts in Piedmont. This troop recently held a reunion at Mt, Diablo. The old scouts are now prominent young business men of the Bay District, all being highly successful and outstanding citizens.
"So rapidly did the work grow in Piedmont, that for six years now, the city has been under the direct supervision of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, which has given us professional leadership for our local scout work.
“From the very modest start made by Dr. Stuchell and the first group of Boy Scouts
the work has grown here until today, there are nearly 200 scouts divided into five troops, and over 200 Boy Pioneers (Junior scouts), divided into six Pioneer companies all operating under older boy leadership, creating a grand total of over 400 boys engaged in work here at present.
its Scoutmasters, Messers. A. H. Gorie, Clem G. Perkins, F. W. Barnett, R. Gaither, L.S. Irgens, A.G. McIntire, Lloyd Ludlow, Harry Curry, and C.F. Sampson(?), the Local Scout Council has the very best of leadership. The quality of their work is best measured by their results. During 1924 alone, and the year not yet closed, the local council has created four new Eagle Scouts of Frank Adams, Stanley Valentine, Milton Silverman and George Winchester. A number of scouts also have reached the Star Scout rank, second highest in the movement. 21 boys have so far become first-class scouts this year in the Court of Honor sessions, and 182 merit badges have been awarded.
"Among the important new developments in the Piedmont Council entering 1924 were the following:-
A HONORABLE DISCHARGE CERTIFICATES. A system of orderly exit from the scout movement was provided for scouts leaving their troops with honorable records. Handsome engraved certificates equaling a high school diploma for beauty, are given deserving scouts on their graduation from scouting.
B COURT OF HONOR. In place of the old monthly meetings of the Court of Honor for examination and awarding of merit badges, there has been substituted the monthly Examining Board which gives examinations only, and are(?) big new public sessions of the Court of Honor, three times each year. These Court of Honor ceremonies will become more and more interesting, for it is planned to hold pageants and demonstrations so that the public large can visualize the achievements of the scouts.
C. CAMP KIAMESHA. With 126 scouts attending the summer camp conducted by the council at Camp Meeker, In Sonoma County, all attendance records Scout camping in Piedmont were broken. All readily proclaimed the by camp far the most successful yet held by the Council, despite the unusually dry (?) season which somewhat handicapped the swimming program.
D. CAMP SCOUTING. Many improvements both physically and otherwise, have been made at Camp Scouting, week-end camp-site located on the lower end of Mr. James Tyson’s property in Piedmont. This camp is a mecca for scouts and pioneers on week-ends thru-out the school year. Tests are pass___, games are played and the lake is used for boating and swimming. It is planned to secure more boats for the lake for next spring’s season. The pioneers also conducted their annual camp on these grounds during August. The attendance was over 100.
C SCOUT WIG WAG. The local scouts now publish a most attractive monthly scout magazine, known as "The Scout Wig Wag". National authorities say it is one of the best scout magazines published.
D TENDERFOOT INVESTITURE CEREMONIES. The Council is making excellent progress in its plans to hold investiture ceremonies for Tenderfoot scouts. These ceremonies will be most impressive, and will at once dignify the movement in the mind of the new boys who have joined.
E VETERAN SCOUTS. Increasing recognition is being paid to scouts who have faithfully served the movement over a period of five years or more. ‘Giving as well as getting,' is the slogan of the Veteran Scout Association, and several of the Piedmont boys have added their names to membership in this association during the year.
F SCOUT ALUMNI. The first annual Alumni Banquet of the Scouts in Piedmont was held during the year with a splendid attendance. As this alumni grows in size, it will become a most impressive feature of the council’s yearly program. The first dinner and its fine attendance showed the esteem in which scouting is held by those boys who were in the movement during years past.
I. MOHAWK CLUB ROOM. The Mohawk Room at Scout Headquarters was equipped with new games and a fine boys' library. Each noon hour during the High School term, finds many high school scouts enjoying the diversified recreation which this room affords. It is also mighty popular on rainy days.
J. ATHLETICS. The purpose of scout athletics is to develop players for High School athletics. During this year, the Council organized a very successful baseball teams, one unlimited, and one hundred pound ___. Two individual tennis tournaments were conducted, George Winchester winning the first. A Council Tennis Team has also been organized. President Wallace M. Alexander, of the Piedmont Boy Scouts, gave Winchester membership in the Berkeley Tennis Club for winning the Tournament.
