St Charles Boy Scout Troop One to Celebrate Historic 100th Anniversary
Troop One, B.S.A., St. Charles, Illinois, was the first Boy Scout Troop in St. Charles, and remains one of the oldest Troops in the nation. It was founded in 1913 by Mr. Karl Asplund. This was in the very early days of Scouting in America (the Boy Scouts of America itself was chartered in 1910) and most Troops in that era were associated with churches. However, Mr. Asplund wanted Troop One to be a place where boys of different faiths would all feel welcome. He had a special way with the boys, who enjoyed trips on the Fox River in his small boat.
In 1934, Troop One became chartered to American Legion Post 342 in St. Charles, and has remained with the Legion ever since. The American Legion has always been a strong supporter of Scouting nationwide. Many current and former business and civic leaders in town were members of Troop One when they were boys, including Zimmerman Ford founder Bill Zimmerman, former longtime Mayors Fred Norris, and Mayor Don DeWitte. The lives of countless young men through many generations have been influenced by their experiences in Troop One.
For many years the membership of Troop One varied between 10 and 25 scouts. But year in and year out, the percentage of Troop One Scouts reaching the rank of Eagle has been among the highest in the area. Under the leadership of former Scoutmaster Harry Stout, and current Scoutmaster Rich Markovich Troop One has become one of the fastest growing Troops in the Three Fires Council, with a roster of around 60+ boys. Troop Meetings are held either at the at St. Mark's Church next to the St. Charles Public Library or at Good Templar park during the summer. The Troop has a very active calendar including recent High Adventure trips to Alaska, Island Royale in Lake Superior, campouts, summer camp, and community service.
To commemorate the Centennial Troop One will hold a gathering of current and former Troop members on Saturday July 27th from 12 noon – 4:00pm at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center - 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles, Illinois. Lunch will be provided. Any former members interested in attending please contact Assistant Scout Master, Chris Jensen. (Chris.Jensen@sbcglobal.net) We are looking for former members interested in sharing their memories, mementos and stories of what their time with Troop One has meant to them.