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Here's some more information on Buckskin
Lodge, taken from a series of handbooks produced for Lodge members.
Buckskin Traditions
From the 7th Edition of the Handbook -
May, 1974
Many Indian traditions are found in the
Buckskin Lodge, Order of the Arrow, because the Buckskin Sons of Wauwepex,
originally started by "Chief" Howard Covey and Irving "Southy"
Southworth, followed Indian Lore. The organization took its name from Dan
Beard's Buckskin Men. Because the Tab, Lodge Neckerchief, and Feather are
so rich and full of meaning, no Brother has ever traded them. For this
reason our Lodge is held in high esteem.
THE TAB - OUR TOTEM
The Tab that is still worn by
members of the Lodge today was the totem of the earlier organization. It
is the totem of the Buckskin Lodge. The Tab consists of a white leather
tab upon which is drawn a pine tree whose three points represent the
qualities of Trustworthiness, Service, and Self-Reliance. Upon the pine
tree is the superimposed profile of a wolf's head, standing for
Self-Reliance.
Many Brothers have the back of
their tab signed by their taskmaster, guide, Brotherhood Sponsor of anyone
else that they feel should sign it.
THE NECKERCHIEF
The Buckskin Sons wore a royal blue
neckerchief with a white stripe vertically down the back of it to
represent service. Our Lodge uses the same neckerchief except that a red
arrow is superimposed on the stripe, pointing over the right shoulder. It
symbolized the Order of the Arrow. The neckerchief is worn at all Order
events.
For attending National O.A. Conferences,
which are held every two years, a special neckerchief is designed. One
half is always gray and the other half is a different color for each
conference.
TRADING PATCHES
From time to time, the Quartermaster issues
trading patches. In 1960, the pocket flap was issued. It is worn on the
right pocket flap of the uniform and identifies you as a Brother from
Buckskin Lodge. The Jacket Patch, containing the Order of the Arrow
legend, is pictured on the back cover of the Handbook. The Buckskin Camp
patch is issued annually and the proceeds go to the Buckskin Camp at the
Onteora Scout Reservation.
THE FEATHER
A single white Squaw Feather was worn by
the Buckskin Sons at special camp functions to stand for service. Buckskin Lodge
members still wear the feather at Lodge functions where its
wearing is approved by the Chief.
The Buckskin Sons of
Wauwepex
The Buckskins of Camp Wauwepex came into
being in 1923, not as a society but as a part of the Camp Program for
those interested in Indian Lore. To be a member a Scout must have been a
three year camper and a First Class Scout. Like the Plains Indians, a
member had to earn the feathers for his bonnet and in order to do this a
Scout had to earn Merit Badges.
At the time, there was no camp society
recognized by the National Council and many councils had their own
requirements for membership. After several seasons, the interest in the
Indian Program was abandoned for a different program but the basic one was
not dead, and the Buckskin as Society were born.
As both Chief Covey and Southy had been
initiated into the Order of the Arrow at one of the National Conferences,
they used many of the ideas of the Arrow Program such as the Tapout and
the Ordeal. During these years, the National Council adopted the Order of
the Arrow as the official Camper Honor Society, but the Buckskins of
Wauwepex did not wish to change.
In 1948, the idea of making this change
over to the Order of the Arrow was discussed among members, both campers
and leaders. A committee was appointed to see how this could be done. The
committee met with the National Order of the Arrow Secretary who, after
hearing them, said that "Inasmuch as our Ordeal was similar to that
of the Order, we could become the Buckskin Lodge after going through an
initiation ceremony." The Nassau County Council's Camper Honor
Society, the Buckskin Sons, became the Buckskin Lodge No. 412 of the Order
of the Arrow in 1949.
Fourteen Buckskin Sons were inducted at the
Area 2-A Conclave held at Camp Manhattan of the Ten Mile River Scout Camps
on September 3, 1949. The Tap-Out ceremony was presented by the Ranachaqua
Lodge of the Bronx and the Shu-Shu-Gah Lodge of Brooklyn presented the
Pre-Ordeal. The Ordeal Ceremony was put on by Man-A-Hattan Lodge of the
Manhattan Council.
Original Manuscript Was
Written By Irving (Southy) Southworth
Our Past Lodge Chiefs
....
and their Administrations
From the 50th Anniversary Edition - December, 1999
BOB HAYES
September 3, 1949 - August 31, 1950
When the Buckskin sons of
Wauwepex joined the Order as the Buckskin Lodge, Bob Hayes became our
first Lodge Chief. During his administration, the Lodge held its first
Ordeal Ceremony at the Harkness Training Center and about 100 Buckskin
Sons were inducted. The Buckskin Gate was the first Ordeal project of the
Lodge. Bob led the Buckskin Lodge delegation to its first National Order
of the Arrow Conference held at the Indiana University in Bloominton,
Indiana, on August 29-31, 1950. Dr. E. Urner Goodman, founder of the Order
of the Arrow, presented the Order of the Arrow leadership medal to Bob
when Bob retired as Lodge Chief.
