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A black-and-white picture of Boy Scout Troop 147 from 1915 still exists today. Little did the group know at the time that it was setting the foundation for a 100-plus years of history for future South Philadelphia scouts. The previous members may no longer be around to share their stories, but the currently involved individuals remain grateful of the path that was set for them a century ago.
Dan El Brown, 14, who is one of the 12 present members of Troop 147, is excited that he is going to be part of the April 19th 100th anniversary celebration taking place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St.
“I just feel pretty fortunate to be one of the lucky ones to be part of the 100th celebration,” the Northern Liberties resident said. “The other guys before us have a lot of dedication to do it for 100 years without missing a season.”
Fellow scout Dakota Elliott, 12, who is enjoying his second year with the troop sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church at 18th and Wolf Streets, is equally excited.
”I am pretty lucky to be here for the 100th anniversary,” the resident of 19th and McKean streets said. “Eventually we will celebrate a 200th anniversary for someone else to enjoy.”
Scoutmaster Chris Menna, a 2011 South Philadelphia Review Difference Maker, can provide a little bit more of a historical perspective as a result of spending more than three decades with the organization, dating back to 1980. He worked his way up the ranks, which included earning the highest honor as an Eagle Scout at the age of 18. The former resident of the 2100 block of South 18th Street is grateful for the life-altering experiences he has picked up over the years.
“My father wasn’t that big on the outdoors,” Menna said, “He would fix things. These people exposed me to the whole outdoor world and took me places. I had an additional set of outdoor fathers who shared a lot of time and knowledge with me.
“It helped me grow and develop and become successful like I am today.”
Lately, Menna, who volunteers his time with Troop 147, has been spending a lot of time finalizing the plans for next weekend’s open-to-the-public bash. Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children ages 6 to 16. The price includes a buffet along with beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee and tea. He balances the task with a full-time job as a structural engineer while making sure he still has plenty of time for his wife, who happens to be a Girls Scouts leader, and two children at their Roxborough home.
“It’s been probably two years in the making,” Menna said. “We are focusing heavily as it’s coming down to the wire. It has been a great experience.”
Behind the scenes, the 12-member troop continues to do its part to improve the quality of life in South Philadelphia. They have annual service days in FDR Park, Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, which has included cleaning the area and planting trees. They also help the needy by holding food drives around Thanksgiving and have cooked for such individuals. Those who have attended the city’s holiday festivities may have noticed Troop 147 marching in both the Columbus Day and Thanksgiving Day parades.
The group also dedicates a lot of time to learning core life skills that are included in the Scoutbook, including cooking, life saving, nature study and citizenship. At the same time, the youngsters learn about teamwork, self-confidence and leadership skills. Elliott and Brown approach life by following the Boy Scout Motto: “Always be prepared!” as well as the Boy Scout Slogan: “Do a good turn daily!”
The celebration is just the first phase of the 2015 celebration, as in July, the group will be heading to the Adirondack Mountains for a week-long journey in which Elliott said he is looking forward to enjoying a course on upper body strength. The trip will also include visiting the remaining sites of the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Brown, who followed in the footsteps of older brother Don El, who went on to become an Eagle Scout, has strong memories of his four years with Troop 147.
“It’s a great troop,” he said. “There are a lot of great adult leaders who make you feel like you are a part of a family.”
It’s one that was formed a very, very long time ago thanks to the founding leadership of Scoutmaster Peter H. Bower and troop committeemen Dr. John E. Scheid, Burton C. Simon and Rev. Frank M. Urich. Add the backing of Trinity, and the foundation the original leaders set has Troop 147 gearing up for its next 100 years of existence.
“Our goal is to continue to exist and remain competitive,” Menna said. “A lot of people are not aware we are in South Philly. It’s an opportunity to work in the community and be visible.”
Tickets must be purchased by April 14th. Call Tony Tangi at 215-334-1667 or e-mail [email protected]. For more info, visit 147bsa.org.
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at [email protected] or ext. 121.
The story of Boy Scout Troop 147 dates back to 1915, with this group of young men holding the distinction of being the organization’s original members.
Fast forward to present day, the current members of South Philadelphia’s oldest Boy Scout are excited about next week’s 100th anniversary luncheon.
Photos Provided by Chris Menna
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