The End of An Era
Last week we noted the “50 Years on the Lake” celebration in 2009. But 2025 has been a 50th Anniversary as well, though we haven’t much discussed it. In July 1975, the charges against Ward Akers unfolded. The investigation continued through the fall. Results were published in October and Akers announced his retirement in the wakes of the findings. December 1975 was the last month that Ward Akers served as Council Executive of Middle Tennessee Council.
Akers was Scout Executive from September 1947 through December 1975. In that twenty-eight year period, Boxwell moved from the Narrows to Rock Island to Old Hickory Lake. Summer camp expanded from a single camp to a reservation with five camps. Akers reorganized the Council and built up districts with district executives. Akers oversaw two of Scouting’s most successful capital campaigns, one in 1959 and one in 1972. These campaigns not only built Boxwell Reservation, but also Grimes Canoe Base and the Jet Potter Center. Under his watch, the Council hit its highest summer camp attendance and largest membership.
Ward Akers retired in December 1975. He would pass away in September 1981. He would never see the first staff Reunion or the first history of Middle Tennessee Council. But let there be no question. We are, by most measures, still living in Akers’ Council.
A photo of Council Executive Ward Akers and his dogs circa 1973. Akers served as Council Executive from 1947 to 1975 was responsible for not one, but two Boxwells–Rock Island and Old Hickory Lake. Collection of Lori Locke.
