The Boy Scouts at the Panama Canal

There was a soft section on the starboard bow that measured about 4 by 24 inches, that was removed and replaced with a similar wood to strengthen the area. In those days, the amount of patching with wood, let alone fiberglass and resin, was highly restricted and we had to have a race official confirm that the patch conformed to the rules of the day. The boat was much faster than the Bejuco, and it ran straight, but it was very tippy and took on water with the least bit of rocking or cross seas.

Surely that is when we came up with the dual bailer system.

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On the Friday of race day, March 21, , we loaded the boat onto its trailer and drove across the isthmus to the Panama Canal Yacht Club for the start of the race. There was only casual interest in our new boat, but no serious concern from our competition. We started well but promptly ran into a pier piling. After regrouping, we managed to make up time on the rest of the boats and when we hit the final leg to Gatun locks, we were in third and gaining steadily on the first and second place boats.

On Saturday morning, the day seemed more like rainy season, with flat calm seas and no breeze. What shall I do? Around the same corner from which the auto had appeared with such embarrassing results to its pretty young driver came three well-built lads. But his companions looked trained to the minute, brown-faced, lithe-limbed, radiating health and strength from their khaki-clad forms. All three wore the same kind of uniform, gaiters, knickerbockers, coats of military cut and broad-brimmed campaign hats.

In addition, each carried a staff. He ignored the red-faced, angry farmer, but took note out of the corner of his eye of Jared, who was peeping out at them from behind a shed. To himself he muttered: The girl turned gratefully to the newcomers. I only just bumped the animal, and there he is over there now fighting for his breakfast.

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The girl turned on the power and the three Boy Scouts shoved with all their might at the rear of the machine. It quivered, started, stopped, and then fairly dashed up on to the road. So quickly had it all been done that before the farmer could make a move the runabout was on the thoroughfare. The woman ran off the porch and in a few seconds a big, savage-looking bull dog came bounding out, showing his red fangs and white teeth.

The girl gave a little scream as the dog looked up at his master, apparently waiting an order to rush at the boys. Now turn on your power and get away. Seeing that it was useless to remain, the girl applied the power once more and the machine shot out of sight.

Canal Zone Scout leaders

Rob had been prepared for some such move as this. As the dog, with a savage growl, sprang forward, he brought his staff into play. There was a flash of the implement, a quick twist, and the astonished Towser found himself spinning backward in the direction from which he had advanced.

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As for that redoubtable animal, he stood by his master, his tail between his legs. They struck off briskly, as boys will when home is almost in sight and appetites are keen. The newcomer stopped his machine, nimbly alighted and gave the Scout salute, which the boys returned. The boys exchanged amused glances. Then Rob recounted the scene in front of the farmhouse.

He also introduced himself and his patrol mates. Fred Mainwaring, a fine-looking, curly-haired lad, appeared much diverted. After some more chat, during which Fred Mainwaring received a hearty invitation to visit the quarters of the Eagle Patrol in Hampton, the boys parted, very well pleased with each other. The young scouts of the Eagle Patrol already knew much about the Mainwaring family, Mr. Mainwaring having recently purchased an estate just out of Hampton.

The newcomer to the community was preceded by an almost world-wide reputation as a skillful engineer. During the course of their brief chat Fred had informed the boys that he and his sister were to accompany their father on the return voyage, Fred taking the position of secretary. Jared Applegate his name was.

The Boy Scouts at the Panama Canal

Had to fire him, though, for some sort of crooked work. You see, in a way I feel responsible. Jared, who was working as a stenographer and typewriter in New York, belonged to my troop. I liked him after a fashion, and got dad to make him his secretary. When dad got back from the Isthmus this time I asked about Jared and found out that he had been discharged.



This conversation took place on the roadside not more than a few feet from a stone wall which bounded the outlying fields of the Applegate property. Richard Chevelle, third row, far right, holding a walking stick used to be the scout leader for the sea explorers.



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If you look carefully in the photo some of the individuals have name tags. I saw Shelby, Rodgers and Bob. Two names visible on two walking staves are Shelley and Roger. Canal Zone Scout leaders: The symbol for it is the axe stuck in a log, identical to the one displayed in front.

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Most likely the National Scout Office in Texas can tell you when this took place and the names of all the participants. All leaders have troop 1 on their sleeve. This is the wood badge troop number. As near as I can tell all the leaders are wearing the wood badge beads issued upon completion of the course. This was the WoodBadge course held in Panama. I believe it was June it was for sure It was the same year the Panama Canal Council was dissolved.

I was in the Bobwhite patrol and became the outasight Bobwhites. I am the fourth one from the left on the third row. All four Bobwhites are Eagle Scouts.