davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30

trips are being encouraged as much --or even more-as the summer gen. eral camp. This is the reason, given by D. R. Mcdonald. deputy commits sioner for the district comprising Avondale. East Lake and Woodlawn:
 During the general camps. extra and strange leaders are pressed into service, and the boy does not get the special work of his own scout master as he can get it when the scoutmaster alone takes his troop to the woods.
 During there week-ends. the scoutmaster learns the dispositions and the requirements of his boys bet ter than he can in almost any other way. And the boys learn to know him."
 Camp Andrews has been made a delightful place during the summer, as several hundred Boy Scouts know.
 The particular thing that brought great rejoicing was the draining of the creek, when all the ragged rocks and driftwood were taken out of its bed That made swimming hole three-quarters of a mile long
 At which enthusiasm reigned para mount.
 This much water has also made scout officials and Scouts ambitious that sufficient boats shall be pro- vided. and toward that end the boys are going to make canoes. Plans will be obtained for them, and the troops making the best will receive
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30
Scout Life Let's Boys
 Meet Many Friends

One nice thing about scout life is the chance boys get to meet scouts from other cities.
 For instance during the camp days, Birmingham had many boys from out-of-town.
 One enthusiastic group that went out to- Camp Andrews this summer was composed of 40 Birmingham youths and 20 Sylacauga scouts.
 When the time came for food and swims, and play and work, you couldn't tell any of 'em apart. It was only when night came along and the boys began their stories about home" that anybody could know they didn't live right in the same block. Then, they piled one an- other with questions about their diff ferent cities until lots of scouts could shut their eyes and almost see the streets and the pos,offices-and act ually did learn thousand things about the customs and people and their industries. as well as what games were most popular in their schools, and how the baseball teams of the different cities stood.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30
Slogan of Troop 52
 Is The Best Log Cabin Anywhere In America


 Troop 52 of Woodlawn is making big plans for the building of a log cabin at Camp Andrews. The sap is coming down and we will begin cut ting our logs after October 1.
 large number of troops already have their cabins and you may ask why 52 is not one of the number We have been so busy with local activi- ties that time never would permit working on our cabin, but now that we are well organized and mobilized we are determined to start our wood- chopping brigade on the warpath after pine sapling, trees and logs within a few days. While some of the troops have dandy cabins at camp Gin fact they all are fine) Troop 52 has set its head to erect the best Boy Scout log cabin in America, and we feel sure this will be done under the leadership of our scoutmaster, Will liam P. White and assistant, J. B. Hill.
 BY A SCOUT OF TROOP 5e
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30
Scouts Eager Ouer Plans
 for the Semi Centennial

into seven districts for Scout work, and here are the colors:
 The moss green represents District No. l, of which Dr. R. Mcdonald is deputy commissioner. This includes Avondale, East Lake. Woodlawn and Irondale. Navy blue is the color of District No 2, which is composed of Norwood, North Birmingham and East Birmingham. Of this district, w. D. Saunders is deputy commits sioner. Gray is the color for the downtown district, of which R. N Simpson is deputy commissioner, and which also includes Graymont and Fountain Heights.
 Red is the color for Dr. Elwyn Bal lard's boys of No. district, which takes in the Southside, while brown belongs to West End and Powderly, under the eommissionership of MT. Chapel. Ensley and Pratt City and Tn Thomas-District No. 6-under John w. Gibson. has the gold. and Dis trict No. boys wear black. This is for all the outlying districts, and three deputy commissioners are re- sponsiDle for No w. c. Mcdonald, A. s. Hotchkiss and w F. Shillito. When you see Scouts wearing ma room, you can tell they are working directly from headquarters, and that only limited number of boys are being used
 If all the Scouts are needed-which is expected-it will mean about 1,5OO boys.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30
Mayor Tells Fun of Being
 q Lone Scout

