A proud tradition

Suzie Harrison

A long line of boys, 10 to eighty-something, will celebrate the

same 85-year anniversary on Saturday. Though their experiences may

not have been exactly the same, the core fundamentals they have been

taught have remained consistent over the years.

Established in 1917, Boy Scout Troop 1 of Huntington Beach has the

distinguished honor of celebrating its 85th anniversary on Saturday

and being one of the oldest troops in the country.

The celebration will take place in the troop’s log cabin in Lake

Park, which was built for it in 1924 and has been its home ever

since.

After a restoration project completed in 1974, the Scout cabin was

formally rededicated and designated a historical site by the city and

the Huntington Beach Historical Society.

Saturday’s events will include an open house from 10 a.m. to 3

p.m., a reunion of past Troop 1 Scouts, historic displays,

demonstrations and pioneering projects, as well as a model Scout

encampment with vintage camping equipment on display.

It is the last Scout cabin in existence in Orange County, said Joe

Hammer, the soon to be appointed headmaster, proudly.

“Very few organizations in this country are 85 years old to begin

with, and the fact that we have one right here in Huntington Beach

makes it special,” he said. “Just think of it -- this troop started

in World War I and during World War II the U.S. Army took over the

cabin until the end of the war. There’s a lot of history here.”

Former California Gov. and Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren was

once a member of the esteemed troop. Russ Paxson, grand marshal for

this year’s Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade, joined the troop

in 1933.

“To me, the importance of the history of this troop is that it

bears out what the whole program stands for,” Paxson said.

Paxson said he has noticed a gradual change in the program, which

comes with the need to adapt. He described the dwindling availability

of campsites. Where once they used to grab their packs, head out on a

hike and camp, now the troops must travel hundreds of miles.

“But the core of the program is still there and hasn’t changed one

iota,” he said. “But with the changes there are, we get around the

obstacles.”

As always, the troop stresses leadership, character and

responsibility -- something that continues to

serve the current 80 Scouts on its roster well.

Troop 1 Scouts have performed thousand of hours of community

service, contributing substantially to the Huntington Beach

community.

The appreciation works both ways.

“The community has always stood behind this program, and we’re

very grateful for that,” Hammer said.

Scouts of all ages and the general public are encouraged to

attend. The event is free. The cabin is at 941 Lake St., at Lake

Park. For more information, call (714) 662-5767.