G GOOD TURNS. The good turn is one of the fundamental principles of the scout movement, and the Piedmont scouts have performed some mighty good ones this year. Space does not permit us to enumerate all of the very excellent work done by our boys, but among then nay be mentioned the planting of redwood trees in honor of the memory of Theodore Roosevelt, conducting of a Roosevelt assembly in Piedmont High School, taking part in the National 'Get Out and Vote Campaign,’ conducted exercises at Piedmont War memorial on Decoration Day, and many others.
H FINANCES. Supervision of local scout work is financed by the Oakland Community Chest. Each boy purchases his own uniform, and pays his own membership fees, but the expenses of keeping up a Headquarters, employment of a Scout Executive to give his full time to the movement, and the maintenance of a week-end camp and summer camp is paid by volunteer subscriptions from the citizens of Piedmont.
"Piedmont can well be proud of its scout work!”
(Note: - The above quotation was taken from an issue of the Highlander during the year 1924 entitled Piedmont Ranks First in Scout Circles)
During the year 1925, perhaps the most outstanding event was Camp Merill. The camp was held at Camp Meeker, Sonoma County, the same place as last years Kiamesha. Camp Merrill was the biggest success of a camp from all standpoints up to that time.
During the year 1926, the Piedmont Council had more activity and had a greater growth than ever before. Camp Kiamesha II was the largest camp ever held in the history of the Piedmont Council. This camp was also held at Camp Meaker, Sonoma County. The best inter-troop field meet was held, we had a most successful baseball season. The greatest influx of new scouts in the history of the council, over 100 boys joining scouting during the year. The greatest advancement of rank. The most merit badges. The most new Eagle scouts. One new troop was organized.
The year 1927 saw the first camp in the high Sierras, Camp ___ and the unfortunate loss of our executive George E. Keneipp. Mr. Condie, the Scout Commissioner took charge of the council.
The year 1928 and Camp Wild Bill will be long associated. Camp Wild Bill was held in the Feather River country at Indian Falls in Plumas County. Wild Bill was the biggest success of any camp. The meals were fine, the weather good, the swimming and everything to make a good camp was in conspicuous evidence.
The year 1929 promises to be the greatest in the history of Piedmont Council. Under our new Executive, Capt. William P. Finlay, the council is bound to go ahead. This year we will camp at our permanent camp-site at Spanish Creek in the Plumas National Forest. The camp has been named after our beloved President Wallace M. Alexander and will be known as Camp Alexander. Interest has already been brought to a high pitch by the Aviation classes which the "Chief" has been holding for an hour every Saturday morning. This class has been designed to give regular ground school course in Aviation minus the very technical knowledge that pilots are supposed to know. Baseball, and Tennis have been revived and strong teams in both sports are promised. Another advancement was made when the editing of the Wig Wag was turned over to the boys themselves. Now under the direction of Frank Buck, as editor; ___ Chick, as Assistant Editor; Stanley Cardinet, as Sports Editor; and Bobby Jones, as News editor, the Wig Wag promises to be the best scout paper in the country.
Every year the Piedmont Council has held a summer camp.
The name, place and year of each camp follows:-
1921 Shasta County
1922 Glenwood, Santa Cruz Mts.
1923 | Camp Martin | Glenwood, Santa Cruz Mts |
1924 | Camp Kiamesha I | Camp Meeker, Sonoma County Camp |
1925 | Camp Merrill | Meeker, Sonoma County |
1926 | Camp Kiamesha II | Camp Meeker, Sonoma County |
1927 | Camp Ilium | Flying W Camp, N Fork TuoLumme River near Mather and Hetch Hetchy |
1928 | Camp Wild Bill | Indian Falls, Plumas County
|
1929 | Camp Alexander | Spanish Creek, Plumas National Forest, near Keddie |
Each year the Piedmont council has sponsored baseball and tennis. One year the baseball team played teams as far north as Oroville and Chico. The tennis team has also played out of town schools. In the early days, before Piedmont High School had a basketball team, the Piedmont council sponsored one.
There has been a field meet every year. There were track meets, swimming meets and inter-troop tennis games. Real Scouting Contests, a Prepared Jinx, "Hadenfelt Trophy" contest and many others to bring Piedmont up to its present efficiency. Each year that an Older Scouts' conference has been held Piedmont has sent its quota. These conferences have been held in all parts of California--Santa Cruz, ,Cascadero, Pasadena, Richardson’s(?) Springs, Camp Dimond--the Oakland Scout Camp, Yosemite, and other places in California.
