For the Good of the Program: A Century of Middle Tennessee Scouting at Boxwell, 1921-2021
Have you ordered your history of Boxwell yet? The book contains history on all four Boxwell locations, maps, photos, and stories.
On reader of an early draft commented, “I will say that even though my family and I have no history with scouting, I found it to be a highly engaging exploration of how various moments in U.S. and local history during the last century are reflected through the lens of a local youth organization such as scouting.”
For the Good of the Program: A Century of Middle Tennessee Scouting at Boxwell, 1921-2021
Have you ordered your history of Boxwell yet? The book contains history on all four Boxwell locations, maps, photos, and stories. As explained by one former staff member from the Willhite era who read an early draft explained, “Reading through these chapters has been a pleasure. No matter which generation you belong to, reading this book will feel like sitting around the campfire with others from Boxwell’s history to tell stories, share experiences and what it means to wear the red hat. “
The book is available for pre-order until August 31, 2021 here: https://mtcbsa.doubleknot.com/event/a-century-of-middle-tennessee-scouting-at-boxwell-1921-2021-book-pre-order-cc120/2832417
On this day–Monday, July 13, 1925–on the very first day of camp for that week, a storm comes through the Linton Boxwell late in the afternoon. The Scouts take to their tents as is the safety protocol at the time. A branch was blown from a tree and fell on a tent, instantly killing one boy, Thompson Brown. Another Scout, Samuel Lackey, sustained serious injuries and died the following day at St.Thomas Hospital. Both Scouts were from Gallatin. While there have been other deaths at Boxwell, these are the only Scouts to ever have died on site during camp.
“Scout Camp Flag is At Half Mast,” Nashville Banner, July 15, 1925, pg. 6.
On This Day–Saturday, July 9, 1960–dedication ceremonies were held Boxwell Reservation on Old Hickory Lake. The preceding weeks had been a buzz of activity as professionals and camp staff alike worked to finish up the property for summer camp. Summer camp itself was already running by the time of the dedication ceremonies. Helicopter rides allowed guest to fly over the new reservation and “open house” visits of the property began at 1:30 p.m. James G. Stahlman of the Banner presided over the formal dedication ceremonies held at Stahlman, which began at 4pm. Over 1000 people attended the formal ceremonies, which included such luminaries as E. B. Stahlman, Rep. Carlton Loser, E. E. Murrey, and R. L Parnell. Telegrams were read from Governor Buford Ellington, former governor Frank Clement, Senator Albert Gore, Sr.,and Rep. Joe Evins. A quick “Boxwell Dew” briefly moved the festivities into the dining hall, but the events concluded outside. Four camps were dedicated: Stahlman, Parnell, Murrey, and Light.
One of the truly remarkable gems in the collection. This is an aerial photograph of the Opening Ceremonies at Boxwell, specifically Camp Stahlman, in July of 1960. Note that none of the roads are paved yet.
On this day–Monday, July 6, 1959–road construction on the “new” Boxwell at Old Hickory Lake began. The Tennessee Road Builders Association donated the labor and materials for the four miles and parking areas into the camp. This was a $75,000 in kind gift. The clipping below is from the Nashville Banner on that day.