HENRY SCHNEIDER
September 1, 1950 - August 31, 1951
During Henry Schneider's administration, it
was decided to make Allowat Sakima's ceremonial bonnet all white.
Council-wide activities, such as service at Scouter's Dinners, polo
matches,
etc., were included in the Lodge's service projects. The first Brotherhood
ceremony of the Lodge was held. At the first annual Buckskin Banquet, held
on December 28, 1950, at the Harkness Training Center, the Lodge was
privileged to have as its guest speaker Dr. E. Urner Goodman.
BILL HARPER
September 1, 1951 - August 31, 1952
The "Bylaws" were
changed to create the offices of Junior and Senior Lodge Chief. The
Executive Committee then included six members: Lodge Chief, Junior and
Senior Lodge Chiefs, Lodge Advisor, Treasurer, and Secretary. It was the
last time elections for Ordeal members were held in camp, and the last
time for voting Ordeal members into Brotherhood. The Lodge established its
first permanent ring site at Camp Wauwepex. The Buckskin Tab first
appeared in the form of a mimeographed newsletter. Sheepskins started to
build the Wauwepex Amphitheater. A delegation of 23 Brothers attended the
National Conference at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
DICK SCHAEFER
September 1, 1952 - March 31, 1954
During Dick's administration, there was a
change in the Executive
Committee so that it included a Lodge Chief, Little Lodge Chief,
Treasurer, Recording and Corresponding Secretaries, and Lodge Advisor. A
new Brotherhood procedure was established. A record of one hundred
Brothers attended the 1952 Banquet. The First Home Troop Elections were
held in 1953. Many new committees were formed. The election of Lodge
Officers was changed from September to the Spring weekend; thus Dick was
in office for 18 months. In 1953 the Lodge sent representatives to the
Area 2-A conclave as well as the National Conference in Wyoming. Irving (Southy)
Southworth was presented with an Indian Headdress and Breastplate made of
$400 in bills (real money!). All of the Past Lodge Chiefs attended the
1953 Banquet.
BILL SCOLLAY
April 1, 1954 - March 31, 1955
Bill's administration saw 80
Ordeal members inducted and 30 Arrowmen receive Brotherhood. For the
first time in the history of the Lodge, a Vigil Honor induction was held
and Dave LeFebre, Ken Quick, Leroy Brown, Irving Southworth, and Doug
Mathewson were called out. On August 26, 1954, four members of Buckskin
Lodge started out for Laramie, Wyoming and the 38th Anniversary O.A.
Conference. The annual Banquet was held at Christ Evangelical Lutheran
Church, Freeport, with Doug Mathewson and Troop 36 doing the cooking. The Frontier
Division of Wauwepex was to be open for the first time in 1955 along with
the opening of Onteora Scout Reservation. The Brotherhood procedure was
changed, conforming to the National procedure.
DICK WARD
April 1, 1955 - August 31, 1956
During Dick's administration, amendments to
the "Bylaws" stated that officers would be elected in the
spring, but that they would not assume office until the following fall.
Thus, Dick was in office for eighteen months. At summer camp the Lodge was
subject to the largest influx of Ordeal Members it had ever seen. The
Dance Team did extensive work at the summer camp fire. At Wauwepex, the
amphitheater was enlarged. The Sagamore ring was used for the first time
for Ordeal Ceremonies. For the first time the Lodge used call-outs. There
was a change in the Brotherhood procedure.
RAY KLAUSEN
September 1, 1956 - August 31, 1957
Ray was elected as Chief at the Spring
Weekend of 1956, but under the new procedure, he didn't take office until
four months later. The new policy required each Lodge officer to undergo a
period of training before formally taking office. Ray led 32 Buckskins to
the National Conference at Indiana University in August, 1956. Further
progress was made with the Camp Wauwepex ceremonial ring. Permanent seats
and carved candelabrums were installed. The Lodge established a ceremonial
ring and ceremonial teams at Onteora. An Orientation Committee was
established to acquaint new members with the procedures of the order.
DICK HARPER
September 1, 1957 - August 31, 1958
The Buckskin Lodge was host for the Area
2-A Conclave held at Camp Wauwepex during the first month of Dick's term
of office. George Smalling was elected Area 2-A Vice Chief. A feature of
Dick's administration was informal Executive Committee meetings which
alternated with regular meetings, and which proved very successful. The
annual Banquet was held December 30, 1957, at the South Shore Inn. Dick established the new Policy Committee which then revised the
"Bylaws" concerning the Home Troop Election procedure, new
officers taking office, and the various duties of the Lodge Officers. In
August, 1958, nineteen Brothers represented the Lodge at the National
Conference in Lawrence, Kansas.
