Boy Scouts of Greer

Title

Boy Scouts of Greer

Description

Facts about scouting in the upstate, and specifically in Greer.

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The Scouts of America was founded in 1910. It operated out of one office in New York from 1910-1920, when they changed to leadership by local councils. The Blue Ridge Council, which oversees much of the upstate of South Carolina, was founded in 1923. However, as early as 1911 troops were appearing in the upstate.

Pete Holis oversaw activities for the YMCA in the upstate mill villages. He founded the first troop in Greer at Victor Mill around 1913.

Public Service of Scouts in Greer:
– In 1927 BA Bennett furnished a troop under scoutmaster BA Klutts with land to build a log cabin. The cabin was erected and used a scout facility; eventually it was donated to the city.
– BM Lanford served as a scoutmaster in Greer in the early 30s. Lanford also served as head of Greer's Civil Defense.

First four Eagle Scouts of Greer:
1926 – First Eagle Scout in Greer, Edmund Wroe
1927 – James Wroe
1939 – Gordon Smith
1940 – J. Verne Smith, who would go on to serve as state senator