Collectinginformation onBoyScouthistory

Hello once again. Another update on the progress of preserving our local Boy Scout history in our local museums.

Looking back at the past 10 years, I am amazed at how much we have been able to retrieve and preserve.

But, there are still so many old photos and documents that likely exist. They trickle in from time to time.

One of the highlights of the project for me this year had nothing to do with the South Okanagan. Rather it involved a Boy Scout shirt from the 1950s.

The story started in Hedley, moved to the coast, and ended in Wells.

Some of you gave me a lead to a retiree in Penticton who still had his shirt, complete with a large number of badges and other awards. The difference was the Group badge on the right shoulder: it said “1st Mount Sheer.”

If this means nothing to you, think of the relationship between Hedley and Nickel Plate. Somewhat similar situation as Britannia Beach. Mount Sheer was a community of miners living in a valley above the Britannia mine. How many shirts might still be out there with that Group badge? Probably none.

The Museum of Mining in Britannia Beach was delighted to add this to their collection for their summer exhibit about recreation in the early mining community. Special thanks to Bob R. in Penticton for finally allowing me to find a permanent home for something that he treasured.

I will be in the Valley Monday through Wednesday. I will be seeing several people already, but am always open to discussing the project. If you have questions or have discovered something that you think might have archival value, please email me at the above address or call/text me at 604-230-1053. My email is: thecompetition@telus.net.

Sometimes the most innocuous pieces of paper have tremendous significance.

I will be picking up some pictures from the 1950s which clearly show the defiant nature of Naramata Scouters (but only if you know the back story — and I do). Will be fun writing this one up.

Thanks for your interest in the journey.

Gerry Lamb, Interim Chair DYB South Okanagan Historical Group

Langley