Boy Scouts of America Connecticut Yankee Council Troop 70, Newtown CT 75 Years of Scouting
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Boy Scouts of America Connecticut Yankee Council Troop 70, Newtown CT 75 Years of Scouting
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous,
kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent
Scout Oath or Promise
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.
Scout Motto
Be Prepared
Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn DailyAnnual Dinner and Awards Program
March 8, 2003
Opening
• Presentation of Colors & Pledge of Allegiance
Buglers - Ethan B and Ethan R
• Invocation by the Chaplain’s Aides
Derek C and Alex S
• Welcoming Remarks
Ed Breitling, Scoutmaster
Edmond Bg, Senior Patrol Leader
Dinner
• Friends of Scouting Presentation
Dave Perkins, District Chairman, Scatacook District
• Troop 70 Website Demonstration
Adam K, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Patrol Skits and Songs
Year in Review
Woodbadge Presentation to Dave Barbour
Jay Huggins, BSA
Boy Scout Advancement Recognition
Tom Tella, Rank Advancement Chairman
Patrol “Jeopardy”
Senior Patrol Leader Awards
Edmund B, Senior Patrol Leader
Scout of the Year Award
Scoutmaster’s Minute
Ed Breitling, Scoutmaster
Closing Ceremony
• Scout Oath and Scout LawScoutmasters Minute: Dear Scouts, Scouters, Family and Friends of Troop 70, On the occasion of our celebration of the 75th anniversary of the chartering of, what would become Troop 70; I would like to say that I am deeply honored and consider it a sacred trust to guide your sons through their Scouting career on the Trail to Eagle. I and the adult leaders of the troop are well aware of the trust you have placed in us as we guide your sons in the development of their character while in our charge and we pledge to do nothing to violate that trust. I would like to thank my predecessors who have built such a fine foundation on which to model such a shining example of all that is right with Boy Scouts of America! I would like to give a special word of thanks to Gene Cox, President of Cullens Youth Association our chartering organization, for the tireless devotion to the troop that he has shown over the years. I would like to thank the adult leaders who so freely give of their time to help out. And finally I would like to thank the boys who make all of this worthwhile and more importantly, fun. Yours in Scouting Edmund P. Breitling Scoutmaster Troop 70
What Is Boy Scouting?
Purpose of the BSA
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship, and
personal fitness training for youth.
Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance
as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills
to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in
their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to
participate in and give leadership to American society.
Aims and Methods of the Scouting Program
The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting." They are character development, citizenship
training, and personal fitness.
The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each.
Ideals
The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan. The Boy Scout measures
himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and
who he becomes.
Patrols
The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and
teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where members can easily relate to each other. These
small groups determine troop activities through elected representatives.
Outdoor Programs
Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another.
In the outdoors the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an
appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. The outdoors is the laboratory in which Boy Scouts learn ecology and practice conservation
of nature's resources.
Advancement
Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans
his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him
gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.
Associations With Adults
Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of the troop. In
many cases a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to boys, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference
in their lives.
Personal Growth
As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of
the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others.
Probably no device is as successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a
large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth
toward Scouting's aims.
Leadership Development
The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both
shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him
toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
Uniform
The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an
action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The
uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy
Scout activities and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.Volunteer Scouters
Scoutmaster - Ed Breitling
Assistant Scoutmasters - Dave Barbour, George Boncek, Ed Tella, Daniel Cruson
Committee Chairman - Eugene Cox Secretary – Linda Boncek, Treasurer - Carolyn
Cruson, Advancement Chairman – Tom Tella
Committee Members - Jeff Brede, William Calderara, Jerry Cole, Phil Cruz, Ron Dufner, Glenn Firmender,
Michael Kirner, Granville Reed, Arnold Snow, Peter Van Buskirk, Christine Yacko
Troop Members
A, Joshua
A, Thaddeus
M, Joel
Scouts
A, Tyler
B, Josh
B, Kevin
B, Robert
C, Ricky
C, Anthony
C, Benjamin
D, Mike
D, Kevin
L, Timothy
S, Adam
S, Spencer
Tenderfoots
H, Kevin
K, Andrew
T, John
V, Dana
Y, Steven
Second Class
B, Matt
C, MattD, Robert
F, Josh
L, Aaron
P, Will
S, Christopher
First Class
B, Timothy
C, Derek
C, Thomas
Star
A, Dan
A, Paul
B, Michael
B, Jackson
B, Wesley
B, Ethan
C, Doug
F, Drew
H, Andrew
L, Dan
R, Mike
R, Ethan
R, Jordan
S, Eddie
S, Alex
Life
B, Matt
B, Edmund
K, AdamEagle Scouts Adler, Fred Eagle 05/08/98 Beard, William Eagle 05/22/96 Behan, Scott J. Eagle Calderone, Randy Eagle 04/23/01 Ciuffo, Christopher Eagle 01/26/96 Clark, Kevin S. Eagle Clark, Shelby L. Eagle Cox, Aaron Eagle 06/01/91 Cox, Bruce Eagle 04/01/96 Cruson, Dan Eagle 01/16/01 Cruz, Andrew Eagle 01/20/03 Danbeck, Chris Eagle Gooseman, Jonathan Eagle Heller, Jeff Eagle 01/15/01 Johnstone, Erik Eagle 09/12/96 Kosowski, Alex Eagle 07/09/97 Kotecki, Andrew Eagle 06/19/99 McBride, Paul M. Eagle 08/17/92 earned Eagle while Scout at another Troop Murdy, Robert Eagle 03/06/98 Paulsen, Christian Eagle Speirs, Bill Eagle 02/20/99 Taylor, Mike Eagle 09/30/02 Tella, Ed Eagle 09/24/01 Wolf, Eddie Eagle 03/04/02 There are undoubtedly many, many more Troop 70 Eagles than this. This list is comprehensive for only the last six or seven years. Significance The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 4 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 1 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness—remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.