Perhaps the most interesting achievement or addition in the Piedmont council was the organization of Troop Six. Troop Six is the adult training troop for volunteer leadership. The men go thru the same program of scouting as their sons do in their respective troops. Every man should make it a point to join this troop.
It is interesting to note that the Piedmont Church affords meeting rooms for eight of the nine troops, a headquarters office, a game room, _eat, and kitchen for the Scout council of this city. It is almost without question the finest Scout headquarters in the country. Thanks to the kindness of the church people.
Chapter II
Benefits of Scouting to the Boy
The benefits of Scouting to the boy are most numerous. There are, first of all the scout ideals. These consist of principally the Scout Oath and Law, the dally good turn, international brotherhood, and service. (These are all so well pointed out In the Handbook for Boys and other Scout publications that I will not discuss them here.)
The slogan "Scouts today--Leaders tomorrow" is lived up to very __ in the general scout program.
Scouting develops character. This can best be exemplified by the Boy Scout Trail to Citizenship (i.e. the scout tests . He develops character by service to his fellow men, by contacts with men of high moral character and standing in the community, by contacts with other boys in troop meetings, council gatherings, Older Scouts' Conferences, International Jamborees.
Scouting keeps one healthy. The fine outdoor program and the health and training in hygiene given thru the merit badge program all tends to build health. Remember-Strength of purpose goes with strength of body.
Scouting develops a sense of chivalry, feeling of brotherhood, feeling of reverence of Americanization and patriotism, seamanship, service, a love for the out-of-doors, a worth while spirit of preparedness and putting all these together, Scouting trains for Citizenship!
The Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best--
To do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout Law.
To help other people at all times.
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
The Scout Law
1. A SCOUT IS TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout's honor is to be trusted. If he were to violate his honor by telling a lie, or by cheating, or by not doing exactly a given task, then trusted on his honor, he may be directed to hand over his Scout Badge.
2. A SCOUT IS LOYAL
He is loyal to all to whom loyalty is due, his Scout leader, his home and parents and country•
3: A SCOUT IS HELPFUL
He must be prepared at all times to save life, help injured persons, and share the home duties. He must do at least one "Good Turn" to somebody every day.
4.A SCOUT IS FRIENDLY
He is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout.
5.A SCOUT IS COURTEOUS
He is polite to all, especially to women, children, old people and the weak and helpless. He must not take pay for being helpful or courteous.
6. A SCOUT IS KIND
He is a friend to animals. He will not kill nor hurt any living creature needlessly, but will strive to save and protest all harmless Iife.
7. A SCOUT IS OBEDIENT
He obeys his parents, Scoutmaster, Patrol Leader, and all other __ constituted authorities.
8. A SCOUT IS CHEERFUL
He smiles whenever he can. His obedience to orders is prompt and cheery. He never shirks nor grumbles at hardships.
9. A SCOUT IS THRIFTY
He does not wantonly destroy property. He works faithfully, __ nothing and makes the best use of his opportunities. He saves his money so that he may pay his own way, be generous to those in need, and helpful to worthy objects. He may work for pay, but must not receive tips for courtesies or "Good Turns!"
10. A SCOUT IS BRAVE
He has the courage to face danger in spite of fear, and to stand up for the right against the coaxings of friends or the jeers or threats of enemies, and defeat does not down him.
11. A SCOUT IS CLEAN
He keeps clean in body and thought, stands for clean speech, clean sport, clean habits, and travels with a clean crowd.
12. A SCOUT IS REVERENT
He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties, and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.
The following are some excerpts from a talk entitled "Habits" by Major W. S. Overton, a Piedmont "Scout", given over KLX December 26, 1927.
"The Boy Scout movement endeavors to assist the young boy to break any bad cobweb-habits before they have grown into iron chains.
"A scout is truthful--not because he resolves on New Year's Day or any other day to change his character over night in this respect, but because every day in trifling matters he becomes accustomed to tell the truth as a habit. Some of us try to delude ourselves into believing that we can tell what we call "white lies" and be truthful in larger affairs. There is such distinction. One lies and is deceitful, or one is truthful and dependable as a matter of habit. There is no middle ground. The normally truthful person may on rare occasions lie or be deceitful, but it is distasteful, revolting and awkward for him to do so.
