Jun 12, 2006

Kecoughtan Kryer online archive expands exponentially

Thanks to the generous efforts of Tim Ewing, who sent me over 500 MB worth of scanned images over the past few weeks, there are now over 75 issues in the online archive of Kecoughtan Kryer newsletters. You can now view issues of the Kryer in PDF format dating back to 1967 all the way through the final year of the lodge existence, 1995.

It is really an illuminating experience to spend time perusing the regular columns like "Chapter Chatter," "From the Chief's Tepee" and "Editor's Smokesignals." Reports from attendees to NOAC, Section Conclaves, and Lodge Ordeals and Banquets provide a unique glimpse into the world of an Arrowman over 30 years ago.

Some interesting items I came across include a picture of the first National Standard Lodge Charter, (pictured) and I look forward to spending more time reading the online issues once I have finished converting all of the Kryer's I have scanned copies of so far. I'll post interesting items I come across in this blog.

To date the archive comprises 98 issues, representing 978 pages of Lodge 463 history. Tim informed me that the Council's Kecoughtan Kryer archives were lost in two separate fires, so your help is desperately needed to make this collection more complete. Lodge history indicates that the newsletter was named in 1962 in a contest, with the winning name submitted by Allan Harvester of Troop 31, so I presume that the newsletter of Kecoughtan Lodge dates back at least that far. However, the earliest issue in the archive to date is from 1967. I am also in need of many issues from the 80's and 90's, so I hope you will take a moment to rummage through your Scouting memorabilia to see if you might have any copies of the Kryer tucked among your treasures.

Jun 10, 2006

Chanco Lodge 483 History booklet posted

Junior Harrell, a former member of Chanco Lodge in the 70's who now owns and operates the Broad Creek Fishing Center on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, kindly provided me with original copies of the Chanco Lodge Bylaws from 1971 and the Chanco Lodge 483 History booklet which was published in 1972 on the occasion of the Lodge's 20th anniversary.

Both are now available in PDF format following the links above. The Lodge History booklet includes information about Chanco Lodge officers, Vigil Honor Recipients, and Lay Advisors from the inception of the Lodge through 1972. I am actively seeking this data for the years 1973-1996 when the Lodge merged so that I can compile lists similar to those which are linked from the Kecoughtan Lodge History page. Please let me know if you can help!