The Beginning of Scouting Scouting, as known to millions of youth and adults, evolved during the early 1900s through the efforts of several men dedicated to bettering youth. These pioneers of the program conceived outdoor activities that developed skills in young boys and gave them a sense of enjoyment, fellowship, and a code of conduct for everyday living. In this country and abroad at the turn of the century, it was thought that children needed certain kinds of education that the schools couldn't or didn't provide. This led to the formation of a variety of youth groups, many with the word "Scout" in their names. For example, Ernest Thompson Seton, an American naturalist, artist, writer, and lecturer, originated a group called the Woodcraft Indians and in 1902 wrote a guidebook for boys in his organization called the Birch Bark Roll. Meanwhile in Britain, Robert Baden-Powell, after returning to his country a hero following military service in Africa, found boys reading the manual he had written for his regiment on stalking and survival in the wild. Gathering ideas from Seton, America’s Daniel Carter Beard, and other Scout craft experts, Baden-Powell rewrote his manual as a nonmilitary skill book, which he titled Scouting for Boys. The book rapidly gained a wide readership in England and soon became popular in the United States. In 1907, when Baden-Powell held the first campout for Scouts on Brownsea Island off the coast of England, troops were spontaneously springing up in America. William D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher, incorporated the Boy Scouts of America in 1910 after meeting with Baden-Powell. (Boyce was inspired to meet with the British founder by an unknown Scout who led him out of a dense London fog and refused to take a tip for doing a Good Turn.) Immediately after its incorporation, the BSA was assisted by officers of the YMCA in organizing a task force to help community organizations start and maintain a high-quality Scouting program. Those efforts climaxed in the organization of the nation's first Scout camp at Lake George, New York, directed by Ernest Thompson Seton. Beard, who had established another youth group, the Sons of Daniel Boone (which he later merged with the BSA), provided assistance. Also on hand for this historic event was James E. West, a lawyer and an advocate of children's rights, who later would become the first professional Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. Seton became the first volunteer national Chief Scout, and Beard, the first national Scout Commissioner. Founders of Scouting and the BSA Robert S. S. Baden-Powell As a youth, Robert Baden-Powell greatly enjoyed the outdoors, learning about nature and how to live in the wilderness. After returning as a military hero from service in Africa, Baden-Powell discovered that English boys were reading the manual on stalking and survival in the wilderness he had written for his military regiment. Gathering ideas from Ernest Thompson Seton, Daniel Carter Beard, and others, he rewrote the manual as a nonmilitary nature skill book and called it Scouting for Boys. To test his ideas, Baden-Powell brought together 22 boys to camp at Brownsea Island, off the coast of England. This historic campout was a success and resulted in the advent of Scouting. Thus, the imagination and inspiration of Baden- Powell, later proclaimed Chief Scout of the World, brought Scouting to youth the world over. Ernest Thompson Seton Born in Scotland, Ernest Thompson Seton immigrated to America as a youth in the 1880s. His fascination with the wilderness led him to become a naturalist, an artist, and an author, and through his works he influenced both youth and adults. Seton established a youth organization called the Woodcraft Indians, and his background of outdoor skills and interest in youth made him a logical choice for the position of first Chief Scout of the BSA in 1910. His many volumes of Scoutcraft became an integral part of Scouting, and his intelligence and enthusiasm helped turn an idea into reality. Daniel Carter Beard Woodsman, illustrator, and naturalist, Daniel Carter Beard was a pioneering spirit of the Boy Scouts of America. Already 60 years old when the Boy Scouts of America was formed, he became a founder and merged it with his own boys' organization, the Sons of Daniel Boone. As the first national Scout commissioner, Beard helped design the original Scout uniform and introduced the elements of the First Class Scout badge. "Uncle Dan," as he was known to boys and leaders, will be remembered as a colorful figure dressed in buckskin who helped form Scouting in the United States. William D. Boyce In 1909, Chicago publisher William D. Boyce lost his way in a dense London fog. A boy came to his aid and, after guiding the man, refused a tip, explaining that as a Scout he would not take a tip for doing a Good Turn. This gesture by an unknown Scout inspired a meeting with Robert Baden- Powell, the British founder of the Boy Scouts. As a result, William Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910. He also created the Lone Scouts, which merged with the Boy Scouts of America in 1924. James E. West James E. West was appointed the first Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America in 1911. Although orphaned and physically handicapped, he had the perseverance to graduate from law school and become a successful attorney. This same determination provided the impetus to help build Scouting into the largest and most effective youth organization in the world. When he retired in 1943, Dr. West was recognized throughout the country as the true architect of the Boy Scouts of America.