The habitually untruthful person passes from lie to lie cleverly and glibly, but those who know him well never put full credence in whatever he may say or do. We always know that such and such a boy or girl, man or woman, is deceitful. How often do we hear that comment about others! How it would grieve us to have untruthfully said of ourselves!
“A scout is trustworthy. He continually repeats this in his scout law, and put it is no more than “lip service” unless in his daily life his constant habit of trustworthy conduct is definitely fixed. He is building or has already built within himself a left-handed or right-handed method of putting in his clothing. The smaller trusts of boyhood grow by leaps and bounds to the greater trusts and responsibilities of the full vigor of manhood.
A scout is helpful, repeats the boy. The International and national scout movements prescribe a daily good turn for all scouts--not a good turn to enable adults or the community to receive free personal service, but to build up day by day in the young lads a habit of freely giving services without monetary reward. The true reward is to the boy himself.
"A scout is brave. A soldier knows that bravery too is the result of a habit-forming process. Training oneself to be courageous in little matters day by day; courage to be truthful under stress and strain; fortitude to stand little pains and aches as they so frequently come to us--these build up within us the courage to face heavy odds, even death, without flinching or whimpering.
"A scout is clean. To be cleanly in person, thought and speech is a matter of daily training and the cradle Itself is not too early to have this training begin. To be profane and vulgar or to be clean of speech are but habits we hold or acquire. How many we know who use improper language and are themselves surprised if told what they are saying. How often do we hear the poor excuse "I really didn’t mean anything wrong, its just a bad habit with me." In scout hood noble men endeavor to build up in the young boys clean thoughts when thinking, clean words when speaking and to help develop boys who at all times act like a gentleman.
"A scout is reverent. Respectful to elders, parents, scout officials. Reverent to flag and country. But deepest of all, reverent to the creator of the universe. Day by day, little by little, scout workers patiently endeavor to build up in our boys the habits of reverence. The salute to flag of our country, the pledge of allegiance thereto; the constant completion of our impressive scout oath "On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight."
"Oft repeated in groups with other boys these thoughts must in time implant a deep meaning upon the minds and souls of your body and the boy, who with your girl and my girl must and will see to it that this government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not parish from the earth."
Chapter III
HISTORY and ORGANIZATION of the BOY PIONEERS OF AMERICA in PIEDMONT
"Out of Scouting, also grew the Boy Pioneers, an organization for boys under the scout age. (note: 9-12 years), which was conceived locally (note by Scout Executive George E. Keneipp and Major W.S. Overton). This work is led by the older scouts, thus providing very many additional opportunities for the development of leadership, a work of which this community can take especial pride, for since Feb. 11, 1919, date of the organization of the first Pioneer company, where are now five companies and the membership has grown from 13 boys who tended the first meeting, to 214 present members." (Note: This selection is quoted from an article in the Highlander entitled Piedmont Ranks Foremost in Scouting Circles--1923)
Scout Executive George E. Keneipp conceived the idea of the Boy Pioneers and together with Major W. S. Overton worked out the ritual which is in use today altho modified somewhat to meet changing conditions and experimentation.
The purpose in creating the Boy Pioneers was to have some organization in this city which would lead the boy into scouting and to give the older scouts a chance to get the extra opportunity for leadership afforded by the movement and so that the scout could put back into the movement that he got out of it.
The Pioneers were conceived locally and have no official branches in any other city. But, the Boy Pioneers of Plymouth Church of Oakland are sponsored by that church and do not come under Piedmont's jurisdiction.
The Boy Pioneers hold a ten day training camp at Camp Scouting during the latter part of the summer vacation. The camp is run by the same method as the scout camp.
The athletics in the Pioneers consist of baseball and tennis. ___ interest is shown by the boys in these sports.
Leaders are supplied the companies each year as a result of a Pioneer leaders’ Training School. Any of the older stouts are eligible to attend and those boys who qualify lead the respective companies for the next year.
What I Get Out Of Being a Pioneer Leader
by Dave Edwards
It is a natural ambition of any boy to aspire to some type of leadership in his future career. He looks to some leader in the line he is interested in, as an idol--the hero whose place he desires to reach in the far-off days of manhood.
But, whatever the exact ambition may be, it is almost always in the nature by a leading
capacity--to lead other men--to be the head of an organization.