LEO KANAWADA
September 1, 1958 - August 31, 1959
During Leo's administration the
Constitution was revised with new "Rules and Regulations" and
the Lodge Handbook was finalized and issued. Dues of one dollar ("one
Buckskin") per member made the Lodge self-supporting with 559
Brothers paying 1959 dues. The Lodge had an important part in an
exceptional Scouting presentation at the Mineola Fair. The first OA totem
pole was erected at the Onteora Scout Reservation. The new trading patch
was selected.
DOUGLAS SCHMIDT
September 1, 1959 - August 31, 1960
During Douglas' administration, Buckskin
Lodge sent 45 Brothers to the Area 2-A Conclave held at a camp of
Noteeming Lodge. Our Lodge was in charge of all discussion groups and held
the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony. Dennis Langley from our Lodge was elected Area
Chief. The Buckskin Dance Team won first place and retained the
"coon" skin. Buckskin Lodge at Camp Wauwepex burned down and it
was rebuilt by the end of the summer in 1960. The Lodge issued the new
pocket trading patch.
THOMAS HALDMAN
September 1, 1960 - June 30, 1961
In Tom's administration, the Lodge
Brotherhood method was changed. Instead of sending letters to those active
10 months or more, an invitation was put in the TAB for the benefit of
those who had fulfilled the requirements. Those interested in sealing
their vows sent in the required letter. The date of Lodge administration
transfer was changed from September 1 to July 1. Because of this, Tom was
in office for ten months. A record of 400 Arrowmen attended the Wauwepex
Fall Weekend. On June 4th and 5th, 76 Brothers represented the Lodge at the Area
2-A Conclave held at Camp Baiting Hollow, in Suffolk County. 400 Brothers
were inducted into the Lodge, largest of any year to date.
ROBERT CANCRO
July 1, 1961 - June 30, 1962
Bob led 20 Buckskins to the 46th
Anniversary National Conference held at Indiana University from August
21-24. Brotherhood procedure underwent another major change, with all
reviewing of applications discontinued. Early in 1962, the very successful
"Where to Go" Camping booklet was published. It included information on
places to see, visit, camp, or hike in the New York, New Jersey, and Long
Island area.
MORTON SCHWARTZ
July 1, 1962 - June 30, 1963
An astounding total of 450 Buckskins
attended the OSR Fall Weekend. A gift of $300 was given to construct a
program shelter in the JLTC Program Area at Onteora. More than 770
Buckskins attended the 13th Annual Banquet. The Buckskin Tab as of April,
1963 had been changed. A better grade of paper, photo-offset printing, and
type reduced to two-thirds of its original size were being used. Fifty
Buckskins attended the Area 2-A Conclave. The Buckskin Chorus and Dance
team performed at the Long Island Fair. The Camp Wauwepex Ordeal Ring was
dedicated to Hector A. Donderi.
THOMAS BLIGH
July 1, 1963 - June 3, 1964
Tom led 15 Bucksins to the 48th Anniversary
National Conference at the University of Illinois. Our Headbands and
Feathers brought praise and exclamation from all those who saw them. A new
attendance record was set when over 500 Brothers attended the OSR Fall Weekend
and a record was also set at the 14th Annual Buckskin Banquet. A gift of
$550 was given to the Council for the purchase of row boats to be used at
the Council camps. The Buckskin Amphitheater Monument was erected at Camp
Wauwepex on the Spring Weekend where it served as a memorial to departed
Brothers.
VICTOR LAMBERT
July 1, 1964 - June 30, 1965
Many Buckskin Lodge Brothers attended the
National Jamboree at Valley Forge and heard an address by Dr. E. Urner
Goodman at the OA Pow-Wow. Dick Blauvelt, who had served in the Council
since 1949 as Scout Executive, retired and Donald W. Teisberg took up the
reigns of leadership. Some of the most important changes in the
"Bylaws" and "Rules and Regulations" were: (1) There
would be two Little Lodge Chiefs; (2) Mail-in ballots would be used in
elections, and (3) The Nominating Committee would put up a ballot of
officers instead of a slate. The Buckskin Lodge Handbook was reprinted.
The first Hootenanny was held in February, 1965. Many Brothers began work
on the 50th Anniversary Award. An OA Training Course was held at Schiff
Scout Reservation. Buckskin Brothers served as guides in addition to
running booths at the Scout cavalcade. Buckskin Lodge was honored and
privileged to run the first Ordeal of the Arawak Lodge in the Virgin
Islands in 1965.
KEN WESTERBERG and ED
ALBINSKI
July 1, 1965 - May 31, 1966
Ken led thirty-two Buckskins and three members of the
Arawak Lodge to the 50th Anniversary National Conference held at Indiana
University. 58 Brothers earned the 50th Anniversary Award. Over 950
Arrowmen attended the Sixteenth Buckskin Banquet. A gift of $800 was made
to the Council for purchasing rowboats at Wauwepex and furnishings in the
Health Lodge at Onteora. The Lodge Jacket Patch was issued. We were
accepted back into Area 2-J and a delegation attended the Area Training
Conference held at Ten Mile River. On the ides of March, Lodge Chief Ken
Westerberg was called to serve a larger organization - the U.S.
