Blue Heron Lodge: Difference between revisions
Content deleted Content added
Bbabybear02 (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
rem material copied from http://www.tidewaterbsa.com/blueheron/history_chronicle_001.html |
||
| Line 14: | Line 14: | ||
==History Of Blue Heron Lodge #349== |
==History Of Blue Heron Lodge #349== |
||
and JC Acosta Was elected lodge cheif at the 2004 Fall Fellowship. |
|||
During the summer of 1946, Mr. Norman Jones and Mr. Gordon Linsey were visiting Pennsylvania. While there, they noticed a program being carried out by the Scouts of that area. This program was the Order of the Arrow, and on returning to Norfolk, mentioned to the Commissioner Staff of the Order's work. The Commissioners wholeheartedly approved a recommendation that was sent to the Council Camping and Activities Committee to adopt the Order of the Arrow in the Tidewater Council. In the fall of 1946, a ceremonial team from [[Octoraro Lodge]] in Pennsylvania came down to Camp Darden at Sedley, Virginia, and inducted the first nucleus of Blue Heron members. |
|||
At the first official meeting of the Lodge on January 5, 1947, Mr. A. G. Buckwalter was elected the first Lodge Chief. After the first self-run Ordeal in August of 1947, Blue Heron membership totaled thirty-nine and later by Lodge action, these members were designated as Charter Members. The Blue Heron was selected as the Lodge Totem because the great bird was a frequent visitor to Lake Constance, the lake at Camp Darden. This totem and the first patch incorporating the Heron were selected at an Executive meeting on May 31, 1947. Its design was: a red arrowhead with a white "baby blue heron" superimposed on it. White is the color of young blue herons. With 28 members present, Blue Heron Lodge held it first annual Banquet on December 31, 1947. This set precedence for traditional annual gatherings of the Lodge. |
|||
The first Area meeting attended by the Lodge was held at Camp Horseshoe, Pa., May 1st and 2nd, 1948, where six of our members received the Brotherhood Honor. At that time an Ordeal member had to be active for at least 18 months in order to be eligible. The Blue Heron Lodge conferred the Brotherhood honor for the first time at Camp Darden on May 15 and 16, 1948. Five of our members received the honor at that time. The Blue Heron Lodge sent five delegates to the National Order of the Arrow Convention at the University of Indiana at Bloomington, Indiana, in August, 1948. Since that time our Lodge has participated in every National or Regional Convention with very few exceptions. |
|||
Chuck Meads from the Ski-Co-Ak (Now Powhatan) Chapter was the first to receive the Vigil Honor in our Lodge. He received this high honor at the Area III Meeting at broad Creek Scout Camp in Baltimore Maryland, on April 30, 1950. To become eligible, a member had to be an active Brotherhood member for at least 36 months. Our Lodge in May of 1950; two in Norfolk and one in Portsmouth presented three Indian Pageants. This was the first time that the public could enjoy the beautiful costumes and the excellent dancing performed by the members of the Blue Heron Lodge. Our Lodge sent five representatives to the National Jamboree at Valley Forge, June 26 to July 8, 1950. The Blue Heron Lodge was selected to open the District 29 Campfire with 1,380 boys in attendance. Paul Scarboro, Under-Chief of the Lodge was master of Ceremonies. He was assisted by James Cates Jr. and Forest Harrell. The campfire was opened by a Sioux Tribal Prayer and Fire Dance. Parts of the costumes were furnished by the Lodge and the rest made at the Jamboree. E. Urner Goodman, Father of the Order of the Arrow, was high in his praise of our Lodge and autographed several of the breech cloths of the members. |
|||
In 1949, 1950, 1951, the Lodge conducted Green Bar meets at Camp Darden to train Patrol leaders and Senior Patrol Leaders in the skills of Scouting and leadership. The training was open to all Scouts in the council. |
|||
The Lodge's first Fellowship patch was designed by Robert Townsend for the Spring Fellowship held at Darden Scout Reservation on June 31, 1952. |
|||
By 1953, the Lodge was in solid action, and held its first annual Fall Fellowship. This same year, through efforts of many Blue Heron members, the Area III-C (as formed until 1972) formed and moved into action with two Blue Heron III-C Chiefs in a row. Blue Heron can be proud of its major roll in starting the Area. Our Lodge has been honored with twelve out of 28 Area Chiefs. |
|||
In 1954, a demand arose from the Lodge for the change of the Lodge neckerchief. Mr. Jimmy Mageen designed the rough "diamond" and a lodge committee formed of S. E. Salyer, Mickey Warner, and others came up with the now-famous patch. Shortly after that, the same basic pattern of the "diamond" was developed into the Arrow flap. It was the first full-embroidered flap in the United States. The basic design has never been changed since then and now has become valued as one of the best-known patches in existence. |