History of Troop 70
The Boy Scouts of Troop 70: A Newtown Youth Tradition
By Daniel Cruson
When my son informed me that 1998 was the 70th anniversary of his Boy Scout Troop, my historian instincts were aroused. If he was correct, Troop
70 must have been started in 1928. According to the family encyclopedia, however, the Boy Scout movement in the United States began in 1910. It
seemed inconceivable that Newtown would have been so far behind the nation in tending to its youth. My suspicions led me to the records of Troop
70, kindly supplied to me by Scoutmaster Gene Cox, and these confirmed that the troop had indeed been in continual existence for 70 years. A trip
through back issues of The Newtown Bee, however, showed that Newtown had Boy Scout groups in town almost as early as the founding of the
organization, and there were other, similar youth organizations that even predated the Boy Scouts. Newtown was a very progressive town after all.
The drive in the United States to create organizations for youth goes back before the turn of this century .As the 19th century came to a close and the
industrial revolution grew to maturity, the nation's leaders became increasingly concerned with the state of the nation's youth, especially those who
were being raised in urban settings where they were no longer in contact with the traditions of the frontier. Knowledge of nature and experience in
the forest were denied to these youth as were the values that came with such knowledge and experience. In response to this, a number of youth
organizations developed that set out to remedy these deficiencies in youth training. By the 1910s most of these organizations coalesced into the Boy
Scouts. Several of the most successful early youth organizations were associated with western Connecticut. Ernest Thompson Seton and his
Woodcraft Indians, for example, had their primary summer camp on Seton's estate in Greenwich. Daniel Carter Beard, who lived in Redding during
the early years of this century, founded the Sons of Daniel Boone (later called the Boy Pioneers). The purpose of this group was typical of many of
the early groups and were laid out by Beard as follows: "The elevation of sport, the support of all that tends to healthy, wholesome manliness; the
study of woodcraft, outdoor recreation, and fun and serious work for the making and support of laws prohibiting the sale of game, and the
preservation of our native wild plants, birds and beasts." Beard also hoped to, "awaken in the boy of today, admiration for the old-fashion virtues of
American Knights in Buckskin and a desire to emulate them." The Boy Scouts were founded in 1907 in Great Britain by Robert Baden-Powell.
Ironically, it was Ernest Seton's writings that greatly influenced Baden-Powell and several elements of Seton's Woodcraft Indians were incorporated
into the British Boy Scouts with only minor modifications. It was not until 1910, however, that the Boy Scouts crossed to the United States. This was
the work of Chicago millionaire, publisher William D. Boyce. The story of how Boyce became involved with the Boy Scouts is one of the much
beloved stories of Scouting. According to the most popular version of the "Unknown Scout," Boyce was in London on business in August of 1909
before launching off on a photograph and shooting expedition to East Africa. One afternoon shortly before leaving, the city was enshrouded in a pea-
soup fog for which it is so well known, and Boyce quickly lost his bearings. While lost in the fog, he was approached by a boy of about 12 years old,
who carried a lantern and offered to guide him to the address he was seeking. When they reached Boyce's destination, he offered the boy a shilling
tip, but the boy politely refused saying, "No, sir, I am a Scout. Scouts do not accept tips for courtesies or good turns." The boy's behavior intrigued
Boyce who, after completing his business, had the boy direct him to the local Scouting headquarters. There he spoke to an official of the organization
and ~acquired a number of Scouting publications which he studied on the four month expedition to Africa. As a result, Boyce was determined to
bring Scouting to the United States, and on February 8, 1910 he filed incorporation papers for the Boy Scouts of America in the District of Columbia.
The purpose, he said, "shall be to promote through organization, and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves
and others, to train them in Scout craft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues, using the common methods which
are in use by Boy Scouts." The Scouting movement came to Newtown within a year of its national incorporation. Even before its arrival, however,
there was at least one attempt to develop a boys' organization. This effort, like all of the subsequent attempts to organize a Boy Scout troop, including
the final successful one in 1928, centered on the ministers of the Congregational Church. In July of 1908, only seven months after being called to fill
the pulpit, Rev. Alexander Steele put out a call that he was forming an "undenominational" club for boys and men called the Knights of King Arthur.
This was a national group and Rev. Steele was trying to form a local chapter. Unfortunately, not much is known about the national group beyond the
fact that it was absorbed into the Boy Scouts sometime in late 1910 or early 1911. There is also little information on the success of the local group.
