BSA History

1948

The Fifth Edition of the Handbook for Boys is published. The BSA lowered its entry age from 12 to 11 and changed the advancement requirements, necessitating a new Handbook. This is the last Handbook written by a number of experts, the last of the small-size Handbooks, and the last printed exclusively in black and white (other than the cover).

The Fifth Edition offered many changes from the previous Handbook, dropping the chapter on games and the extensive sections on animals, birds, insects, trees, fishes, which had appeared in all Handbooks until that time. In place of wildlife descriptions, it groups flora and fauna in several drawings of various habitats (seashore, forest, etc.); the amount of wildlife content and discussion, however, is greatly reduced and remains so until the Ninth Edition. Along with the Original Edition, it omits any mention of alcohol or tobacco or of poisonous snakes.

This is the first Handbook to show the taut line hitch, so useful on tent lines, and the first to include lashings. It is also the first to include edible wild plants and the Scout Slogan ("Do a Good Turn Daily") and has a much more complete discussion of fire building than previous editions. In addition to other information on conservation, it is the first book to contain a "Conservation Pledge" ("I give my pledge as an American to save and faithfully to defend from waste the natural resources of my Country — its soil and minerals, its forests, water and wildlife." ). Later printings expand this pledge and reword it as our present "Outdoor Code" ("As an American, I will do my best to: be clean in my outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in the outdoors, and be conservation-minded.").

Handbook trivia: It is ironic that the printing where the Conservation Pledge first appears contains an advertisement advocating species extermination. The ad (for Peters ammunition) is entitled "How Doc Peters helped Jimmie track down a menace." After shooting a bobcat, Jimmie says to Doc, "That's one less bobcat to plunder the woods." And Doc answers, "Yes, son, you've helped conservation of wild life."

1949

Membership during the year is 2,579,515.

William C. Wessel, director of Cub Scouting, died. Gerald A. Speedy was named the director, and in November Marlin Sieg was named as assistant director. The age levels for Cub Scouting were changed to 8, 9, and 10 with boys entering Boy Scouting at 11 years of age. A re-study of the achievement program was ordered. At the end of its 20th year, Cub Scouting pierced the million mark for the first time with 1,142,079 boys registered and 317,057 pack leaders, a 25 percent gain in enrollment.

The crusade to "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty" was inaugurated in February. A dramatic ceremony was held at the base of the Statue of Liberty.

Age levels were lowered: Boy Scouting, 11 through 14; Exploring, 14 and up.

The manual on citizenship was published. New procedures for physically disabled boys were adopted. Troop advancement procedures were emphasized.

Five hundred forty-three councils owned 831 campsites with 288,545 acres, at an estimated value of $10,525,731 in land and $17,436,306 in equipment.

The National Council held its 39th annual meeting in Boston.

1950

Membership during the year is 2,795,222.

The Handbook has revisions reflecting various changes in Boy Scouts, including the cover, a painting of two Scouts (red neckerchiefs) and an Explorer, all in overseas caps, sitting around a campfire with the smoke forming an Indian behind them; the overseas cap was added to the Campaign Hat (which was still optional) as official head wear. The change may also have been motivated in part by complaints about the first cover; this painting was of much better quality than Ross' earlier cover.

A second international gathering of Cub leaders was held in Edinburqh, Scotland. A new Cub Scout leader training plan included eight training subjects utilizing film strip, illustrations, and cartoons. Scouting Magazine increased its Cub Scouting coverage from one to eight pages. The registrations during the year reached 1,263,658 boys and 385,342 pack leaders.

The 40th anniversary year was observed nationally and locally. The Second National Jamboree at Valley Forge, June 30-July 6, brought 47,163 Scouts and leaders from every state and territory in the United States and from many other lands. Survival training was emphasized; conservation education was a national program feature.

A total of 1,100 Order of the Arrow members participated in a national conference held at the University of Indiana, Bloomington. Philmont Scout Ranch began an expanded program, and the first training courses were held there.

The 40th annual meeting was held in Philadelphia immediately prior to the jamboree.

The first Boy Scout stamp was issued by the U.S. Post Office Department.

1951

Membership during the year is 2,942,779.

The Wolf Book was revised to the reading level of the 8-year-old boy. Other new literature: Den Chief Training and 10 Steps to Pack Organization. First Philmont Cub Scout Conference stressed basic ideas, policies, and procedures. Registrations during the year climbed to 1,339,861 boys and 440,348 pack leaders.

The 3-year crusade to "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty" concluded with a 33 percent gain in membership. A program of cooperation in civil defense was carried out. Conservation activities were expanded in cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies. Two million pounds of clothing were collected for domestic and foreign relief.