|||
During 1957, the use and improvements to Camp Darden and Lake Constance were significant. But at places to camp in the council became used more and more the camp slowly became inadequate. On November 11, 1957 the Tidewater Council Executive Board unanimously voted to acquire the Pipsico property in Surry County. This new 916 acre site on the James River was used in conjunction with Darden until 1961 when the camp was deeded to the Girl Scouts of America as Governor Darden and his wige had wished. Due to the lack of facilities in Lions, many ordeals were partly held in both camps where the service and arduous labor was provided to Lions and the ceremonies were conducted in Darden. This happened several times until the proper facilities were available in the new camp. |
|||
By 1961, Pipsico held the title of Tidewater Scout Reservation on its own. The challenge to Arrowmen was great. We had a fresh and untouched camp to build on. To prepare for summer camp, the work was tremendous, but Heron members rallied to the call. |
|||
During the fast-moving years of the 50's, the Lodge made one more change. We became one of the first to establish an effective Chapter system. Following the growth of our Council, the lodge once stood at eight Chapters. Our Lodge currently has five strong Chapters. 1961 grew as a peak year in the Lodge's history. That year we celebrated our 15th Anniversary with the largest Fellowship ever held. This same year, the Lodge rallied to the Area's call again. With six weeks to the annual III-C Pow Wow, the host lodge was forced to withdraw. Blue Heron was asked to handle the situation. In short weeks and thousands of dedicated hours from our membership, Blue Heron Lodge put together one of the Area's best Pow Wows at our Camp Pipsico. |
|||
Our patches are a symbol of Blue Heron's quality and a token from one of the outstanding lodges in the nation. In accordance with the Blue Heron tradition, another patch was developed. The jacket patch was conceived to furnish a supplement to a member's accessories and to recognize another point in Blue Heron history. The "baby blue heron" is presented in the design to make us mindful of our high tradition. It is only with recognition of our past that we can maintain our high standards. The totem, the blue heron with a fish in its mouth standing in a lake, is there to remind us to preserve the Lodge's firm organization. The flying blue heron is added to signify the continuing growth of the lodge. The patch means the Lodge is "Mindful of our Tradition" and pledges continued Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service. |
|||
One problem continually challenged our new Camp Pipsico. When rain came, where would campfires be held? A building of a suitable size to house such events was financially improbable. Blue Heron members thought deeply, and then again challenged the impossible call. Through efforts of many Lodge members, the Ben Juren Memorial was constructed and dedicated on our 20th Anniversary. With concessions at district events, the Lodge earned all of the money to pay for the memorial in Camp Kiwanis at Pipsico. Expansion came to the Tidewater Council and Pipsico added a new sub camp named Lions. The O.A. Shelter (Ben Juren Memorial) was so highly praised and accepted in Camp Kiwanis that the Lodge was asked to build a twin shelter for Camp Lions. |
|||
On the day of our 25th Anniversary year, we were pleased to find the plans of a decade at completion. With solemn pride and honor, Blue Heron Lodge dedicated the O.A. Shelter at Camp Lions to the past Supreme Chief of the Fire, Mr. Harold V. Pace. In December of 1971, the very first Blue Heron Christmas Banquet was held. Three hundred and forty Blue Heron members and guests attended this first Banquet in over a decade. |
|||
On April 21, 22, and 23 of 1972, three hundred and fifty Arrowmen from throughout Virginia gathered for the 20th Anniversary Area III-C Pow Wow, hosted by Kecoughtan Lodge. Blue Heron's display entitled, "Arrow - Scouting Relationship" took first place display award (the first in Lodge history.) We were also fortunate in the Indian Dance representation, as our Elizabeth River team placed third in the Indian Dance group competition. Blue Heron received various individual dancing awards through the talented efforts of Jim Dunlop, Sandy Rhoades, and Jim Mikells. Blue Heron played an integral part in the evening's program by producing an audio-visual show on the Area's twenty years of service, as well as handling the Vigil Rededication Ceremony. On Sunday, April 22, 1972, at the Area business meeting, Tom Webb, by the largest majority in Area history, was elected to the office of Area III-C Chief. |