By B. D. Fowler Sr.. in New Orleans
 Times-Picayune, Chief Executive
 Mayor, l.. S. D.
 The Lone Scouts of America is an organization for boys everywhere. It was originated by w. D. Boyce (who started the Boy Scout movement in the United States) because he was in terested in all boys and wanted to offer them, whether living in the cities, small towns, villages or on the farm, tEe advantage of belonging to an organization without the necessity of joining a group of boys in the same neighborhood. Hence the name Lone Scout"
 The organization was incorporated in Washington, District of Columbia in 1915. At the meeting of the in corporators bylaws were adopted and w. D. Boyce was elected chief totem or head of the organization and has continued as such since that time.
 rIt is truly ''boys' organization" for it Is both boy-made and boy managed. To the fullest possible ex- tent it is self governed. It is not in any way connected with the military organiza tion of this country; in fact, 1t is absolutely independent of every other organization, sect or class.
 4 member of Lone Scouts of Amer iea is taught about the body and how to care for it. the principles of honor and truth and honesty; how to make things; how to use his God given senses; wood craft and all the prac- tical lore of the big outdoors---in short the things upon which is laid a foundation for clean living and good citizenship. Each member is permitted to work out his own ideas without hindrance from the officials of the organizations
 First of all in the scouting work comes the passing of the degree tests through which he learns the lore of the out of docrs. the mysteries of nature, the ways of fish and bird and beast. tHe trail the camp, first aid emergency helps and everyday self knowledge. The Lone Scout learns how to- take care of himself wherever he may be.
 There is the official magazine Lone Scout" which is written hs boys. for boys and in the true spirit of boyhood. Any Lone Scout can write for it. draw for it, help make it and can. win medals for his ef- forts. What the boys like to write
 
 is read by hundreds of thousands of E other boys
 There is much to appeal to the boy There are local tribes which they can join or form. and then hikes. camping trips, all kinds of jolly good times ane possible. Or if there are no other boys living nears there are mail tribes which they can join and mich will bring them friends from all over the world. Think the boy s may have q "letter pal" in China, England or in South America.
 Scouting is q man-making scheme with blue sky method. It believes in taking boys as they are and lead ing them through natural develop- mcnt to the finest type of character Utinzing their, pleasure in games and their intense desire to know and do, 1t develops them in citizenship and in ability to see, comprehend and interpret through their own dives the big and worth while thingA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30
SUMMER WORK BEING OVER BOY SCOUTS ARE PLANNING
 BOAT AND CABIN BUILDING

prizes. Mir. Dan Dimick is now seek ing the most practical plans how to make the row boats.
 E H. Andrews, who has been called to Cincinnati this week. is being much missed at Headquarters, but will be back soon.
 W. H.. Wester, who has been to Coden on a vacation, is expected back about october l. and with MT. Oimick and MT. Anrews. will enter into the plans of the Scout work for the semi-centennial.
 In Birmingham there are between 50 and 65 scoutmasters, but more are needed.
 There are about 1,5O0 boys iii the Scout organizations of Birmingham, and those who are in touch with the work declare it is an inspiring sight to see the brown-clad chaps gather ing to their various headquarters on Friday nights-which is official meeting night all over Greater Bir- mingham.
 Their athletic field has done great things for them this summer>at Camp Andrews, and of all delights getting out in the open and camping is the thing most of the fellows" enjoy. At their general camps, there are  regular cooks. but this summer it was carried on only 10 days as against a month last season. The reason is, as explained, that more stress is being laid on the weekend trips.
 At their camp. the Scouts use a great deal of originality. All the work is done by them, even down to actual clearing, and it Is their names that designate the camps peculiar spots. For instance, Scouts have named one knoll "Redbug Knop." This because of actual experience with some of it's inhabitants.
 The camp is placed in one of the loveliest spots imaginable. Several knolls' almost inclose 1t and right at the base of the hills, runs the creek. The mess hall Is on what the boys call Chestnut Ridge" which carries It's own story of chestnut-opening hours.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30