They held another meeting for new members in September and from the tone of the announcement they were looking forward to completing the
organization of the group at that meeting, suggesting that they were beginning their first season. The only other note about this group occurred in
August of 1909, when it was announced that there were 13 boys in Camp Housatonic for ten days. It was noted that this was an increase of seven
boys over the previous year. Although it is not explicitly stated, this group/must have been the Knights of King Arthur since those who were listed as
visitors to the camp were several who are known to have been active in the formation of the group and also in the later Boy Scout movement. A little
over a year after the national incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America, on March 10, 1911, Rev. Steele called a formation meeting for a troop of
Boy Scouts of Newtown. This meeting was a success and Troop 1 was born. The Knights seem to have either disappeared or been the nucleus around
which the Boy Scouts formed. By September, the troop was thriving and held a conference which was attended by at least three Scouts from Danbury
and a group from Bethel. The Bethel group was transported to the Newtown conference by a relatively new means of conveyance, an automobile.
This new technology was somewhat less than reliable, however, and it broke an axle in Dodgingtown. A new auto was sent over from Bethel but the
lights on this vehicle went out a short time later so the Scouts were left in darkness and walked the rest of the way to the conference. They were put
up at the home of Rev. Steele that night. The conference itself consisted of three speakers, one of whom, M. R. Woodhull, addressed the boys on the
12 points of the Scout Law. He later entertained the assembled Scouts by exhibiting a large blacksnake he caught a short time before on the banks of
the Housatonic River and discoursing on the varieties of non-harmful local snakes. This was all followed by "a large spread" put out by the Newtown
Scouts. The reporter noted that the church hall where this was being held was filled by a large number of Scouts from the Street (Main Street) and
vicinity indicating that the early days of Troop 1 were very successful. Apparently, the early Scout troop was not looked on favorably by many of the
town's people. In September of 1912, Scout Commissioner Burt J. Thrall was moved to publish a defense of the organization in The Newtown Bee.
One of the misapprehensions was that the group was a religious organization and its motto "Be Prepared" a warning of some impending apocalypse.
After countering that misunderstanding, he put forth a good description of the way that the early Scout leaders conceived of the aims and goals of theorganization: The word "scout" is used to mean "the one on the watch for the rest." We have widened the word a little; we have made it fit the town, as well as the wilderness and suited it to peace times instead of war. We have made the Scout an expert in life craft as well as wood craft, for he is trained in the things of the heart, as well as head. and hand. Scouting we have made to cover riding, swimming, tramping, trailing, photography, first aid, camping, handicraft, loyalty, obedience, courtesy, thrift, courage, and kindness. Thrall ends by explaining that Boy Scouting is a free organization except for the expense of a uniform which was optional. There was, he noted, a fee of 25¢ dues for the Newtown troop, but that was the decision of the local group which would give them the rent they needed for a meeting room. In February of 1912, Rev. Steele, the guiding light of the early boys' organization, resigned his post. Troop 1 survived because Burt Thrall agreed to become the Scoutmaster and it remained an active troop for another year and a half. In that time, the boys again camped on the Housatonic below the Zoar Bridge in Monroe. In September 1913, the national Boy Scouts make a major change to tighten the organization. An annual due of 25¢ was now charged and each Scout was expected to fill out a registration form with his name, address, and rank, which would be sent with the money to the national headquarters. In return, each Scout received a certificate showing that the Scout was in good standing for one year after the certificate was issued, there is probably no causal connection, but subsequent to this announcement, there is no notice of Troop 1 for the next five years. Troop 1 appears to have lapsed, for in July 1918 a call goes forth from the pages of The Bee to attend a meeting at the home of Arthur Smith, the business manager of The Bee, "...for the purpose of discussing the advisability of forming a troop of Boy Scouts in Newtown." The guiding light of this organizational meeting was Rev. Edward Grisbrook who had become the new minister of the Congregational Church in mid-May. That organizational session led to the first