Wahunsenakah Service flap gets new issue number

Unless you were watching very closely, you may have missed the latest new flap issue from Wahunsenakah Lodge 333. Released at the Fall Fellowship, the new fully embroidered S51 issue is virtually a twin of the S2 service flap which has been around since the Lodge was established in January of 1996.

The classic design is the same, but the size is noticeably bigger. While there were many loom runs of the S2 over the past 17 years, resulting in many minor variations, they were all essentially the same size. When the latest reorder of the Wahunsenakah service flap was received Lodge collectors quickly noticed that the new patches were both wider and taller than any previous order.

Dr. Barry Green, Insignia Design Advisor for Wahunsenakah, spoke with Kelly Williams of the Krelman Company, manufacturer of the Lodge 333 flaps, and learned that the patches were enlarged to comply with new National regulations that specify a 5" width. The original S2 flaps were 4 5/8" wide. To accommodate the larger size the design components of the patch were enlarged, including the lodge name and number lettering, FDL, and reeds in the water. The increased size of the ducks makes the white tips of the blue feathers much more prominent. There are also evident color differences in the red and green areas, as well as a more blue appearance of the border rather than the teal of the S2.

 Dr. Green pointed out that the intent was not to make a new "issue," but to comply with the directive from National to meet the new guidelines. After collaborating with Trading Post Advisor Larry Johnson and noted collector Rob Kutz, Dr. Green confirmed that the changes to the service flap were so significant as to merit classification as a new issue, so it is now considered S51. It will be interesting to see how many new issues from other Lodges will be created by the new flap size guidelines. Below are some additional pictures that illustrate the comparative size differences between the smaller S2 service flap and the new larger S51 issue.

New 333 metal flaps with FDLs issued

In May of 2013 Wahunsenakah Lodge issued two metal flaps, each manufactured by The Witch Trail Committee of Mansfield MA, who also produced the first lodge belt buckle. Like the buckle, the metal flaps featured the design of the S2 service flap. Upon receipt of the finished flaps the lodge noticed that the manufacturer inadvertently left out the fleur-de-lis. Rather than return the flaps they were sold and a corrected version ordered. The new versions complete with FDL in each design were recently released. Like the first versions, there is a pewter version (the 333 M4) and a gold wash finish version (333 M5). Both can be purchased by any member of the Lodge, but the gold version is restricted to wear by youth members of the Lodge Executive Committee.

Wahunsenakah 15th Anniversary flap

On January 1, 1996 Wahunsenakah Lodge 333 was formed from the merger of Kecoughtan Lodge 463 and Chanco Lodge 483. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the formation of Wahunsenakah, the Lodge will issue a special commemorative flap patterned after its first flap that features a newly hatched baby duckling.

Orders for the patch were taken earlier this year and they will be available for pickup at the Lodge's Winter Banquet on December 10. A limited number may be for sale for those who did not preorder.

Thanks to George Homewood for the picture of the 15th Anniv. flap.

Wahunsenakah Lodge 15th Anniversary patches available

Wahunsenakah Lodge 333 was formed on January 1, 1996 when Kecoughtan Lodge 463 and Chanco Lodge 483 merged, 4 years after their parent councils combined to form Colonial Virginia Council.

As part of their 15th anniversary celebration Wahunsenakah is issuing three special limited edition patches. Income from their sales will be used to support Bayport Scout Reservation. Since the purpose of their issue is primarily as a fund raiser the patches are available to anyone; you do not have to be a member of the Lodge to purchase them, and the lodge is offering shipping to those who won't be able to pick them up.

The commemorative items include an anniversary flap featuring a hatchling duck whose design mimics the design of the first Wahunsenakah flap, a 6" tall chenille, and a CSP shaped patch. Deadline for pre-orders is September 30. Download the order form and place your order now to make sure you add these unique items to your collection while helping Wahunsenakah support Bayport and celebrate their 15th anniversary.