Army. Little Lodge Chief Ed Albinski was selected to finish out Ken's
administration as Chief. Extensive changes were made in the
"Bylaws" and the "Rules and Regulations." The date of
inauguration of officers was changed from July 1 to June 1. The Fourth
Edition of the Buckskin Lodge Handbook was printed.
TONY SALERNO and BILL
BEHRER
June 1, 1966 - May 31, 1967
Under Tony's administration, Buckskin Lodge
hosted the Area 2-J Conclave at Ten Mile River Scout Camp and 45 Brothers
from the Lodge were in attendance. In the winter months, the first Lodge
Ski Trip was held, along with the third successful Hootenanny Variety
show. Work was begun on the new Buckskin Camp at Onteora on the first
Buckskin Camp Weekend in the spring. Funds for the new Camp had been
amassed through special trunk items and donations with the hope of
building one campsite per year. Over 100 Brothers served cheerfully at the
Spring Harkness Work Day. A supplement was added to the Fourth Edition of
the Buckskin Lodge Handbook. Due to personal reasons, Tony resigned in
April and Little Lodge Chief Bill Behrer was elected by the Executive
Committee to complete the remaining months of Tony Salerno's term as Lodge Chief.
PAUL PLATE
June 1, 1967 - May 31, 1968
Paul led twenty-five Buckskins to the 52nd
Anniversary National Conference in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Lodge
served at the first Southworth Indian Lore Pow-Wow. Mike Kelly was elected
Area 2-J Chief. A record 1021 Brothers attended the Banquet and the
Lodge's active membership reached 2000 in December. The "Bylaws"
and "Rules and Regulations" were revised to conform with the new
National election procedure and membership qualifications and to update
Lodge policy. Over 200 people attended the very successful Fourth Annual
Hootenanny-Variety Show. A new membership record and address-o-graph plate
lock-tab system were put into effect. In April a Lodge Officers Training
Conference was held. Eight ceremonial costumes were made along with two
ceremonial costume and bonnet display cases for Onteora and Wauwepex. The
Inter-Relations Committee was established to achieved the goals of the
Onward Arrowman Plan. Funds were raised for the Buckskin Camp and the
Historian was given charge to the Buckskin Memorial Gateway at Wauwepex. A
record of 1300 Scouts, Explorers, and Scouters were elected to Buckskin
Lodge. The year culminated with the great 4-day fellowship and service
weekend at Onteora.
DONALD HEIBERG
June 1, 1968 - August 31, 1969
Under Don's administration, the effects of
the new membership election requirements were realized with the induction
of 1139 candidates during the summer and fall. The Area 2-J Conclave was
held at Camp Wauwepex and Paul Plate was elected as the new Area Chief.
Over 1200 Brothers attended the Banquet at the Garden City Hotel. Arrowmen
served cheerfully at the Cavalcade in February. At the Inter-Relation
Committee's booth over 100 uniform parts were collected and then mended by
a group of senior citizens for Scouts needing uniforms. A special
committee was established to evaluate "the growing pains" the
Lodge was experiencing and they suggested and the Lodge approved to: 1)
Change the Lodge Year to start on September 1, to provide for an improved
summer operation and to allow for a smoother transfer of office; 2) Have
the Lodge elections later in the spring; and 3) Appoint a chairman of each
district to coordinate the OA in the district and encourage Arrowmen to be
active in their own units. The committee also suggested that more service
weekends with limited attendance and advance fee payments be conducted. As part of the BSA's Boypower '76 program,
the Lodge established the
20th Anniversary Award, to encourage Buckskin's to become more active in
the Lodge and Scouting, and to recruit new people into its programs.
During the summer at Onteora the National Council took pictures of
Buckskin Lodge in action which were used in the "National Standard
Lodge" filmstrip. Nearly 600 candidates were inducted during the 1969
summer. With the change in Lodge year, Don was in office for fifteen
months.
CARLOS KEBE
September 1, 1969 - August 31, 1970
As Lodge Chief-elect, Carlos led 38
Brothers to the National Conference, held at Indiana University in August
of 1969. On September 3, 1969, Buckskin Lodge celebrated its Twentieth
Anniversary as an Order of the Arrow Lodge. For the second year in a row
the Area 2-J Conclave was held at Camp Wauwepex. The Lodge held two Fall
Onteora Weekends, for the first time in its history. Ken Heim retired as
Lodge Advisor after 18 years and was replaced by Joe DeCanio. The
Inter-Relations Committee held a huge clothing drive for the victims of
Hurricane Camille. Over 1300 Brothers attended the Banquet, which was held
at the Garden City Hotel again. A supplement was printed for the Buckskin
Lodge Handbook.