meeting of the reconstituted Troop 1 and Rev. Grisbrook was overwhelmingly elected Scoutmaster. P. H. McCarthy became the Assistant Scoutmaster and a single patrol was formed with Seaman Mead Jr. as patrol leader, Cornelius Houlihan, assistant patrol leader and Elsworth Chase, scribe. Very soon a second patrol of younger boys was formed, and Troop 1 was again active. By August of the next year, the troop was strong enough to hold a regional field day. This was held on the grounds of the newly organized Newtown Country Club. The Bee's account of the day's activities offers a good glimpse into one of the Boy Scouts early functions: The Scout Field Day on Friday at the Country Club grounds was a notable success. At 11 a.m. was a parade, with Seaman Mead as marshal. The Danbury troop participated in the parade and the events of the day. There were Scouts on bicycles, then the Scouts drawing a float, representing wireless or "Uncle Sam's Minutemen." The parade started from the head of the Street and broke up at the Country Club grounds. In the Scout first aid race, using the fireman's lift to bring the patient in, the Newtown troop won out. In the first aid stretcher case, using two Scouts, the Danbury troop won. The 100 yard dash was won by John Ray in the first prize and Jacob Schoch, the second. The one half mile race was won by James D. Corbett. A picnic luncheon was enjoyed by the Scouts at the Club grounds. The base ball match was won by the Newtown nine, with a score of 22 to 10. W. T. Cole generously donated two base balls to the winning team. William Cole, who donated the baseballs, was the superintendent of Fabric Fire Hose. John Ray, who won the 100 yard dash, was a member of one of the few black families in Newtown, so it appears that Newtown's Troop 1 was integrated, something that most other Boy Scout troops would not be for several decades. In May of 1923, Rev. Grisbrook resigned to answer a call to a parish on the other side of the state, and the troop again lapsed into silence. Its next and last resurrection occurred in 1928 and the man responsible for this was Rev. Paul Cullens who had taken over the pulpit of the Congregational Church at the beginning of that year. Rev. Cullens would remain the minister of that church for 36 years and during that time he was the undisputed leader of youth activities in Newtown, including the Boy Scouts. The reorganization meeting was held on January 10, 1928 and Troop 1 was formally back in existence as of that meeting. Within a year, however, the troops of northern Fairfield County, which had been part of the Waterbury Council, were moved to the jurisdiction of the Bridgeport Council. Unfortunately, the Bridgeport Council already had a Troop 1 which had been formed earlier than the Newtown troop. As a result, the Newtown troop became Troop 70, a designation it has held up to the present. The newly reconstituted troop quickly became very active. By June 20, 1928, 15 boys had passed their medical exam and traveled to the camp of the Waterbury Council for a week of camping activities and classes in outdoor living. By the beginning of February of the next year, troop strength had risen to 33, 15 Scouts had achieved their second class rank and several more had advanced to first class. In addition, at that same meeting several medals were given out as follows: ...medals were given by Troop Committeeman Stanton to Dean Perry as the best fire builder. Perry with six others was given a stick of wood, two matches and an axe, a knife, and a pail of water; he had the water boiling in 13 minutes. Wesley Stanton and William Cutler finished second and third. Robert Gannon received a medal for tying seven different [knots] in a total of 24 seconds which is a troop record. William Cutler has a medal as the best signaler, using the semaphore alphabet, and Walter Holcomb possesses a fourth medal for proficiency in lighting a fire by rubbing sticks as the Indians did before there were matches. On November 5, 1929, Scouting in Newtown set another milestone in place with the formation of its first Girl Scout troop. As might be expected, Mrs. Cullens was the founder and leader of that troop. Both of the Cullens had been active in Scouting since their youth. Rev. Cullens had achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and had been associated with Scouting as a leader for over 20 years before he re- formed the Newtown troop. It's not surprising, therefore, to find that the Newtown Scouts enjoyed a range of special activities far beyond those of other neighboring towns. One of these special activities was conducted under the authority of the Pine Tree Patrol. On July 10, 1933, a group of six older Scouts of first and second class rank embarked on a trip to Chicago to visit the Century of Progress Exposition. The expedition was led by Paul Cullens with Jerome Jackson acting as assistant. They took both men's automobiles and behind Rev. Cullens a