|||
On the weekend of August 25, 26, and 27, 1972, Blue Heron held their 26th Fall Fellowship, utilizing the new O.A. Shelter, the Pace Shelter. With over 300 members present, it was acclaimed a great success. Here the Lodge published and issued its first Lodge annual "Heron Stalks", a written history of the past years events. The second Christmas Banquet, held in late December of 1972, marked a continuing of an annual Lodge Banquet and more such successes are on the way. |
|||
The 1973 Area Pow Wow was a turning point in Area III-C history, for it marked the end of III-C, but the beginning of Section 1 of the Southeastern Region. The Conclave, as it was to be called from now on, was a tremendous success in several ways for Blue Heron. The dance team from Elizabeth River placed second in group competition and Blue Heron's display "Indian Affairs" as one of the best ever assembled as it took first place. Blue Heron also produced the Saturday night program, as well as participating in the training course the entire weekend. Tom Webb was elected as the first SE-1 Section Chief. |
|||
At the 1974 Conclave, the Blue Heron Lodge newsletter, The Drumbeat, was named as the best newsletter represented. That same year, Pipsico's Ranger, Keith Cichorz, was inducted into our Lodge. The Lodge also held its fourth Christmas Banquet in December and in that same month; Bruce Sanders was elected SE-1 Section Chief. |
|||
In 1975, the first Section Indian Affairs Seminar was held, and the Blue Heron Lodge sent a delegation to represent the Lodge. At the Seminar, the Lodge took third place in the Group Dance competition; Jim Dunlop took the number one position in the Old Style Solo Dancing. At the 1975 Conclave, the Lodge won first place in the Better Camp Promotion competition. The Drumbeat gained an honorable mention in the newsletter competition. Bruce Sanders, was elected South Eastern Region Chief. A delegation attended our mother lodge Octoraro's 48th Annual Banquet. That year was also a National Conference year; the Lodge sent 21 delegates to the Conference. The Fifth Annual Christmas Banquet was held that year at the Portsmouth Moose Lodge. |
|||
In 1976, Dale McCann was elected Section Chief. At the Conclave, the Lodge once again took first place in Camp Promotions; The Drumbeat received another honorable mention. The Lodge was awarded a certificate from the council in "Appreciation for Outstanding Service" to Pipsico Scout Reservation. Once again, the Lodge was living up to the high ideal of "cheerful service." PAVAB Chapter received a similar certificate. The 30th Anniversary Fellowship was held in the fall of 1976. At the Fellowship, the Blue Heron Bowl was dedicated to "Uncle Chuck" Stein for his unselfish service to the Lodge. The annual business meeting at the Fall Fellowship was the time that Uncle Chuck stepped down as Lodge Lay Advisor. The 30th Anniversary Christmas Banquet was held at the Norfolk Moose Lodge. |
|||
In 1977, work continued on the Blue Heron Bowl and camp improvements. The Lodge hosted the 1977 Conclave at which both The Drumbeat and our camp promotions efforts earned the Lodge honorable mention. The Lodge has some 29 delegates attend the Conclave. At the Indian Seminar, Mike Walton received first place in the Indian Dancing. The Lodge also received fourth place in the Group Dancing, and third place in the Pow Wow. The event was attended by 44 delegates from the Lodge. The Lodge also sent a delegation to Chanco's 25th Anniversary Fellowship, and a delegation also attended Octoraro's Lodge Banquet. |
|||
In 1978, the Lodge sent a delegation to the conclave, hosted by Kecoughtan Lodge, to join with the co-founder of the Order, E. Urner Goodman. The Lodge also hosted the SE-1 Indian Seminar, at the Little Creek Amphibious Base Norfolk, Virginia. Our Brothers also participated in our Annual Fall Fellowship and Christmas Banquet. |
|||
In 1979, the Lodge was very proud to be able to raise $1,000.00, which was donated to the Tidewater Council to be used for Camping Promotion. The Lodge did not send a delegation to the National O.A. Conference at Fort Collins, Colorado, but one of our Brothers was able to attend. The Lodge did hold a successful Fall Fellowship and Christmas Banquet. |
|||