TOM REINHART
September 1, 1970 - August 31, 1971
Tom led a delegation of 70 Brothers to the
Area 2-J Conclave at Camp Baiting Hollow. Buckskin's dance team won the
dance competition. The dues collection procedure was simplified, with all
Brothers being mailed a statement to be returned with their dues. The
Ceremonial Committee was divided into two committees - the Ring Committee,
which maintains the ceremonial rings; and the Costume committee, which
maintains the costumes and bonnets. The Buckskin Bat made its appearance
on the Wauwepex Fall Weekend. Over 1200 Brothers heard a rewarding speech
by Dr. Tom Haggai at the annual Buckskin Banquet. Forty-five Buckskin
Arrowmen earned the lodge's Twentieth Anniversary Award and were
recognized at the Banquet. The method of printing for the Tab was changed
to computerized typesetting which greatly improved its appearance and
shortened printing time. A committee was established to look into the
feasibility of building a Buckskin Lodge Cabin at Onteora Scout
Reservation. A new national Ordeal election procedure went into effect
which eliminated the Eagle bonus and required that a candidate must
receive votes from a majority of the voting members of the unit. 78
Brothers attended the Ski Trip. The OA donated over $800 for paint and
supplies to paint dining halls at Onteora and Wauwepex on the Spring
Weekends and at summer camp. Due to the change in the Ordeal election
procedure, fewer candidates were inducted. The Sixth Edition of The
Buckskin Lodge Handbook was printed. A revised edition of the "Where To Go"
Camping booklet was issued. Tom and a delegation of 9 Brothers went to the
56th Anniversary National Conference at the University of Illinois in
August, 1971.
GABRIEL GLUCK
September 1, 1971 - August 31, 1972
As Lodge Chief-Elect, Gabe led a delegation of 9 Brothers to the 56th
Anniversary National Conference in Illinois. He also led 23 Brothers to
the Area 2-J Conclave at Camp Alpine and was elected Area Vice Chief. He
later served on the committee for the revision of the National Order of
the Arrow Handbook. One hundred and fifty bothers attended the OSR Service
Weekend. The "Where to Go" Camping booklet was distributed to
all units within the Nassau County Council. For the first time, Buckskin
Lodge became a National Standard Lodge. The annual Buckskin Banquet was
held at the Holiday Inn in Hempstead where over $100 worth of toys and games were collected for needy
children. Dues were raised to $2 due to increasing costs for the Lodge.
December also saw the passing of L. Kenneth Quick, the retired Ranger of
the Harkness Training Center. Nearly 50% of the eligible Lodge members had
sealed their vows in Brotherhood, higher than ever before. Brotherhood
ceremonies would be held for the first time on the Spring Weekend at
Onteora.
NEIL GETTER and STEVE
ISAACS
September 1, 1972 - August 31, 1973
During the summer, Buckskin helped celebrate the 50th Anniversary of
Camp Wauwepex; and at Onteora, 250 new Brothers were inducted into the
Order as well as 85 Brothers sealing their vows in the Brotherhood and 9
Brothers being called out to the Vigil Honor. 400 attended the Fall
Service Weekend at Camp Wauwepex and 42 Brothers attended the annual ski
trip at Vernon Valley in New Jersey. Over 600 Brothers attended the annual
Buckskin Banquet held at the Malibu Beach Club where they were entertained
by "Your Father's Mustache." The suggestion of creating a Nassau
Historic Trail was investigated by the Lodge. Neil resigned in May and
Little Lodge Chief Steve Isaacs was elected by the Executive Committee to
complete the term. Operations at Onteora, Alder Lake, and Wauwepex saw 300
Brothers inducted and 68 sealing their vows in the Brotherhood. In August,
seven Buckskins attended the first western National OA Conference held at
the University of Santa Barbara. Also in August, Ed Gilmartin took over as
the Lodge Staff Adviser from Joe DeCanio.
BRIAN CORRINGHAM and MIKE
FRAZER
September 1, 1973 - August 31, 1974
225 Brothers attended the Fall Wauwepex Weekend. The Northeast Section
3A Conclave was held in September at Alpine Scout Camp, replacing the Area
2J Conclaves, and 13 Brothers attended the event. Brian resigned on
December 2nd and Little Lodge Chief Mike Frazer was elected by the
Executive Committee to finish the term as Lodge Chief. The 24th
Anniversary Banquet was held at the Huntington Towne House with 694
Brothers attending. In preparation of the 25th Anniversary of Buckskin
Lodge, a special 25th Anniversary Award was established. Requirements
included serving as a taskmaster, guide, as well as attending ceremonies
as a spectator, sealing your vows in the Brotherhood (if eligible),
attending an Executive Committee Meeting, covering a Unit Election,
completing a service project, earning five merit badges. (Eagle Scouts
were exempt) and attending a Buckskin service project. In March of 1974,
11 Brothers hit the ski slopes of Great Gorge for the annual ski trip. Job
specification reports were distributed to all members of the Executive
Committee. Two new features were instituted on the Spring Weekend: The
Spirit of the Arrow booklets were introduced as well as a film called the
"Heritage of Service" featuring members of Buckskin Lodge. The
7th Edition of the Buckskin Lodge Handbook was also made available.