Do you remem Der .the good times that you used to have when you went on the old school picnics and outing days
 They happened only once in very great while; but the memory of them still gives you the thrill that it did then. It was impossible, almost, to sleep the night before the occasion.
 Boy Scouting has changed that. and boys of these days get to go out camping far more than the boys of several years ago did. But the zest of hikes and camps never wears out, for they furnish that period of relax ation which is so delightful to every body.
 Here's a vivid picture of what a good time Troop 52 had on its recent 'jaunt" Can other Scout scribes match this story:
 Troop 52 met in front of Wood- lawn Methodist Episcopal church Fri day night to take a hike into the woods, which they had been looking forward to for about two weeks. Mir White, ouA Scoutmaster. had a very important meeting that he had to at tend so our assistant Scoutmaster.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30
BIRMINGHAM HAS
 LARGEST TROOP

Birmingham has the distinction of having the largest troop Boy Scouts in America. II is Troop 52.
 This troop contains Si members and is under the jurisdiction of Will liam l.. White as Scoutmaster.
 From national Headquarters comes the requirement. that troop shall be composed of 32 members or less. and it is only by special permission that troop Is allowed to havefgreater numbers.
 It is declared that Scoutmaster with32 boys has his hands full. but headquarters has to arrange for the boys who wish to join. and an enthu- siastic and hard working Scoutmas- ter must take care of more than his share if necessary
 This largest troop is aligned with the First Methodist church at Wood lawn.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30
CHEER AND SONGS
 MAKE HIKE MERRY

J. B. Hill, took us. A very suitable camping place had been selected. and we all enjoyed the hike to it. We gave cheers and sang songs as we went along.
 After we arrived we gathered wood to make large fire, and then several small rihes were made over which to cook Hot dogs" must be the easiest thing for boys to cook. or Scouts must like them best. judg ing by the number that were seen circulating among the crowd. The assistant Scoutmaster must like them, too. for he was seen devouring sew eral of them. Some of the boys climbed to the top of the pine trees to eat their supper. Some one said. The higher you are the better the appetite
 After supper we all gathered around the fire and the assistant Scoutmaster gave us talk on The Things We Need to Do in Order to Better Or Troop and he also read the bulletin to us. After that we ad- hiked back to our homes.
 HORACE MKNIGHT.
 Scribe Troop No. 52.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30

You bet we're going to take part in the semi-centennial!
 That was the way one Boy Scout phrased it when he was asked.
 Scouts all over Greater Birming- ham are excited over the coming of President and Mrs. Harding, and wouldn't miss the chance for any thing of showing them how well and how courteously they can do their work of keeping the streets clear of traffic-and carrying out their other duties assigned.
 Just what they're going to do, and what their orders will be has not yet heen revealed to them, but will be very shortly
 A meeting of all scoutmasters and assistant scoutmasters will be held October IT at the Southern club at o'clock, when the details will be gone into thoroughly. There are about 60 or 65 scoutmasters.
 The President cant help but ad- mire the way some of the Boy Scouts carry their shoulders, and the little neckerchiefs of various colors >ylicn will add to the general festive scenes along his route.
 Those who are familiar with scout work can tell the districts to which < the boys belong by their necker- chief colors. Some are blue. some yellow, some red-and against the boys khaki blouses they form bright spots of color The city is divided
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30
A Boys Adventures
 With Scouts In Greece

From the New Orleans Times Plea
 yune
 Scout Cecil H. Coggins of Colum- bia, Mo, had quite novel expe- rience in trip overseas during the past summer months. Lured by call of adventure. he with his brother and two other companions came to New Orleans in search of some seafaring vessel in order that they might have the opportunity to visit Europe.
 c. M. Coggins. his twin brother. with companion Thomas Walters. found transportation on the freighter Quistconck to the British Isles. They were in Belfast, Ireland, during the recent series of riots and on one oc- casion narrowly missed being wound ed or killed.
 Scout Cecil H. Coggins first visited Salonika Greece. At the present time Greece is at war with Turkey. her old enemy. and the Greek Boy Scouts take a prominent part in all patriotic demonstrations.
 The first that Scout Coggins saw of the Greek Scouts was splen lid Boy Scout band of s6 pieces during a parade following the defeat of Gen eral Camel, leader of the Turkish
 