Several hundred Explorers took part in the Seventh World Jamboree at Bad Ischl, Austria, where 13,000 Scouts represented 59 countries.

Expansion at Philmont Scout Ranch made new leadership training opportunities possible. The Ninth National Training Conference for Scout Executives was held at Michigan State University.

At the 41st annual meeting in Chicago, John M. Schiff was elected president, succeeding Amory Houghton.

1952

Membership during the year is 3,183,266, surpassing three million for the first time. The 20-millionth member was registered.

O. W. (Bud) Bennett named director of Cub Scouting; and Marlin S. Sieg was assistant. Philmont Cub Scouting course was opened to women. Registrations during the year: 1,472,955 boys and 502,388 pack leaders.

Scouting's 3-year program "Forward on Liberty's Team" was launched during Boy Scout Week. Scouts distributed more than a million posters and 30 million Liberty Bell doorknob hangers in a Get-Out-the-Vote campaign. Scouts also cooperated nationally in securing blood donor pledges, collected clothing for worthy causes, distributed seeds for Asia, and aided in conservation projects and civil defense.

A quarter-million leaders took part in training experiences. Nine thousand Explorers and leaders camped at Philmont Scout Ranch.

The 42nd annual meeting was held in New York.

1953

Membership during the year is 3,395,884.

First "un-official" Pinewood Derby run on May 15 by Pack 280c under Cubmaster Don Murphy. Den Chief Conference Plan approved and released. Cub Scout advisory group studied the Webelos Den Plan. Cub Scouts donate 2,889 pennies for Korean Scouts plus "tons" of used uniforms. Registrations: 1,606,249 boys, 570,751 pack leaders.

The Third National Jamboree was held at the Irvine Ranch in southern California, July 17-23, with 45,401 Scouts and leaders from all parts of the United States and 21 other nations taking part.

Scouts assisted in the inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The effectiveness of the family "Be Prepared" plan was shown. Scouter training combined with family vacation plans was expanded at Philmont Scout Ranch. Local councils were organized in Germany and Japan to serve sons of Americans in those countries.

The 43rd annual meeting was held in Los Angeles.

1954

Membership during the year is 3,774,015.

Robert N. Gibson named chairman of the National Cub Scout Committee. Webelos Den created for 10-year-old boys to provide a means of maintaining the interest of Cub Scouts and to provide a bridge for crossing over to Boy Scouting. Added is a new Webelos den badge and the Lion badge changed to Lion Webelos. Pack numerals colors were changed. Minimum age for Den Mothers and Assistant Cubmasters changed from 18 to 21. Den Chiefs Training Conference booklet printed.

The National Council's office was moved to a new building near New Brunswick, N.J., in October. Boys' Life circulation passed the 1 million mark.

The National Conservation Good Turn was conducted.

The 44th annual meeting was held in Washington, D.C.

1955

Membership during the year is 4,175,134, surpassing four million for the first time in the BSA's history. For the first time, there was a total of 100,000 units and more than a million adults registered as Scouters.

Official Pinewood Derbies are introduced. New den mother's uniform skirt and blouse offered. New Webelos pin approved for Cub civilian wear. New Cub Scout pocket piece. New training posters, Backyard USA, published for summertime activities, illustrated by Bud Bennett. Revised Den Mother's Den Book and Den Chiefs Den Book. Cub Scouting pierced the two million mark for the first time: registration reached 2,050,625 boys and 753,892 pack leaders.

Through the facilities and courtesy of the U.S. Air Force, 16 Explorers and three leaders made exchange visits with 16 European Senior Scouts and two leaders.

The Eighth World Jamboree was conducted in Ontario, Canada, with 15,000 Scouts present from 63 nations, including 1,500 Explorers from the Boy Scouts of America.

In September, 4,000 attended the 10th National Training Conference for Scout Executives at the University of Michigan. A College Scouter Reserve was authorized so young men attending college could maintain active registered membership.

The 45th annual meeting was held in St. Louis.

1956

Membership during the year is 4,526,302.

Webelos day camp program introduced. Webelos advancement chart available. Den Mother's Training Award introduced. First Cub Scouting books in Braille for the handicapped. Cub Scout Fun Book and Pack Committee pamphlet published. Registrations: 2,346,090 boys and 879,253 leaders.

During Boy Scout Week, the Onward for God and My Country program was launched with impressive national, state, and local observances. A delegation of Explorers visited the White House and presented the Report to the Nation. In a nationwide nonpartisan Get-Out-the-Vote campaign, Scouts distributed more than a million posters and 36 million Liberty Bell doorknob hangers.

In international exchange visits, nearly 300 Explorers and Senior Scouts were transported by the U.S. Air Force and Navy.