MIKE FRAZER
September 1, 1974 - August 31, 1975
220 new Brothers were inducted into the Lodge during the
summer at OSR, 37 at Alder Lake and another 100 at Camp Wauwepex. Due to the
diligence of the Ceremonial Committee, the Lodge's bonnets were repaired and a
completely new set of podiums and costumes were made. Ten Buckskins attended
the Section NE 3-A Conclave at Trimount Scout Camp. 208 Brothers and
Sheepskins attended the Fall Service Weekend at Wauwepex. The 25th Anniversary
Banquet was held at the Malibu Beach Club. The Banquet Committee presented a
Silver Anniversary Review featuring a night club type stage show. Twenty-one
Brothers received the 25th Anniversary Award. The 25th Anniversary pocket flap
was issued two per Brother. 575 Brothers attended the Banquet. Also in
December the new Dance team was formed after several years of inactivity. In
February a new "Where to Go" booklet was being prepared. A
yard/garage sale was held at Harkness Training Center. The sale, which was
aided by Buckskin Lodge, was to help the Council's financial problems. Thanks
to the efforts of two "anonymous" Brothers, the totem pole in the
Ordeal ring at Onteora secretly received a desperately needed painting. On
April 21, 1975 a truly remarkable man, Irving F "Southy" Southworth,
long time member of the council and a founder of the Buckskin Sons passed
away. The lodge and council suffered a great loss. The Lodge helped out at the
Scout Show at Eisenhower Park. The Lodge earned a National Standard Lodge
Charter, the second time in its history. In June 80% of all troops held OA
elections and Mike was appointed as a representative to the Area Scouting
Committee.
MIKE ANTONUCCI and KEN REESE
September 1, 1975 -August 31, 1976
Alder Lake was no longer used as a full summer program
out-post, so ceremonies were held only at Camp Wauwepex and Onteora: 50
Sheepskins were inducted at Wauwepex and over 200 at Onteora. Buckskin Lodge
32 Brothers attending Section Conclave at Camp Keowa, where we were invited to
perform the Ordeal Ceremony. Brother Tony Marren was elected Section Vice
Chief. Due to personal commitments which absorbed most of the time of Lodge
Chief Mike Antonucci, he offered his resignation in late October and Little
Lodge Chief Ken Reese was elected by the Executive Committee to finish the
term as Lodge Chief. At the Fall Service Weekend at Camp Wauwepex, a special
dedication and memorial ceremony was held in honor of Irving Southworth,
Co-founder of Buckskin Lodge. Sixty-four Ordeal and six Brotherhood members
were inducted at that weekend. Arthur Noble replaced Ed Gilmartin as the Staff
Adviser. 450 Brothers attended the annual Buckskin Banquet where former Lodge
Chief, the Reverend Dick Schaefer, gave the invocation. Support for Onteora
continued as the Lodge donated $600.00 for sunfish sailboats. Another $700.00
was donated to the council for a Telephone Truck. Serious discussion began
about forming two or more Chapters. $100.00 was used for Scout Camperships and
another $200.00 for projects at summer camp. Wauwepex was closed as a summer
camp operation in 1976.
ZACH RICHTER
September 1, 1976 - August 31, 1978
Zach was elected to the office in 1976, and for the fist
time in the Lodge's history, he was re-elected in 1977. As Lodge Chief-elect,
Zach ran the Lodge operations at Onteora in the summer of 1976. In September
of that year, he led 23 Brothers to the Section Conclave at Beech Mountain
Scout Camp. During Zach's first year as Lodge Chief, new camp promotion slides
were prepared for council-wide use. Brothers began working on their 60th
Anniversary Bicentennial Award. The Lodge served the council during its
Bicentennial Scout Show at Eisenhower Park. The First Annual Halloween Party
was held at the Fall Fellowship Weekend at Camp Wauwepex with over 250 in
attendance. A District Committee Chairman system was created to be the OA
contact for Scoutmasters and coordinate all OA activities within the
districts. An abridged edition of the "Where to Go" Camping booklet
was distributed to all Scoutmasters along with a guide to the Order of the
Arrow and Buckskin Lodge. For the third time in the Lodge's history, Buckskin
was honored as a National Standard Lodge. The Harkness Training Center,
location of many Lodge workdays and Executive Committee Meetings, was torn
down to make way for land development. $200.00 for camperships was donated as
well as another $600.00 to the council for sunfish sailboats and $200.00 for
materials used in Ordeal service projects at OSR summer camp. An Officer's
Training Weekend was held in June at Camp Wauwepex. In 1977, Zach was
re-elected and in September he led 68 Brothers to the Section Conclave - the
largest contingent present. During the conclave, Zach was unanimously elected
Section Chief while continuing to serve as Lodge Chief. New Brotherhood
questions were introduced. The 28th Anniversary Banquet was held at the Malibu
Beach Club with over 500 Brothers attending. Bob Peters replaced Russ Rensch, Sr. as Lodge Lay Adviser. In 1978, the Lodge Officers attended one
of the first National Leadership Seminars at Camp Alpine. A "Buckskin
Cabin" Committee was formed to draw plans for the proposed training
center at OSR. A special patch was first issued at the Spring Fellowship
Weekend at Camp Wauwepex. As with the previous year, $200.00 was donated for
summer camperships and another $200 was donated for Ordeal service projects at
Onteora. Zach received a letter from Council President Stan Blauser
congratulating the Lodge for the service it had rendered over the years to the
Nassau County Council. A handwritten letter was also received from the Founder
of the Order of the Arrow, Dr. E. Urner Goodman, noting the growth of
Buckskin. Following Zach's administration, plans were made to restructure the
Lodge into Chapters.