 young patrol leader, who woreyan m terpreter's badge. and found that the Scout could speak English fluen-ly.
 During the conversation that fol- lowed the. American Scout learned much about his Greek brother end was very much impressed by the Greek enthusiasm. Although scout ing has not progressed as much in that sunny country as in other parts of the world the Greeks are making rapid advancements and hope to soon equal the records established in other countries. The Scouts of Saloaika have two splendid localities in which to work, one the mountains to she north of the city and the other the Gulf of Salonika, an arm of the Agean sea. Sea scouting is just fe- ing introduced there, but the Agean sea offers perfect conditions for cruising, and the movement promises to become very popular.
 From Greece Scout Coggins sailed to northern Africa. While in Tunis, which is a French protectorate, he encountered a few French Scouts. The Arabian boys have shown an in- ganized there as yet.
 countries the people show great re- spect for Americans. Among the Scouts this was especially true. the Greek boys expressing the greatest friendship and admiration for their American brothers. As Coggins says: Fellows. it's up to us to live up to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30
Boys Whose Pictures
 Appear This Week

These pictures on Boy Scout page show various steps by which young Scouts advance to that most glorious time when they themselves can grow up to become scout masters.
 Each one of these boys reveals the manliness which the organiza- tion stands for.
 Henry Eggler. who takes the part of The Raw Recruit" Is really a member of the Boy Scouts, and has been for two years.
 He belongs to Troop 22. which has fine cabin headquarters right out in the woods at Graymont There pis troopmates, 30 or 40 of them, as- semble for good times or for work each Friday night.
 Henry said that when he was initiated into the order he was scared green for fear the boys were going to Initiate" him. He didn't know what that would be, but he didn't want 1t.
 Fate was with him-and he didn't get scratch.
 However, Harrison Smith, who be- long to Troop 2S, and who Is shown taking the oath, didn't get by that easy with his troop. They initiated him good and proper" Harrison said, but he wouldn't tell what the Initiation consisted of because that wasn't fair"
 Pretty-the Boy Scout salute, isn't 1t? J. R. Garner doesn't belong to the Boy Scouts now, but he has the finest memories of when he used to be member--and. would like to be one again. He tofd of his first ex- periences, and how things these days are so much more progressive than they used to be. Tt certainly puts boy to thinking when he joins the scouts" said he. Tt just makes a man out of him-and gives him right ways to think that's all"
 We come then. to the top picture. This is the most wonderful pose of all, because it should mean so much in a Boy Scouts life. He represents scout who has been helped by his scout master Now 1t Is his turn to help. Can he be one? Why not? He cane up through all the organi- zation's work-and he knows it's spirit He can do good for othe
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30
'Scoutnasters Are Needed
 WiH You Be q Volunteer?

All over the city of Greater Blr- mingham the call is going out for scout masters
 Men-red- blooded men-men who care what the future of Birmingham. boys is to be like are needed for work with the scouts.
 There is no pay, except as a man gets paid for doing good things-and knowing that his work has added a firmness and strength to the ideals of the boys who later must carry on the work of building up the city and future generations of Alabama men.
 Here is very wonderful letter written by William l.. White, secre- tary of the Scout Masters associa- tlon, which sets before Birmingham citizens the proposition as 1t stands today
 Maybe you have thought of becom- ing a scout master-but have just been hesitating. Isn't there some- thing in your character that you wish to transmit to young men?
 MT. Whites letter tells you what is required of you as a scout master and how to get in:
 As a scout master of three years experience and as secretary of the Birming ham Scout Masters aSSocia- tion, may I appeal to you young ncen of the city to volunteer your sery- ices to this great work
 Tt is one of the biggest, best, quick est and most practical ways that you can render constructive service for your community and city, and if you are young man of the right type and character, you can render untold blessing to the growing boys, which means, in the final analysis, that you will be a great help in shaping the future citizenship of our city and state
 "It Is not question of getting the boys, because we have plenty of them, and all that we have to do is to simply open the door and invite them in, but getting the Scoutmasters IS the real problem.
 Tn trying to induce young men to become interested in Scoutcraft, find that the two biggest excuses off, fered is lack of time and no knowl- edge of the work. Generally speak ing, these are very poor excuses. In the first place. to know the scout masters of Birmingham Is to know bunch of busy fellows, and there are no loafers among them. They make their living like other men in their respective professions, and dozens of them are connected s,with
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30