Boys' Life magazine was among the top 17 American magazines.

The 46th annual meeting was held in Cincinnati. Kenneth K. Bechtel of San Francisco was unanimously elected president to succeed John M. Schiff, who retired after 5 years.

The Kedeka Area Council comes into being (later merged into the Two Rivers Council, a predecessor to Three Fires Council).

1957

Membership during the year is 4,751,495.

Emphasis on Cub Scouting for the handicapped boy is increased and bike safety highlighted. George C. Frickel appointed assistant director of Cub Scouting. Registered Cub Scouts subscribing to Boys' Life was 34 percent. Registrations: 2,540,691 boys and 96,498 pack leaders.

The Fourth National Jamboree at Valley Forge, Pa., July 12-19, attracted 50,000 Scouts and Explorers. Some 1,700 Explorers and leaders attended the World Jubilee near Birmingham, England, where 35,000 Scouts of 82 nations celebrated the centenary of Lord Baden-Powell's birth and the 50th anniversary of the Boy Scout movement.

Explorers visited the White House to present the Report to the Nation and the 15-millionth copy of the Handbook for Boys. The U.S. Air Force provided an airlift exchange for 50 Explorers and 50 European and Far Eastern Boy Scouts. The Thomas J. Watson Memorial Visual Education Building at Schiff Scout Reservation was dedicated on October 17.

The 47th annual meeting convened in Philadelphia, July 11-12.

1958

Membership during the year is 4,950,885.

New Cub Scout sports electives include skating and skiing. New Webelos Den Book with meeting outline helps for Webelos den leaders. Parent Review Party Kit prepared to bolster family participation in Cub Scouting. Registrations: 2,695,124 boys and 1,010,886 leaders.

The National Safety Good Turn and the continuing Onward for God and My Country program were outstanding successes.

Explorer Richard Lee Chappel of Eggertsville, N.Y., accompanied the National Academy of Sciences team on the International Geophysical Year Arctic Expedition.

The National Order of the Arrow Conference in August at the University of Kansas attracted more than 2,400 members. Work began on the Johnston Historical Museum.

The 48th annual meeting was held May 16-17 in Chicago.

Eagle requirements become much more involved. A maze of merit badge options adding up to 16 required badges (from a list of 65 badge choices!) and 5 other badges; plus the first requirement to provide leadership and give service. Among the new requirements are: do your best to live up to the Scout Promise, Law, Motto, and Slogan; be active as a Life Scout for at least 6 months; while a Life Scout, work actively as a leader in meetings, outdoor activities, and service projects of your unit; while a Life Scout, do your best to help in your home, school, church, and community; while a Life Scout, take care of things that belong to you and respect the property of others; earn 21 merit badges. The merit badges include (take a deep breath...): One badge from the conservation group; three badges from the citizenship group; Camping; Cooking; Swimming; Lifesaving; Nature; Personal Fitness; Public Health; Safety; Firemanship; First Aid; one badge from the outdoor sports group; and one badge from the animal husbandry, plant cultivation, communication, transportation, or building groups.

The Fox River Valley Council comes into being (later merged into the Two Rivers Council, a predecessor to Three Fires Council).

1959

Membership during the year is 5,043,195.

The Handbook has revisions reflecting various changes in Boy Scouts, including the cover, which now carries the words "BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK," replacing the previous "HANDBOOK FOR BOYS" used until this edition. The Scout on the cover is wearing leggings, though, something most Scouts haven't worn for years.

The Bobcat pin is introduced for uniform wear. Previously, this pin was only for civilian wear; the pin carried the words "BOB CAT" until sometime between 1948 and 1950, when they became the familiar "BOBCAT" we see today.

Scouting magazine begins using full color.

The 10th World Jamboree is held in Laguna, Philippine Islands and attended by 309 American Scouts, with a total of 12,000 Scouts from 44 countries. This was the first World Jamboree held in the Far East.

The 17th International Scout Conference is held in New Delhi, India.

The National Scout Museum opens in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

During the 50th Anniversary Year of Scouting (1959), a proposal is made to establish a memorial on a site in Washington, D.C. Lyndon B. Johnson, who was the Senate majority leader at the time, introduced the measure to the Senate. The memorial was eventually unveiled in a ceremony on November 7, 1964. The statue was accepted for the country by Associate Supreme Court Justice Tom Clark, who noted it was his fiftieth anniversary as an Eagle Scout. The bronze statue consists of three figures: a Boy Scout, a woman and a man. Each figure symbolizes the idea of the great and noble forces that are an inspiring background of each Scout as he goes about the business of becoming a man and a citizen.

The modern Exploring program is introduced.