Editor's note: A gap
between Lodge Chiefs was due to a problem in renewing the
Lodge's charter, which in turn resulted in a change in the start
and end dates of officers.
|
HENRY DOSCH
March 9, 1979 - December 31, 1980
Henry J. Dosch, James Volpi, Mark J. Brophy and Thomas Barnes
were elected to the positions of Lodge Chief, Lodge Vice Chief, Secretary and
Treasurer, respectively at a reorganizational meeting on the evening of March
9, 1979. Joseph Scalise was named Lodge Adviser. National Chief Jeff Herrmann of
Suffolk County Council's Shinnecock Lodge was in attendance. The Lodge was
reorganized into Chapters - one Chapter per district - expanding and refining
the previously used District Chairman system. A "Catch-up" Ordeal was
instituted on the Spring fellowship Weekend to enable 1978 and 1979 candidates who did not take
the Ordeal one final opportunity to do so. Chapters were asked to host Lodge events on a rotating basis, e.g., Council of Chiefs Meetings, Annual Banquet,
Fellowship Weekends. The Lodge continued its support of the Campership
program with donations of $400 in both 1979 and 1980. The Thirtieth Anniversary Banquet was hosted by the Reckou-Acke Chapter at the Holiday Manor of
Hicksville. Three hundred and fifty-nine Brothers were in attendance. Nassau
County Council initiated the 1980 and Beyond Capital Campaign and Buckskin Lodge
played an active part. The Key Three researched and proposed to the Executive
Committee that a project to build a craft lodge, to be called the Buckskin Craft
Lodge, be funded at Onteora. The cost amounted to a $6,000 commitment to be paid
over a three year period. The Craft Lodge would also serve as a suitable home for OA administration while at Summer Camp. The project was partially
funded through the sale of a commemorative patch, buckle and mug. Wauwepex
became the site of both Spring and Fall Fellowship Weekends and OSR the focus of
summer activities. The "Old Buckskin Cabin", past site of OA
Headquarters and the Trunk at OSR finally succumbed to the elements. Henry led a
contingent of twenty-six Buckskins to the 1980 Section Conclave at Camp Siwanoy
This Conclave also saw Buckskin's Howard Fishman elected Section Secretary.
In March of 1980 Buckskin participated in and subsidized attendance at the
National Leadership Seminar held at Reeves Lodge of Alpine Scout Camp. The
Buckskin Tab was also resurrected. Vigil Honor selections were resumed after a
one year hiatus. A new Pre-Ordeal Ceremony was unveiled at the Spring 1980
Fellowship Weekend. Increased involvement at the District level saw Chapters
grow and begin to develop their own viable administrations. The Summer Ordeal at OSR was scheduled on Sunday instead of Monday to better
comply with Camp programming. A Training Committee was formed and a weekend long training seminar based on the National
Leadership Seminar was held in January 1981 at Reeves Lodge. Lodge Staff Adviser
Arthur Noble passed the reigns over to Richard Kovatts. After a long hiatus, the
decision was made to research the possibility of hosting a Section Conclave.
STEVE KROLL
January 1, 1981 - December 31, 1981
During Steve's
administration the Lodge's decline in membership was reversed as 258 Brothers were
inducted to bring the membership to over 900. Plans were undertaken to reprint
the Buckskin Lodge Handbook and the "Where to Go" Camping Booklet. Control
of the
mailing list was turned over to a computer and its reorganization was begun.
Summer Camp brought the completion and dedication of the Buckskin Craft Lodge at Onteora. We were fortunate to send two representatives of our
Lodge to the National OA Conference in Austin. In September Steve led a
delegation of 44 Brothers to the Section NE-3A Conclave at Camp Keowa, where the
Buckskins placed first in the ceremonial competition. In November, Buckskin
Lodge was selected to host the 1982 NE-3A Conclave at Camp Wauwepex,
corresponding with our 33rd Anniversary. The year was rounded out with the
National Chief, Brad Starr, attending the Buckskin Banquet at the Huntington
Towne House. Dave Osborne replaced Dick Kovatts as Lodge Staff Adviser.
