Remembering the Staff

Boxwell Reservation, 1972

We continue to look at Boxwell Reservation staff this week, particularly 1972. 50 years ago Ward Akers was still the Council Executive and Ed Human was Reservation Director. Ittabeena was built for Akers, while Human’s family stayed at Murrey. We aren’t sure who ran Murrey in 1972, but everyone agrees the Kathy Howard ran the waterfront there. Garland Russell was in his second year as Program Director at Stahlman with Andy Russell as his Camp Director (again, a professional Scouter). At Parnell, David Farrar was Program Director and Vester Parsley, Jr. his Camp Director. Both camps were working through their second year under the “Commissioner System,” which essentially broke the Activity Yard into 4 smaller AYs and tied them to a different campsites. No one liked it. Bobby Smith was the Ranger and John Stewart ran the Ski Dock. The 1972 Capital Development Campaign was underway.

We have absolutely no staff photos from 1972. However, as an interesting side note, 1972 was the year VERY FIRST staff hat was used. And so, we present you with the first staff hat from the collection of John Stewart and a closer look at the patch from the personal patch collection of Q-ball Pearce.

1972 hat
The staff hat from the first year they were issued, 1972. Special Thanks to John Cyril Stewart for keeping an intact hat!
Staff Patch
An original, and slightly used, Boxwell Staff patch from 1972.

Boxwell History Presentations

Just a reminder: Grady Eades (the VirtualBoxwell guy) will be wrapping up his spring book tour on the history of Boxwell. These are the final presentations this spring, so now’s your chance to come see the show! There will be a presentation on the camp’s history with books for sale (and signing) afterward.

Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 5pm
Gallatin Public Library
Gallatin, TN

Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 7pm
Linebaugh Public Library
Murfreesboro, TN


Here’s a little local promotion from the Murfreesboro Voice:

https://www.murfreesborovoice.com/article/5880/linebaugh-hosts-local-author-grady-eades-for-author-event

Book Tour Speaking Event

Take note! Speaking event soon!

Grady Eades (the VirtualBoxwell guy) will be speaking about the history of Boxwell at several upcoming events. All are open to the public. Book sales and signings to follow!

Monday, April 18, Hendersonville Public Library, 6pm

Sunday, May 15, Williamson County Library in Franklin, 2pm

Thursday, June 2, Rutherford County Public Library in Murfreesboro, 7pm

Spread the word! Hope to see you there!

Site Update

We’ve updated the banner image. Below is the original. This is flag ceremony from Camp Craig in 1994. Left to right is Nathan Saunders, Jason Shumaker, and Scott Grantham, all Con-Yard Staff. Photo by Kerry Parker.

Flag Ceremony, Craig, 1994
Flag lowering ceremony at Camp Craig, 1994. L-R: Nathan Saunders, Jason Shumaker, Scott Grantham