During 1980, the Lodge participated in the SE-1 Conclave and also held the annual Fall Fellowship and Christmas Banquet. At the 1981 Conclave, the Lodge won first place in volleyball competition and the thirty-five (35) delegates to the Conclave enjoyed the weekend at Camp Rock Enon. Our Lodge was not able to send a delegation to the National O.A. Conference in Austin, Texas, however, one of our Brothers, Danny Phillips, was able to attend and took first place in the 6K NOAC Run. 1981 was the 35th Anniversary of the Lodge and at the Fall Fellowship; a special designed octagonal back patch was available to all members in attendance. The back patch is similar to our standard back patch, but with a white border and the words, "35th Anniversary" embroidered in the field. 1981 was also the 10th Anniversary of our Christmas Banquet, which was held at the Azalea Gardens Moose Lodge in Norfolk. That summer, at the 1981 National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, the lodge introduced a special flap not for uniform wear, but for trading. |
|||
January 1, 1982 was a turning point in SE-1 history. For that date marked the end of Section SE-1, which was divided into two new sections 8 and 9. Blue Heron Lodge now is in Section SE-8. However, in April 1982, 35 delegates attended the last SE-1 Conclave on Rodney Scout Reservation. Our team won first place in the Camp Promotion Competition and The Drumbeat took third place in the Newsletter Competition. The old SE-1 divided to retain offices, in order to complete their planned program during the 1982 season. Gary Brinn was elected as Secretary for the 1982 year. Later that summer, the Lodge sent a delegation to the National Leadership Seminar at Wake Forest University. In the fall of 1982, SE-1 continued its program with an Indian Seminar at Camp Powhatan with the Blue Heron Lodge Dance Team taking first place and Scott Staley taking second place in the individual dance category. The Lodge Ceremonial Team also received a third place finish in that competition and Jack Markowitz received third place for the pre-ordeal in the individual competition. Also in 1982, the Blue Heron initiated a Lodge Honor Patch which was first presented to those brothers who qualified at the 1982 Christmas Banquet, at the Portsmouth Moose Lodge. The Lodge also held a very successful Fall Fellowship at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation. |
|||
In 1983, Jerry Pifer was elected as Section Chief for SE-8. The Lodge also sent a contingent to the National O.A. Conference at Rutgers University and of the Treasure Island Encampment the weekend prior to the Conference. A number of our brothers were participants in the O.A. Show, including Bruce Sanders, Carl Luckert, Robbie McGhee, William Thompson, Billy Knox, Gene Phelps, Bill West and Brad Shaw. During the year 1983, under the leadership of our Historian, William A. Thompson, III, the O.A. Museum was relocated from the second floor to the Colgate Darden Room on the first floor of the Manor House. All exhibits were reworked and enlarged, with the grand opening on September 12, 1983, during the Fall Fellowship. Two of the original members were present for the occasion. Wayne A. Everett cut the official ribbon and A.G. Buckwalter (First Lodge Chief) made presentations of his peace pipe and Vigil bonnet to the museum. The Lodge also held its Annual Christmas Banquet at the Portsmouth Moose Lodge. The Banquet was attended by approximately 200 Arrowmen. |
|||
In 1984, a delegation of 48 Arrowmen attended the SE8 Conclave at Camp Rock Enon. Brothers particularly enjoyed carving a totem pole which was permanently erected in camp. Jerry Pifer was re-elected Section Chief and Si Simons became the Section Adviser. This year also marked the beginning of a significant move from Chapter conducted ordeals to combined Lodge Ordeals. Unit Elections and Tap Out ceremonies would still be conducted on a chapter basis. During 1984, the Lodge approved the use of a new honor flap to be worn by Brotherhood and Vigil members. This flap is similar to our original flap, except it has a white border. Also that year, all restrictions were removed on the purchase of member flaps, except that Ordeal members may not buy the honor flap. The 1984 Fall Fellowship was one of the best attended in Lodge history. With outstanding competition in volleyball, tug-of-war, greased pole climbing and ceremonial team competition with archery and rifle shooting on an individual basis. Good fellowship was enjoyed by all. Jeff Irving stepped down as Lodge Adviser and Bill West was appointed as the new Adviser. |
|||