Please help with research about Kecoughtan flap design change

Since 1996 I've wanted to research and write an article about a controversial event in the history of Kecoughtan Lodge, namely the retirement of the Lodge's original flap patch design with confederate flags by the Peninsula Council Scout Executive in 1988. In the past I've avoided the topic because it stirs up strong feelings and I was concerned about reigniting long dormant embers of divisiveness.

But the change in flap design is one of the most frequently asked questions I encounter. Even when I was a young Arrowman in the lodge in the early 70's there were rumors that "national wants us to get rid of the confederate flags" although it was never considered or discussed at any Executive Committee meeting I attended.

As our nation commemorates the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War it seems now is an appropriate time to consider this stormy part of the Lodge's history and document it appropriately.

Even if this happened long after or before you belonged to Kecoughtan Lodge I hope you will help.

Here's what I am seeking:

1 - History of the original flap design. From Alex Wiatt's 40th anniversary booklet I know it was designed by Eddie Canada of Troop 40 in 1952. Any additional details would be appreciated!

2 - Any reports of the design being considered controversial or efforts to change it over the years prior to 1988.

3 - Information about the decision of the Scout Executive in 1988 to "retire" the design and reaction of the Lodge Executive Committee and the membership at large. Was the new design embraced ? Did the membership continue to wear the prior design? Who designed the replacement flap and was there any Lodge input?

4 - Did a schism develop in the lodge or between the council and the lodge as a result of the change?

5 - How could it have been handled better? There are lessons to be learned by Arrowmen today from this event.

6 - Can you help me get in contact with the members of the 1988 Executive Committee of the lodge and their advisors for their input? They are listed in the April, 1988 Kryer.

Your memories are vital to accurate history being recorded. If you are not comfortable being quoted by name I am happy to cite the information anonymously and will keep your name in confidence. Just let me know.

Many thanks in advance for your help with this effort.

Glenn Chase
http://kecoughtan.com
http://va-oa.org

Cloth version of Wahunsenakah metal flap issued

On December 4 Wahunsenakah Lodge 333 held their 15th annual Christmas Banquet. The event was held at Chestnut United Methodist Church in Newport News and featured State Senator John Miller as guest speaker along with a performance by the Lodge dance team, a video review of the year, recognition of all past Chiefs and Advisors, special award presentations, and introduction of the 2010 Vigil Honor candidates (see program for details).

A new lodge flap patch with an interesting history was available for sale at the Banquet. Earlier this year the Lodge issued a metal flap designed by Lodge Insignia Design Committee Adviser Dr. Barry Green to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the BSA.

When the original order arrived from the manufacturer the design was correct but the media was not. The flaps were cloth patches, not metal. The emblems were reordered, and the Lodge decided to sell the 300 cloth versions at the Christmas Banquet. According to Wahunsenakah Lodge member Dewitt Holland each Arrowman was allowed to purchase one prior to dinner, and at the end of the evening program the remainder were sold, with none remaining afterwards.

I would like to applaud the Lodge for making these items available to the Lodge members attending the banquet and making sure each attendee had an opportunity to purchase one. In far too many cases where error items are returned to the manufacturer they somehow find their way onto the market and become high priced rarities providing big profits to a select few while the Lodge realizes zero financial gain.

Not to mention that it's a beautiful design that renders exceptionally well in thread!

First Wahunsenakah Flaps of 2010

The BSA celebrates its 100th Anniversary on February 9th and the first flaps from Wahunsenakah Lodge in 2010 are themed to recognize this special event. Three campfires with the numerals "100" across a black background are central to the minimalist designs of these recruiting issues, available only to Scouts and Scouters who recruit a new boy or girl to Cubs, Boy Scouts, or Venturing. Only adults can earn the adult version of the flap with a silver mylar border, and only youth can earn the youth version with a gold mylar border.

The Lodge name is ghosted under the campfires, although no Lodge number is evident in the design. A ghosted black FDL is in the upper right corner and The words Achtchinkhalan Ehalluchsit are ghosted in black across the top and bottom of the flap, which reportedly translates to Supreme Chief of the Fire Recruiter.
 

Credit for the patch pictures goes to Larry Johnson.