Boy Scout Troop 1 Jeffersonville Indiana

An Outstanding Program of Activities

Boy Scout Troop 1 provides an excellent experience for boys and young men. It combines outdoor adventure with the skills of leadership and the opportunity to practice citizenship. Troop 1 has an active, vibrant program that challenges its members to do their best. The troop has been described as having a strong family atmosphere because of its strong emphasis on family participation and invovlement.

CLICK TO VIEW the Troop One Brochure

CLICK TO VIEW the Troop One History Brochure

History of Troop 1

Troop 1 has the proud heritage of being the oldest continuously operating Boy Scout Troop in the region. The troop was founded in early 1911 under the leadership of Homer M. Frank. The troop had the privilege of meeting Boy Scouting founder Baden Powell during his 1912 visit to Louisville. The troop provided service to the community and nation during World War 1 through its participation in the Libery Loan drives and other activities. In the 1920's through 1940's, the troop prospered under the leadership of Orville "Pete" Holmes. The troop was very instrumental in the development of the George Rogers Clark Area Scout Council in 1927 and the opening of the beloved Tunnel Mill Scout Reservation during the following year.

The time of the Great Depression was difficult for Troop 1 members, as it was for most citizens. Nevertheless, the troop continued a very active program even when it meant hiking 15 miles to get to camp. Cub Scouting began at the church in 1934 and continues even today. In 1937 troop activities were disrupted as a January "superflood" engulfed the community with flood waters reaching up to the second floor ceiling level og businesses, homes and churches. The troop helped in the community recovery from this disaster. In 1939 the troop roster included one very energetic and clever young man who would later gain international stature, 12-year-old Daniel Patrick Monyihan, became a member of the troop while staying with his grandmother. The young man would later grow to become a Harvard professor, the U.S. ambassador to the United States and a U.S.senator from the state of New York. The troop took part in many service projects during the second World War.

Following the conclusion of World War II, the Scouting program at Wall Street prospered with Cub Scouting, Sea Scouting, Exploring as well as Boy Scouting being offered to the youth of the community. The troop continued to have a very active program. In the 1970's Troop 1 won three straight Scout Fairs for best display, represented a quarter of the council contingent at the 1977 National Boy Scout Jamboree and was featured in Boy's Life Magazine. The 1980's and 1990's it was a Scouting program on the move. Trips to Chicago, Washington D.C., Colorado, the National Air Museum, the Huntsville Space Museum, and Canada were taken. The troop continued to produce Eagle Scouts on a regular basis. The associated Explorer Post was recognized as being the best program in the Midwest and swept all award categories in the early 1990's.

The troop has also produced many outstanding adult leaders. Adults associated with Wall Street United Methodist who have received the Silver Beaver award for their contributions to Scouting have included Homer M. Frank (first council award), Orville Holmes, Miarim Meyer (first female), Ron Brogan, David Evanzyck and Gary Purlee.

Today the troop continues to serve the youth of southern Indiana.

If you are interested in more information about the history of Troop 1 and Boy Scouting in southern Indiana, we highly recommend the book Tunnel Mill written by our own Gary Purlee.

OUR TROOP VIDEOS SECTION CONTAINS A GREAT DEAL OF HISTORY ABOUT TROOP ONE AND BOY SCOUTING IN SOUTHERN INDIANA. THERE ARE VIDEOS DATING BACK TO 1929 AND VERY RARE INTERVIEWS ARE IN THIS SECTION.IN ADDITION, TROOP ONE HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONALLY WELL DOCUMENTED WITH A SERIES OF FILMS, VIDEOS AND PHOTOGRAPHS SINCE 1976. WE ARE CONTINUING TO ADD TO OUR ON-LINE TROOP HISTORY IN PREPARATION FOR OUR 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. NEW MATERIALS ARE BEING ADDED ON A REGULAR BASIS.

Our Sponsor

Troop 1 has been blessed with an exceptional sponsor in the Wall Street United Methodist Church. The church has been the sole sponsor of the troop since 1911. In addition to Troop 1, the church has also sponsored Cub Scouting, Sea Scouts and Exploring over the year. Wall Street Church has been very active in the community and participates in a number of community projects including the Center For Lay Ministries, Repair Affair, Loaves and Fishes and other programs. The church has good programs for youth, men and women. The music program has been an exceptional ministry. Visitors are always welcome. Sunday services are held at 8:45 and 11:00 am. For further information, call the church office at (812) 282-9868 .