The Christmas Banquet was held at the Portsmouth Moose Lodge, with Charlie Sullivan (National O.A. Committee member) as the guest speaker, and the Miss Blue Heron Pageant which had been held in alternating years. To raise funds the maintenance of Camp Kiwanis, Blue Heron Lodge's 1985 Chief, Ray Phelps, started selling stock in the "Kiwanis Maintenance Association." The Lodge also sold candy bars to raise funds for the new summer camp planned for Camp Lions. Forty-one Arrowmen attended the 1985 SE8 Conclave at Camp Siouan. Brothers learned much from the training sessions on camp promotions, unit elections, communications, costuming, ceremonies, induction and lodge officer training. William A. Thompson, III was elected Section Secretary. After six chapter Ordeals in the Spring, brothers of the lodge had a busy summer. Many went to the Nation Jamboree, at Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia with a special Jamboree flap to trade. Other brothers joined with two members of Kecoughtan Lodge and four from Tutelo Lodge to attend the first National Order of the Arrow Philmont Trek. Paul Eddy, Gene Phelps, Paul MacDonald, Bill McClung, Randy Mosely, Rue Stuteville, Lee Walters and Bill West had a great time on the van trip out and back, as well as hiking the trails. The 1985 Fall Fellowship and Lodge Fall Ordeal were held at Camp Kiwanis with good attendance at both. We completed the year with the Christmas Banquet at the Portsmouth Moose Lodge. Bob Cree, the new Supreme Chief of the Fire, was the guest speaker. |
|||
1986, the 40th Anniversary of Blue Heron Lodge, was a great year. Blue Heron began the year with the first Lodge Freeze-o-ree at Pipsico. In prior years we had Chapter Freeze-o-rees. This was the first year of the Powhatan Chapter, which was formed from the merger of Nottoway and Ski-Co-Ak Districts. In the spring, we issued two new flaps with light gray blue herons on them, one with a red border and the other with a white border. The basic design remaining the same. The Lodge also sent a delegation to the 1986 National Order of the Arrow Conference at Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The big event for the year was the Fall Fellowship with games, movies, bead and feather work, teepees and fun for all. Twelve of the past Lodge Chiefs attended the fellowship. Also our Section Chief and a delegation from our Mother Lodge, Octoraro, were in attendance. The Lodge received a print of a blue heron from the Council President for their Pledge of over $5,000.00 to the Camp Lions Building Fund. The 1986 Conclave at Camp Powhatan was held in October because of fire danger during April. Forty-two Arrowmen from the lodge attended and Blue Heron took first place in volleyball and publications. Blue Heron started work on the clearing of camp sites for new Camp Lions during the Fall Ordeal. Our booth for the Scout Show was set up to show the Council the design for the new camp buildings. We ended the year with our Christmas Banquet at the Portsmouth Moose Lodge. At the Banquet, we presented our first Founder Awards to Nick Cordovana and Wayne Everett. |
|||
During 1987 the major work of the Lodge was in Camp Lions. Each Chapter selected a troop site to clear and all Ordeals took place in Camp Lions working to clear sites. Under the direction of Percy Hughes, we started to rebuild the Chapel. Work days were held one weekend each month. Merrimac designed two Chapter flaps to sell as a fund raiser for the Camp. These flaps were copies of the original flap, only they had silver and gold borders. The SE8 Conclave was held at Camp Chickahominy and even with a weekend of rain, we still had good training sessions and were able to provide a totem pole for the Camp. David Shapiro was elected Section Chief. |
|||
Twelve brothers attended the National Leadership Seminar in High Point, North Carolina at High Point College. The Lodge completed 1987 with its annual Fall Fellowship at Camp Kiwanis and Christmas Banquet at Currituck County High School, Barco, North Carolina. |
|||
1988 was a busy year in the history of Blue Heron Lodge. We changed the Freeze-o-ree to a winter camping month, where any troop, when camping during the month, could purchase a patch. The Lodge worked most weekends during the first five months of the year, as there was much to be completed before summer camp was ready. The Lodge also spent over $12,000.00 on the new camp, including the rebuilding of the Chapel, building the Fire Ring, new flag poles, a sound system for the new Dining Hall, power and water to the Fire Ring and reworking the Harold V. Pace O.A. Shelter, as well as working under the leadership of John Barnes on the new tent platforms. Not only did the Lodge help build the new summer camp, but we hosted the 1988 SE-8 Conclave in our new camp, in April. Building a totem pole for camp during the Conclave was also accomplished. The Lodge took first place in volleyball. The Lodge was very proud to have past National Chief Jeff Moser as our guest for the weekend. Six brothers attended the National Order of the Arrow Conference in Fort Collins, Co. |
|||