numerous other organizations other than the scout movement and the excuse of lack of time could easily be made by practically every one of them, but they make it point to sacrifice to the extent that scoutcraft plays an important feature in their life service.
 "As to knowledge of the work, might say that scouting is only II years old, and there are very few scoutmasters today who were scouts. However, we have several assistants who have been scouts. and who in scoutmasters, but practically all the men in the- work today have had to start at the bottom and work up in the movement.
 So, young men, get vision of the opportunity which lies before you. Get in touch with Scout headquarters or with any sf us scoutmasters and We shall be more than glad to well come you to our fold, and l shall guarantee that 1t will be one of the greatest steps of your life if you will put your heart in the Boy Scout movement VIM. l.. WHITE. Secretary Scoutmasters' Associa-
 ton '
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30
 A Letter From An "Old" Scoutmaster

scout master of yesterday- what was he like?
 How does he still feel about tho work?
 Is he repaid for his efforts?
 How has the work changed?
 These things and others are dis cussed in this very compact and beautiful letter written by Gilbert Ritchie. He was so modest that he would not sign his name-but such letter cannot go uncredited.
 Read 1t every word:
 Time changes--or probably one should say All things change in time'-and for this we should be grateful.
 N"The scout master of years gone by is as much like the scout master of today as the first automobile Is like the powerful, beautiful anl luxurious limousine of today. The scout master of yesterday was man who had a glimpse merely a glimpse--of what might be accomplished by the proper train ing for boys. But the training there was the rub. What man could say: I know all about boys. will teach them the secrets of na- ture. of woodcraft, of first aid, of courtesy, of obedience, of kindness, and a hundred other such things
 And where was this wonderfully endowed man himself to learn all these things before he imparted them to the boys?
 Ninety y-nine out of 100 yesterday scout masters were big hearted men who did not have special training. But they felt the need of the train ing boys could get in Scouting.
 Therefore they did the best they could--and at times it seemed very little. But they had one asset--they were as qualified as scout masters of today to teach obedience, loyalty, patriotism, kindness and truthful ness.
 Considering this a scout master of yesterday feels amply repaid and also has a great amount of pride-when he sees his former scouts" grown up to be men and living up to all that scouting eX poets.
 However, the youth of today must be served better The world must progress, and so we find soine colleges having scout masters course, that these leaders may be fully prepared to teach the youth of the land the more important things of life those things which scouting calls for. Sincerely,
 "A SCOUTMASTER OF TESTER
 DAY"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30

Hey Kid Scout!
 When yuh goin' out to camp?"
 We've got one room of our cabin already built~
 Gee whilikins. wish we could go Saturday,"
 That the way the Boy Scouts are talking 1t these days.
 For something very exciting Is happening.
 The sap is going down in the trees out at Camp Andrews and they II soon be in shape for the boys to cut them down and begin to build what is the most delightful thing a Scout can think of--a camping -out hut.
 Each troop must build its own of all bark so bugs will not get in under the bark and bore nice little hemes for themselves, and that moisture will not stay under and rot the logs
 It's the boys regular winter fun and they go out week tends with their scoutmasters, and such good time as they do have with everything from dill pickles to real fried chick en. which they carry along in their lunches, prepared by mothers and aunties.
 The official summer season has now closed and scoutmasters know that pretty soon from 40 to 200 boys will be going out each weekend.
 In fact, these winter week end