Troop 30, which was born in the living room of its first Boy Scout in 1925, celebrated its 100th anniversary with some of its longtime members.
HOUSTON — One of Houston’s oldest scout troops celebrated a milestone on Saturday. Boy Scout Troop 30 originated at 508 Merrill, which has produced over 100 Eagle Scouts in its 100-year history.
On Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church in the Heights, current and former scouts joined together to mark the occasion with songs, speeches and a reflection on the troop’s history.
“Here we are together” was one of the many songs filling the banquet hall. Members described how much the troop meant to them.
“It’s an opportunity, right now I’m learning how to become a leader,” said Will Giesen, the senior patrol leader. He has helped the troop find community impact projects, which is just one part of their activities.
“We spend time with friends of Woodland Park doing cleanups, making sure we clean the bayous, we’re also working with a newfound group at friends of Moody Park,” said Jason Lewis, Troop 30 committee chair. He said the scouts also work with other nonprofits like the Houston Food Bank.
In between the awarding of badges, members got to hear from some of the troop’s oldest members.
Lawrence Wagenhauser, 92, was recognized for 80 years of service. Wagenhauser said he learned many scouting skills including knot tying and first aid, but one thing has stuck with him since his early days.
“I had a scoutmaster for many years that I replaced when he died, he taught me to do the best you can, whenever you can, and to always tell the truth,” Wagenhauser.
Those lessons are passed on to future generations, who have their own goals to accomplish.
“This is the next generation of America and I know this troop is preparing people to be some of the greatest citizens,” Giesen added.
Mayor John Whitmire offered a proclamation declaring Feb. 15 “Troop 30 Day.” Some of the troop’s contributions to Houston included helping farmers in north Houston by picking crops during World War II when labor was scarce.
The troop also has a history of Scouts with military service. John Carver was lost in the Battle of the Bulge, Mr. John Ditner was lost in the Korean War and Gen. Bruno Hochmuth was lost in Vietnam, according to the proclamation.