After a busy year, it was nice to have fund at the Fall Fellowship in our new camp. Bill West stepped down as Lodge Adviser, turning the job over to William A. Thompson, Jr. In 1989, Blue Heron Lodge sent a delegation of more than 80 people to Camp Brady Saunders for SE-8 Conclave, hosted by Nawakwa Lodge. Our members helped to carve an Order of the Arrow totem pole for the camp and won the volleyball competition. Linwood Phelps was elected Section Chief. The Lodge held two very successful Ordeals and inducted over 150 new members. Swelling the membership to over 825 people for the first time in many years. The Fall Fellowship was well attended with a new set of Lodge rules being approved, after much debate. The Christmas Banquet was held for the first time at the Webb Center at Old Dominion University. |
|||
1990 was a big year for Blue Heron Lodge, as well as being the 75th Anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. In April Blue Heron sponsored an Indian Pow Wow with many Native Americans, other lodges and a huge turnout by members of Blue Heron. This event will last in the memories of many of our Brothers for decades to come. Blue Heron sent 25 delegates to the National Order of the Arrow Conference at the University of Indiana. Our brothers combined with 18 Brothers from Shenshawpotoo Lodge and rode the bus to Bloomington, Indiana. We were proud to have one of our brothers, Si Simons, receive the Distinguished Service Award. He is the third in our lodge to be recognized for this honor; Bruce Sanders and Tom Webb received this award, in recognition of their service, as youths. In addition many of our Brothers received the 75th Anniversary Award and wear the pocket ribbon with pride. In November of 1990 Bill Thompson stepped down as Lodge Advisor and Si Simons stepped in to serve for the 2nd time as Lodge Adviser. The Lodge held its annual Banquet with our Brothers in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The Lodge also became an Honor Lodge for the first time in many years. |
|||
1991 was an active year for the Lodge with a large emphasis being placed on summer camp. After much recruitment, our staff contained 4 past Section Chiefs and Jeff Posey, the National Vice Chief. The camp had the largest turnout we had had since it reopened. The Lodge helped two Ordeals and returned to Old Dominion for our Annual Banquet. The Fall Fellowship celebrating our 45th Anniversary was attended more than 300 people including National O. A. Chief Clint Takeshita and Representatives from 4 other lodges including our Mother Lodge. The weekend included a spectacular show with a slide history of the Lodge from the first Ordeal through the present weekend. The show was chaired by Brian Gregson, who was elected as our Lodge Chief at the end of the weekend. |
|||
Participation was the goal of the Lodge in 1992. The Lodge Chief made a large wooden plaque to honor the Chapter of the Year. Attendance was recorded at each event and reported at monthly Executive Boards. The race was very close during the year, but Elizabeth River Chapter won in the end. With the emphasis being on attendance, the events were all very well attended. Curtis Gibbs and Billy Hutchings received the Founders Award at the Annual Banquet. The Manor House, at Pipsico, was given to a descendant of one of the original owners of the property and he disassembled it and moved it during the year. The Museum was removed and placed in storage until a new Museum could be built at Pipsico. Mike Coley was chosen as the new Lodge Adviser. He assumed his position at the Fall Fellowship. |
|||
1993 started out on a very sad note for the Lodge. Our immediate past Chief, Brian Gregson disappeared in a surfing accident on January 10, 1993. The Lodge, after much consideration, decided to set up a memorial fund to build a new museum and Welcome Center at Camp Pipsico. The project was Chaired by Past Chief John Boggs with Bruce Sanders serving as Adviser. The Lodge decided to raise funds, at first by selling patches and started with The Gregson Baby Blue Flap. |
|||
The start of 1994 saw Blue Heron Lodge leave Section SE-8 and move on to Section SR-7. We regretted to loose many of the Lodges we had been with for so many years, but welcomed the new Lodges in North Carolina which formed our Section. Gerald Winfred served as a Vice Chief of the newly formed Section. When the Lodge was not holding events or working on camp, the time was spent raising funds for the new Gregson Center. The moon patches became real collectors’ items in 1994. At the National Order of the Arrow Conference, the Lodge received permission from the Miss Teenage American Pageant to issue a special flap in her remembrance at the 1994 NOAC. This became the hit of the Conference and was traded by everyone, particularly those signed by Miss Teenage America. |
|||