trek cart was hauled with the boys' camp gear. Throughout the trip, telegrams were sent back to Harold Smith of the local troop committee who in turn passed them on to The Bee for publication. The Exposition itself was the centerpiece of the journey and three days were spent exploring every corner and exhibit that the fair had to offer. The trip out and back, however, was done at a leisurely pace and frequent stops were made to see historic and educational sights. On the trip out, for example, they stopped to inspect a coal mine, descending over 1,000 feet into one of the mine shafts. They also visited the dirigible hanger of the Akron and had a chance to climb through her sister airship. The Akron itself had crashed three months before. The Pine Tree Patrol, a special patrol within Boy Scout troops dedicated to sophisticated expeditions such as the trip to Chicago, was still a relative rarity when Cullens organized the patrol for Troop 70. Within two years, however, it would establish itself with yearly summer trips to the north woods of Canada. The first of these trips began in August of 1935 and occurred almost by accident. The original intent of this trip had been to travel to Maine and canoe the Machais River in the wild northeastern part of the state. When the group got to Portland, however, they found the area around the river had been closed to camping by the governor due to forest fires which had been raging out of control. The patrol, therefore, changed directions and destinations. Traveling two days to the west, they arrived in Montreal. Then traveling north to Mattwa on the Ottawa River, they took some time off to see the capital of Canada. Further north at Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, only essential gear was put into a small motor boat which carried the patrol across Lake Nipissing and into the French River. Here the canoe trip began with eight boys, two Scouting adults, and Harry Dokis, their Indian guide, in six canoes. This two week trip was followed by many others, all to Canada, and with many returns to the French River. By the mid 1930s, Rev. Cullens had firmly established the Boy Scout movement in Newtown and his wife had done the same for the Girl Scouts. Gradually, other needs of
Newtown's youth were met as the Scouting program expanded to include first older boys and then the younger ones. As early as 1934, a Sea Scout
program was c begun. It only lasted a couple of years due to the difficulty of buying and maintaining adequate sea craft, but it would be replaced later
with an Explorer post. The needs of the younger boys were, served by the creation of a Cub Scout pack sponsored by the local Rotary Club in May of
1948. Whereas in the rest of the Scouting movement Newtown was in the fore- national Boy Scout organization had issued its first Cub Scout
charters in April of 1930, over 18 years before being chartered in Newtown. There had even been an abortive attempt to form a Cub Scout Pack by
the Sandy Hook Fire House in 1945. The girls had successfully organized a Brownie Troop as early as 1934, with the assistance of Mrs. Charles
Goodsell, but the Cub Scouts were mysteriously late in being formed. Rev. Cullens continued to serve the Boy Scouts as Scoutmaster until 1954, and
he continued to serve as the head of the local Explorer post until his retirement from the ministry in 1964. His overall role in the Boy Scout
movement in Newtown has more recently been recognized by the formation of the Cullens Youth Association. This had its origins back in 1946
when a 9.1 acre parcel of land on Church Hill Road between the railroad tracks and St. Rose Church was purchased by a group of Boy Scout adult
leaders who formed "The Boy Scouts of Newtown" specifically to purchase the property from the railroad. A building fund was started during that
same year and it quickly raised $5,000. This allowed the Scouts to erect two cabins on the property by 1948 and this became their meeting and
camping center until 1968. Between that year and 1976, the buildings were rarely used and began to deteriorate badly. On November 9, 1979, a
major change occurred in the Newtown Scout movement when the Cullens Memorial was incorporated out of the former Scouts of Newtown, Inc.
Three years later, the Church Hill property was sold and Camp Wipawaug, an unsuccessful day camp located off Taunton Lake Road on a tributary
of Taunton Pond, was purchased. This included a 21 acre parcel of land with some outbuildings and a pond. By 1987, the board of directors of the
Cullens Memorial felt that the name Cullens Youth Association more correctly fit the intent of the organization and the modern Cullens facility was
established. It stands as a fitting tribute to a man who guided the development of Newtown’s youth throughout the middle years of the 20th century
and who was responsible for creating a stable Troop 70 which, unlike its predecessors, has lasted for 70 years.
