Troop 1 Katonah, New York

Our Troop celebrated 90 years of Scout service at our Spring Court of Honor on June 18. We had many, many awards to hand out that evening. There were 17 Tenderfoot, 1 Star, and 2 Life rank advancements handed out. We also handed out many merit badge awards, and one Scout described the Eagle project he is about to embark upon. There were a few "surprises" at the end, including an unexpected token of appreciation from the parents to the Scoutmasters, a special "honor" for Hank's 40 years of service to the Troop as Scoutmaster, and an early birthday celebration for Otto. Jen Tschorn provided these photos... News clippings, old photos, and other souvenirs of our ninety years of history were on display at our June Court of Honor. The yellow neckerchief is from a 1967 World Scout Conference in Kanderstag, Switzerland, where Doc Smith led 20 boys on a three-week tour of Europe. The merit badge sash is from Neal Pronay, and dates from the 1940s. Generations of Scou...

1910s American businessman W.D. Boyce brought the concept of Boy Scouting to our shores in 1910. Boyce was convinced that the ideals of Scouting would be a perfect fit for the youth of America. At that time, our village was still settling down into its new location. Only thirteen years prior, the village was picked up and moved to avoid being wiped off the map by the new Muscoot Reservoir . Life in “New Katonah” also included new technology, with electric and telephone service introduced around 1916. The last horse was sold at the local livery stable in 1917, and automobiles were becoming more common. As America was looking forward to the promise of the next decade, the world was becoming a very different place. America was recovering from its first global conflict, then known as the “War to End All Wars.” The Armistice treaty was signed in November 1918, officially ending the hostilities of World War I. The newly formed League of Nations was formed to promote peace and broker resol...

On June 18, Troop 1 made a special after-hours visit to Kelloggs & Lawrence hardware store to tour their new Outdoors Dept . The Scouts learned about all sorts of essential specialized equipment that could make their stay in the outdoors that much more comfortable. From clothing to packs to tools to tents, it was an enjoyable and informative evening.   Learning how proper fit is essential for a comfortable pack   Exploring the Outdoors Dept. for essential items, under the watchful eye of Scoutmaster Hank Tschorn   The patrol reports on their findings       Next, we went upstairs into the attic to try assembling various kinds of nylon tents    Assistant Scoutmasters Dennis Winthers and Chris Kristensen listen to the Scouts' presentations and questions   Katonah native and troop volunteer Alex Bacon with his father at Kelloggs & Lawrence

Thursday, June 18 - COURT OF HONOR, parents and friends attend as we look back on a year of activity and hand out rank advancement and other awards for a job well done. We'll also talk about Summer Camp and other activities. Fall out in full uniform, meet at Katonah Methodist Church (5 Bedford Road, Katonah) at 7:30pm.

Thanks to Neal Pornay, long-time Katonah resident and former member of Troop 1 for sharing these old photos with us. At one time, the troop spawned an Explorer Patrol, identified as Katonah Troop 2 . In these days, the troop met in Doc Adams' garage at the bottom of the hill at Edgemont and Greenville Roads. In this prewar photo (we assume 1940), the Scouts are clearly wearing a number "2" on their shoulders! From top rear left clockwise: Neal Pronay, Jeff Davis, Fred Ray, Ben Almond, Dave Brown (the great uncle of two of our current Scouts from the Brown family, Gunner and Jake), and Bobby Greene. Seen here in this 1943 photo are Scoutmaster Paul Jones, center. Over his shoulders is John Bernardo. Moving clockwise: Neal Pronay, Ben Almond, Len Wilson, Phil Raneri (with flags), Fred Ray, Jeff Davis, and Bud Noe. Here's another 1943 photo of the Explorer Patrol of Katonah Troop 2. Scoutmaster Paul Jones is seated at center. Moving clockwise: John Bernardo, Jeff D...

It's time once again for the Annual Canoe Trip, where our boys will enjoy two days on the Saco River on the New Hampshire-Maine border. We will be travelling to Doc's Cabin on Lake Lovewell in Fryeburgh, Maine, which is about a 6-hour drive from Katonah. The cabin was enjoyed by Doc and his family for more than 90 years, and now it is available for us to continue our annual summer tradition. Scouts should pack carefully for a two-day trip on the river, bring a waterproof bag to stow your equipment. We will be using some of Doc's canoes as well as some rentals. Life jackets will be provided, but you may bring your approved flotation vests own if you prefer. Scouts should also bring a small amount of spending money for movies and snacks on Monday night. Saturday, June 27 - Depart KES at 10:00am, arrive at Fryeburgh in the afternoon. Sunday, June 28 - Launch canoes from Conway in the morning, paddle down the Saco River, pause for lunch, continue down the river, camp overnigh...

Wednesday, June 10 - For those expecting to advance in rank before our next Court of Honor, we are scheduling a special meeting just for Board of Review for Weds., June 10 , at the Katonah Elementary School from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Scouts will fall out in full uniform. If you are planning to attend for Board of Review, please contact Scoutmaster Hank Tschorn at (914) 232-5420 . Thursday, June 11 - Special meeting at Kelloggs & Lawrence Hardware Store , where we will tour their new Camping & Outdoors Department, and also learn about winter weather clothing and other useful camp equipment. Meet at Kelloggs & Lawrence, fall out in full uniform at 7:30 pm. Thursday, June 18 - COURT OF HONOR, parents and friends attend as we look back on a year of activity and hand out rank advancement and other awards for a job well done. We'll also talk about Summer Camp and other activities. Fall out in full uniform, meet at Katonah Methodist Church at 7:30pm.