During 1995 it appeared that our goal of raising $100,000.00 to build the Gregson Center would be a reality. One of our past members, Jim Bergdoll, who was located in San Francisco at the time, provided a design which was sent to and approved by the Council Properties Committee. Also a program was started to have an Eagle Wall of Honor in the center which would be based on contributions by individuals. Matt McIvor took over the Chairmanship of the Gregson Memorial Fund when John Boggs became an adult. Near the end of the year we finally received all approvals and construction began on the Brian Gregson Center. The Lodge also continued its work days at camp and served lunches to anyone who was willing to come up and work on each of the work days, including the Free-o-rees. For the first time the Lodge started a March Ordeal to induct new members. This was started in order that we may induct members for the Conclave that we would host in 1996. |
|||
1996 was an outstanding year in the Lodge history. We opened the year by hosting over 1200 guests in Camp Pipsico for the 1996 Cardinal Campaign. The Conclave was Co-Chaired by Matt Tucker and John Talton, under the advisership of Jeff Irving and Lodge Chief Ike Tucker. Everyone had great fun and the new Section was very impressed with the Lodge's preparation and Shows. In April of 1996 the National Bulletins cover story was about the Gregson Center. They called the project the single largest service project to Scouting ever accomplished by an Order of the Arrow Lodge. The figure for the construction has risen to a $105,000.00 at the time of construction. The Grand Opening and Dedication for the Center was held at the Fall Fellowship with the Museum now in place. 1996 was a year long celebration of the Lodge's 50th year. The Lodge continued to hold 3 Ordeals inducting over 200 new members. The Lodge also did major service projects to camp holding six work days, including the Freez-o-ree. The climax of the year was the Fall Fellowship where many of our past members and Lodge Chiefs returned to celebrate with us. The Lodge had a new black neckerchief with gold arrows, a 50th Anniversary Octagon, a gold bordered diamond and 2 50th Anniversary flaps to sell to the members at the Fellowship. Each active member was allowed to buy only one of these items. In the middle of the year Region decided to bring the other lodges in the State of Virginia into Region 7, but divide the Region into 2 parts with Section SR-7A being primarily the State of Virginia and Section SR-7B being primarily the State of North Carolina. |
|||
1998 started off with a bang with the Lodge Leaders Development Course being held over a weekend on the USS Bataan. The Lodge attended the Conclave where it won the Spirit Award for the first time. The three Ordeals allowed the camp to receive the benefit of many service hours and improvements. The Section also went under realignment during the year. The last and most memorable even in 98’ was the Dedication of the Charles Lloyd Ceremonial Ring, at the Fall Fellowship, where Chairmen Glen Adams conducted the dedication in front of his fellow arrow-men and the Lloyd family. |
|||
1998's LLDC was held at Dam neck Naval Base. All those that attended left with a plethora of knowledge. That April the lodge attended Conclave at Camp Bradi Sanders during the weekend members painted their faces blue, and carried strings of blue metal cans making noise and showing spirit. The lodge did very well in the ceremonies, and the sporting events. The big prize was the lodge retaining the Section Spirit Award for a second time in a row. Later that year tragedy struck the camp when the road into Camp Lions was washed out by the rising waters of the Lake. This forced the Fall Fellowship to be held in Camp Kiwanis. The lodge, never the less, held a very successful Fellowship where Elizabeth River was awarded the Chapter of the Year Award. Later on in December the Lodge held it’s annual Holiday Banquet, to celebrate all of its achievements and to look to what the new year had to offer. |
|||
Y2K brought many things to Blue Heron Lodge. A Freeze-o-ree provided service to Camp Pipsico by having over 1400 scouts attended. This was followed by three ordeals and several Beaver Day’s along with lots of fundraising the camp was made ready for the summer. The road was temporarily repaired and the camp reopened for camping. Later at the Section Conclave all eyes were turned to defending the Spirit award, where Blue Heron had a procession into the Saturday show dressed in togas, and Roman attire. The lodge retained the award once again and did well in the competitions. The lodge also held a successful Fellowship where Past Chief Chad Wacker ran for Lodge Chief and won yet again, becoming the first Chief to ever have two non-consecutive terms of office. |
|||