The Boy Scouts of Troop 1 (later Troop 70) raise the flag on Memorial Day, 1929, six months after the troop was formed. The flag pole is on the small triangular parcel
on which the Soldiers and Sailors Monument would be built in 1932.
A 1910 Boy Scout name unknownAdvancement for Troop 70
Scout Awards Earned Between 1/1/02 and 2/4/03
A, Tyler
Rank : Scout 01/22/02
A, Dan
Merit Badge : Cit In Nation* 08/02/02
Communications* 08/02/02
Rifle Shooting 08/02/02
Small Boat Sailing 08/02/02
A, Paul
Merit Badge : Cit In Nation* 05/28/02
Communications* 08/02/02
Rifle Shooting 08/02/02
Small Boat Sailing 08/02/02
Rank : Star 07/02/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 08/01/02
B, Matt
Merit Badge : Personal Fitness* 09/10/02
Rank : Life
B, Michael
Merit Badge : Cit In World* 06/25/02
Environmental Sci* 08/02/02
Personal Fitness* 10/29/02
B, Josh
Merit Badge : Cooking 08/02/02
First Aid* 08/02/02
Fishing 08/02/02
Leatherwork 08/02/02
Rank : Scout 06/25/02
B, Jackson
Merit Badge : Archery 06/09/02
Environmental Sci* 08/02/02
Pioneering 08/02/02
Rank : Star 07/16/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 08/01/02B, Wesley
Merit Badge : Bird Study 08/01/02 &
Cit In Community* 03/11/02 &
Family Life* 08/26/02 &
First Aid* 08/02/02 &
Personal Management* 03/04/02 &
Pioneering 08/02/02 &
Scholarship 05/20/02 &
Soil and Water 08/02/02 &
Rank : Star 03/11/02 &
Special Awards : Den Chief Service 11/11/02 &
World Conservation 08/02/02 &
B, Kevin
Rank : Scout 09/10/02
B, Timothy
Merit Badge : Archery 06/09/02
Computers 04/29/02
Environmental Sci* 08/02/02
Fish and Wildlife 08/02/02
Forestry 08/02/02
Personal Fitness* 08/20/02
Rank : 1st Class 02/12/02
B, Robert
Merit Badge : First Aid* 08/02/02
Leatherwork 08/02/02
Swimming* 08/02/02
Rank : Scout 08/06/02
B, Matt
Merit Badge : Basketry 08/02/02
Computers 04/29/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Forestry 08/02/02
Weather 08/02/02
Wood Carving 08/02/02
Rank : Tenderfoot 11/19/02
2nd Class 01/21/03
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 07/30/02
B, Edmund
Merit Badge : Lifesaving* 08/02/02
Personal Fitness* 07/23/02
Rowing 08/02/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 08/01/02
B, Ethan
Merit Badge : Bugling 08/02/02
Camping* 08/02/02
Cit In Nation* 08/02/02
Environmental Sci* 08/02/02
Pioneering 08/02/02
Rank : Star 09/10/02C, Derek
Merit Badge : Camping* 08/02/02
First Aid* 08/02/02
Lifesaving* 08/02/02
Snow Sports 01/22/02
Rank : 1st Class 08/20/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 08/01/02
C, Doug
Rank : Star 01/29/02
C, Ricky
Merit Badge : Basketry 08/02/02
Cooking 08/02/02
Leatherwork 08/02/02
Wood Carving 08/02/02
Rank : Scout 07/23/02
C, Matt
Merit Badge : Family Life* 04/23/02
Fish and Wildlife 08/02/02
Forestry 08/02/02
Snow Sports 01/22/02
Rank : 2nd Class 08/13/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 07/30/02
Mile Swim, BSA 08/01/02
Totin'Chip 02/12/02
C, Anthony
Merit Badge : Cooking 08/02/02
Fishing 08/02/02
Leatherwork 08/02/02
Woodwork 08/02/02
Rank : Scout 07/02/02
C, Benjamin
Merit Badge : First Aid* 04/16/02
C, Thomas
Merit Badge : Cit In Nation* 08/02/02
Communications* 08/02/02
Environmental Sci* 08/02/02
Small Boat Sailing 08/02/02
D, Mike
Rank : Scout 09/17/02
D, Robert
Merit Badge : First Aid* 04/16/02
Snow Sports 01/22/02
Rank : 2nd Class 11/12/02
D, Kevin
Merit Badge : First Aid* 08/02/02
Fishing 08/02/02
Leatherwork 08/02/02
Wood Carving 08/02/02
Rank : Scout 07/16/02F, Josh
Merit Badge : Basketry 08/02/02
Cooking 08/02/02
Dog Care 05/30/02
First Aid* 08/02/02
Leatherwork 08/02/02
Metalwork 07/30/02
Reading 05/15/02
Weather 08/02/02
Rank : Scout 07/08/02
Tenderfoot 07/29/02
2nd Class 10/15/02
F, Drew
Merit Badge : Camping* 08/02/02
Cit In Nation* 04/02/02
Cit In World* 01/21/03
Communications* 08/02/02
Environmental Sci* 08/02/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Personal Fitness* 07/02/02
Pioneering 08/02/02
Wood Carving 02/08/02
Rank : Star 09/03/02
Special Awards : Yr round camper 01/22/02
H, Andrew
Merit Badge : Canoeing 08/02/02
Cit In Nation* 08/02/02
Communications* 08/02/02
Environmental Sci* 08/02/02
Rank : Star 09/03/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 07/30/02
Mile Swim, BSA 08/01/02
H, Kevin
Merit Badge : Camping* 08/02/02
Computers 06/10/02
Cooking 08/02/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Snow Sports 01/22/02
Swimming* 08/02/02
Rank : Tenderfoot 07/09/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 07/30/02
K, Andrew
Merit Badge : Computers 04/29/02
Cooking 08/02/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Swimming* 08/02/02
Wilderness Survival 08/02/02
Rank : Tenderfoot 04/23/02
K, Adam
Merit Badge : Cit In World* 01/28/02
Personal Fitness* 07/23/02
Rank : Life 08/20/02L, Timothy
Rank : Scout
L, Aaron
Merit Badge : Basketry 08/02/02
Computers 06/10/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Forestry 08/02/02
Personal Fitness* 07/02/02
Snow Sports 02/12/02
