Internet keeps former local in touch
This morning, the day before Fathers’ Day, 2009, I enjoyed viewing David Keyes’ column about his humbling experience of being the subject of a “low bidder.” Reading the Daily Bee on the Internet from Portland, Maine, is just like living in the town I left so long ago. There can’t be many people left in the town that can boast about delivering Sandpoint’s first daily paper, the Daily Bulletin, when it was mimeographed in a small bulding on Second Avenue — and being one of the paper boys delivering it. The Bulletin era has become the present Bee, to the delight of many happy readers, local and “away.” The same building was the first meeting place of the new scout troop.
I have enjoyed Bob Gunter’s recent — and Hazel Hall, the town’s sweetheart. These three friends can remember early scouting, when Charlie Stidwell formed Troop 110 and became a “second father” to many of us who enjoyed his hikes and comradeship. Stern teacher, leader and principal that he was, he shaped our lives in many ways. He deserves being recognized with the town.
To those in scouting at present, it may be of interest to know a bit of history. I’m not sure just when I became a scout, skipping the Cub training. I am looking now at a copy of the fifth annual Patrol Leaders’ Convention program held in Spokane at the Lewis and Clark High School, Nov. 25, 26, 27, 1932. At the evening session of the first day at 7:30, after the opening at 7:15 with ‘Songs and Yells’ by Keith Sears, the first speaker was Harold Smith, “Troop 110, Sandpoint, on “The Scout Patrol in the Troop.” Harold, along with Bill Boies, Harold Bancroft and myself, were the first Eagle Scouts in the town. I still have the badge and sash in my possession.
I don’t travel anymore but at the age of 94 my memory is still fairly intact. Getting regular news via the Internet from Sandpoint and its attraction to new residents with the many interesting activities in the town, makes good daily reading here in Down East Maine.
DOUG GUY
Portland, Maine