The Fifty-Fifth Anniversary of Blue Heron Lodge began at the Portsmouth Scottish Rite temple where Arrowmen met and were trained at the annual LLDC. The lodge held Freeze-o-ree setting another attendance record despite bad weather forecasts and prior snow. In March the first Ordeal was held and members and candidate alike worked hard to prepare the camp for the Section Conclave that the lodge would host at the end of April. The 2001 Conclave was held at Camp Pipsico, with over 800 participants taking part in the event. The lodge yet again retained its tile as the most spirited lodge in the section and had a second place finish in the Quest for the Golden Arrow. After Conclave the lodge set its goals for the rest of the year and looked forward to the 55th Anniversary which was approaching. The Lodge held its June Ordeal where the camp was prepared for the summer residents. Also the lodge broke ground on its newest project by digging the footers for the pump house. At Summer Camp over half of the staff were Arrow men which worked hard to give back what they had received. In August the lodge held its final Ordeal and broke down camp for the winter. The lodge also had members who participated in both staff and delegation at the National Jamboree. Finally the lodge looked to Fall Fellowship which was held in October. At the Fellowship the lodge celebrated it’s Emerald Anniversary through a weekend of fun and excitement and also the unavailing of a new patch. The new patch was a standard Octagon but with a green boarder and a 55th put on the bottom middle of the patch. Mike McCaughan was elected lodge Chief . |
|||
The year started off with an excellent LLDC chaired by Ben Ledger. At Section Conclave at camp Shenandoah, the lodge won for the 5th time in a row the Spirit Award. Not to mention, we awed the other lodges by “going Scot” (aka dressed up in kilts) for our Braveheart theme. In June, the lodge presented the newly completed pumphouse at Pipsico to Council. When NOAC hit Indiana University in July, the lodge was well represented both in its contingent and on staff. At the August Ordeal, the water main to the pumphouse broke, but that didn’t stop the lodge from putting on a good Ordeal. In September, 6 brothers attended the National Leadership Seminar in Brown Summit, North Carolina. A month later at the Fall Fellowship, 10 brothers received the Vigil Honor, among them our newly-elected lodge chief, Wes Sherman. The year finished off with the Holiday Banquet, at which Matt Goff received the Founder’s Award. |
|||
The 2003 lodge year started of with a great LLDC put on at Norview United Methodist Church on Saturday January 4th. The Freeze-o-ree was held and provided lots of needed service to the camp to help clean up after many ice storms over the winter. The pump house was finally finished at the end of summer and was dedicated to the members of Blue Heron Lodge at the Fall Fellowship. At the Fall Fellowship we had a low turn out mainly due to the recent Hurricane that swept through the area which will provide many service hours that will be needed up at camp. Wesley Parker was elected Lodge Chief and the business meeting that Sunday. |
|||
Much of 2004 was spent repairing the damage left by Hurricane Isabel. and JC Acosta Was elected lodge cheif at the 2004 Fall Fellowship. |
|||
In 2005 Blue Heron Lodge started www.tidewaterbsa.com/blueheron. A website where Lodge Members could get info on Lodge Events.Also at the 05 Fall Fellowship, Zack Gregory got Elected Lodge Cheif. |
In 2005 Blue Heron Lodge started www.tidewaterbsa.com/blueheron. A website where Lodge Members could get info on Lodge Events.Also at the 05 Fall Fellowship, Zack Gregory got Elected Lodge Cheif. |
||
Revision as of 18:06, 13 January 2008
| Blue Heron Lodge 349 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| File:BHL 349.jpg | |||
| Location | Virginia Beach, VA | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1946 | ||
| Lodge Chief | Preston Marquis | ||
|
| |||
| Website official website | |||
Blue Heron Lodge #349 is the local chapter of the Order of the Arrow affiliated with Tidewater Council, BSA, in Virginia Beach,Virginia, USA. Blue Heron Lodge #349 supports Pipsco Scout Reservation, including Camps Lions,Kiwanis,Rotary,and Powhatan with thousands of annual volunteer hours of service and multiple fundraisers throughout the year. The purpose of Blue Heron Lodge #349 is to support camping throughout Tidewater Council.
History Of Blue Heron Lodge #349
and JC Acosta Was elected lodge cheif at the 2004 Fall Fellowship.
In 2005 Blue Heron Lodge started www.tidewaterbsa.com/blueheron. A website where Lodge Members could get info on Lodge Events.Also at the 05 Fall Fellowship, Zack Gregory got Elected Lodge Cheif.
In 2006 Blue Heron Lodge Celebrated their 60th Annerversey with special patches and events the entire year.Also at the 06 Fall Fellowship, Jerry Kane was elected Lodge Cheif.
In 2007 Blue Heron Hosted the SR-7A Conclave with a part of the 400th Annerversey of Jamestown VA for the nighttime show and at the 07 Fall fellowship Preston Marquis was elected Lodge Cheif.