Also(?) it is obvious that training for leadership is among the most valuable assets a would-be leader could ask. This, in my belief, is the big thing about Pioneer Leading. The experience in leading offered us through the Boy Pioneers is an opportunity every scout should grasp.
This, however, is looking at the work of the pioneer leader with a sellfish point of view. The work done by a Pioneer Leader is almost the only thing by which the scout can really "put back into scouting what he has gotten out of it." You may venture the opinion that this may be done in a scout troop, but, after all, in the troop you are being led from above, and your work is not strictly your own contribution.
The Boy Pioneers
by Tom Holbrook
The boy pioneers to me is a great thing. It teaches the boy citizenship at the same time training him for his future life. The test part of Pioniring is principally to occupy the boy's pastime and to further his knowledge.
It forwards the boy in life and makes him either a good or a bad boy and thus he grows up in life. Pioneering in this introduction tells in a few words, I think, everything that is done in the Pioneer work.
My Impression of the Piedmont Boy Pioneers
by Don Parker
The whole situation in a nut-shell is that the "Boy Pioneers of Piedmont" is a wonderful organization. None save the Boy Scouts of America can pass it as a factory for citizenship.
I think that I have never had as much pleasure and such good experiences as I have obtained from leadership In the Pioneers. They say that you pay back what you received in the scouts, but I can truthfully say that I have received a great deal of knowledge from the Pioneers, and tho have given a lot to the Pioneers, I have received 100% more than I have given. So much for myself.
The Pioneers have created in Piedmont a greater relationship between the families. Why I have known of two families who would not speak to each other and since their sons have joined the Pioneers they have become fast friend. This is because the two boys got together. Then their fathers came interested in their boys' work and gradually drew together until the friendship was formed.
Another good impression that I have received is that the Pioneer organization has taught the boys to take more interest in their home life and in a large number of cases it has made the Pioneer's father a boy himself.
Again, the Pioneers have done much toward the development of the scout movement by training the boys to become better scouts. It has taken the boy in earlier life and molded him to do good turns, work hard and consistently, and become a better citizen. The pioneer is impressed early in his life of the loyalty to his God and country, the improvement of his home, and above all the rest, he has learned to become a gentleman.
(Note: - These articles have been published in the Scout Wig Wag from time to time by these Pioneer Leaders)
Chapter IV
Benefits to the Boy
The Piedmont Boy Pioneers form a most unusual method of entrance into the Boy Scout movement. The Pioneer gets a chance to be with the older boys who he would not be able to come in contact with otherwise. The boy of Pioneer age is naturally a hero worshipper and he naturally aspires to scouting when he has this older advanced scout directing him in his activities. The Pioneer movement helps to shape the boys character at an early age and upon entering scouting he is ready to receive the full benefits of its training. The Pioneer Oath and Law, the daily good turn, and the idea of service are the ideals which are taught to the boy where can you get a better training in Citizenship for the younger boy and in the Piedmont Boy Pioneers?
The Pioneer Oath
I promise to do my best.
1. To be loyal to God, to my country, and to the law of the Boy Pioneers
2.To do a good turn for somebody every day.
The Pioneer Law
I will recognize my superior officers; I will not lose my temper; I will make my home more happy because I live in it; I will use clean words when speaking, clean thoughts when thinking, and at all times act like a gentleman.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A. Scouting
1.Mr. Max Greenberg, Scout Commissioner--Piedmont
2.Scout Wig Wags
3.Pink Sheets
4.Old Records -- Highlander articles
5.Handbook for Boys
B. Pioneering
1.Mr. Max Greenberg, Scout Commissioner—Piedmont
2.Boy Pioneer Handbook
3.Old Records -- Highlander articles
4.Scout Wig Wags
____________________________
Additional information I could find online
1930's - These came from a Piedmont, California estate:
Architect and engineer
October 1933
p59
ARCHITECT INJURED IN COLLISION Noble Newsom. architect, and associated with Archie C. Newsom, with offices in the Russ Building. San Francisco, was injured in an automobile accident on the state highway near Fairfield, September 20, The architect was returning from a trip to the Feather river district where he had gone to inspect a site for a swimming pool for the Piedmont Boy Scouts. With Newsom was Edward Davy and Ernest Sweetland. the latter owner of the beautiful Piedmont home designed by Frederick H, Reimers and illustrated in The Architect and Engineer about two years ago. Sweetland received a fractured leg and Newsom a fractured skull and dislocated knee cap.