Weather 08/02/02
Wood Carving 08/02/02
Rank : Tenderfoot 04/09/02
2nd Class 01/14/03
Special Awards : Totin'Chip 04/23/02
P, Will
Merit Badge : Archery 06/09/02
Basketry 08/02/02
Computers 04/29/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Forestry 08/02/02
Snow Sports 01/22/02
Weather 08/02/02
Wood Carving 08/02/02
Rank : Tenderfoot 06/11/02
2nd Class 01/14/03
Special Awards : Totin'Chip 04/23/02
R, Mike
Merit Badge : Communications* 08/02/02
Electronics 04/16/02
Rifle Shooting 08/02/02
Small Boat Sailing 08/02/02
Rank : Star 11/19/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 08/01/02
R, Ethan
Merit Badge : Camping* 08/02/02
Computers 04/29/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Indian Lore 08/02/02
Personal Fitness* 07/23/02
Small Boat Sailing 08/02/02
Rank : 2nd Class 01/15/02
1st Class 03/12/02
Star 12/10/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 07/30/02
Yr round camper 01/15/03
Yr round camper 01/22/02R, Jordan
Merit Badge : Camping* 08/02/02
Computers 04/29/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Indian Lore 08/02/02
Personal Fitness* 07/02/02
Small Boat Sailing 08/02/02
Rank : 2nd Class 02/12/02
1st Class 03/05/02
Star 11/12/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 07/30/02
S, Adam
Merit Badge : Cooking 08/02/02
First Aid* 08/02/02
Fishing 08/02/02
Wood Carving 08/02/02
Rank : Scout 07/13/02
S, Spencer
Merit Badge : Leatherwork 08/02/02
Swimming* 08/02/02
Wood Carving 08/02/02
Rank : Scout 07/27/02
S, Eddie
Merit Badge : Cit In Nation* 05/07/02
Communications* 08/02/02
Computers 04/29/02
Environmental Sci* 08/02/02
Family Life* 04/23/02
Indian Lore 08/02/02
Personal Fitness* 07/02/02
Pioneering 08/02/02
Rank : Star 05/07/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 08/01/02
S, Alex
Merit Badge : Emergency Prep* 04/08/02
Forestry 08/02/02
Pioneering 08/02/02
Weather 08/02/02
Rank : Star 05/07/02
S, Christopher
Merit Badge : Archery 08/02/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Leatherwork 08/02/02
Wood Carving 08/02/02
Rank : Tenderfoot 04/09/02
2nd Class 07/02/02
T, Mike
Rank : Eagle 09/30/02T, John
Merit Badge : Computers 04/29/02
Cooking 08/02/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Swimming* 08/02/02
Rank : Tenderfoot 04/23/02
Special Awards : Mile Swim, BSA 07/30/02
V, Dana
Merit Badge : Camping* 08/02/02
Cooking 08/02/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Snow Sports 01/22/02
Rank : Tenderfoot 07/09/02
Y, Steven
Merit Badge : Camping* 08/02/02
Computers 04/29/02
First Aid* 04/16/02
Snow Sports 01/22/02
Swimming* 08/02/02
Wood Carving 08/02/02
Rank : Tenderfoot 01/21/03
Special Awards : Yr round camper 08/27/02
& - Indicates award earned before individual joined unit
Totals of Advancement for Troop 70
172 Merit Badges
Archery 4 Forestry 6
Basketry 5 Indian Lore 3
Bugling 1 Leatherwork 8
Camping* 8 Lifesaving* 2
Canoeing 1 Metalwork 1
Cit In Nation* 7 Personal Fitness* 10
Cit In World* 3 Pioneering 5
Communications* 7 Reading 1
Computers 11 Rifle Shooting 3
Cooking 9 Rowing 1
Dog Care 1 Small Boat Sailing 6
Electronics 1 Snow Sports 8
Emergency Prep* 1 Swimming* 6
Environmental Sci* 8 Weather 5
Family Life* 2 Wilderness Survival 1
First Aid* 20 Wood Carving 10
Fish and Wildlife 2 Woodwork 1
Fishing 4
48 Rank Badges
Scout 11 Tenderfoot 10
2nd Class 9 1st Class 4
Star 12 Life 1
Eagle 1
22 Special Awards
Mile Swim, BSA 15 Year round camper 4
Totin'Chip 3Sponsors:
Thank you Adult
Leaders of
Troop 70
for helping to develop
our leaders of
tomorrowNewtown Rotary Club
Congratulations
Troop 70
On your Seventhy Fifth Anniversary
Bill Wiemels
President
203-270-7608
Email: wpwiemels@aol.comBest Wishes for the next
75 years of Scouting
Your Friends at
M CLEANERS
G TAILORS
4 convenient locations
HAWLEYVILLE BROOKFIELD NEW MILFORD
RIDGEFIELD
26 ROUTE 25 800 FEDERAL RD LORE’S PLAZA
437 MAIN ST
203-426-4800 203-740-0880 203-355-9655
203-894-1515Good Times and Good
Friends is What Makes it
Happen. Here’s to the
Next 75 Years!
The Tella Family
As you work towards your goals and
complete your advancement, remember
how proud we are, not of the things you’ve
achieved but of the character you’ve shown
Jerry, Mom & Liz
75 Years and Counting.
Keep up the Good Work Troop 70.
The Reed FamilyCongratulations to Congratulations to
Steven Yacko Derek Calderara
on earning the rank of Tenderfoot on earning the rank of First Class
Mom & Dad Mom, Dad, Ryan & Brenna
Thank you to all the
Congradulations on your hard work
Adult Leaders of Troop 70
and dedication Kevin Dufner.
for helping to develop our
leaders of tomorrow
The Dufner Family
Christine & Kevin Yacko
Congratulations & Best Wishes for Thank you to all the
a Successful 75th Year. Adult Leaders of Troop 70
for helping to develop our leaders of
tomorrow
Your Friends at Queen St.
Cleaners The Bethel Handyman HardwareVisit Troop 70’s New Website! http://www.troop70ct.net
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