KEVIN J. REGAN
January 1, 1982 - May 31, 1983
The Lodge year was changed to start on June 1st and end on May
31st. However, because Steve Kroll was attending an out-of-town school, Steve
had to leave in December. A special election was held for Lodge Chief at the 1981
Fall Service Weekend when Lodge Treasurer Kevin Regan was elected to the position
of Lodge Chief. During Kevin's administration many new programs and ideas were made.
In the Spring, an OA Eagle Ceremonial team was formed through the efforts of some
very ambitious and dedicated Lodge members. This team performed numerous
ceremonies and made many Eagle Scout presentations. The Elangomat System was
adopted in the spring as an effective tool to provide closer brotherhood during
the Ordeal. A resolution was passed by the Council Chiefs stating that all
officers were to be trained by the Lodge Training Committee in accordance with
the National Leadership Seminar guidelines. Kevin was elected on the Spring
Fellowship Weekend. Bob Brzozowski was elected Section Secretary at the annual
Section Banquet. The Nationally recognized Buckskin Tab was revitalized and proved
itself to be a very effective means of communication throughout the Lodge. The
final payment on the Buckskin Craft Lodge at OSR was made. A new style tap-out was
introduced at OSR. Under the direction of immediate past Lodge Chief Steven
Kroll, with the help of Brother Howard Fishman and numerous committees, a highly
successful and memorable Section NE-3A Conclave was held at Camp Wauwepex,
commemorating Buckskin's 33rd Year of Cheerful Service and the Tenth Anniversary
of Section NE-3A. A special book was printed on the occasion of these
events. The theme for the Conclave was Buckskin's own "Brotherhood - Live
it". Buckskin held on to its position as Section Ceremonial Champs. The 1982
Banquet was held at the Salisbury Inn where the Founder's Award was presented to a
most deserving Jim Shields for many years of dedicated service to the Lodge and
Scouting.
BOB BRZOZOWSKI
June 1, 1983 - June 5, 1985
Bob, the former Vice-chief was
elected Chief on the Spring Fellowship Weekend. During Summer Camp, a
plaque dedicating the Craft Lodge at OSR in the memory of Brothers
"that had passed before us" was unveiled. Bob led a delegation
of five to the National OA Conference at Rutgers University. During the
Conference the Buckskin Tab was honored as a National Standard Newsletter.
We were also recognized by the Region for our Lodge Training Seminar.
Steve Kroll was elected Section Chief at the 1983 Conclave at TMR. Bob
Rotunda replaced David Osborne as the Buckskin Staff Adviser. The 34th
Banquet was held once again at the Salisbury on the Green where the 8th
Edition of the "Where To Go Camping Booklet" was distributed.
Our charter arrived in 1984 with the news that we had been selected as a
National Honor Lodge. A Training Session was held at Reeves Lodge in
January and a patch was made to identify the staff and participants. In
the spring a crew of 15 Brothers braved the mud of Onteora to construct
the Ken Heim Buckskin Memorial Council Ring on the former site of the
Protestant Chapel. A special patch was offered for sale to pay for the
ring. Jim Evans, Jr. succeeded Joe Scalise as Lodge Adviser. In the fall
of 1984, Bob and a contingent of 43 Buckskins attended the Section
Conclave at Baiting Hollow where Victor Varonier was elected Section
Secretary. The 35th Anniversary Weekend was full of surprises and was
perhaps the most lavish of all time. The 35th Anniversary patch was first
offered for sale on this weekend. The end of 1984 also saw Dan Brandes as
a new Staff Adviser and a return of the Buckskins to the Salisbury for the
35th Anniversary Banquet where the 8th Edition of the handbook was
distributed as well as an anniversary mug. Past Lodge Chief Steve Kroll
and Past Lodge Adviser Joe Scalise were honored as recipients of the
Founders Award at the Banquet, which was attended by over 250 members. The
Friends Academy Campus in Locust Valley was the setting for Lodge
Training, attended by over 80 Lodge members. The Lodge Executive Committee
decided that future weekends, beginning with the Spring Weekend would be chaired by the Little Lodge Chiefs rather than a
chapter, which had been the practice since 1979. The Lodge Executive Committee
approved a motion to donate material to build additional benches at the
Buckskin/Ken Heim Memorial Campfire Ring. Actual construction took place at
Beaver Day. Participants at the OA OSR Work Day took on the task of summer camp
preparation, which was comprised mostly of removing tents that were hung from the
rafters of the Council and Long Houses; the tents had been stored this way due
to rainy weather during camp close down the previous summer. 91 members attended
the Spring Weekend, including 8 new Ordeal members. Camp Wauwepex was prepared
for the summer camping season, and Lodge Officer elections took place.
PETER MULLIGAN
June 6, 1985 - June 2, 1986
Peter and his fellow
officers were installed at Camp Wauwepex at the Spring Weekend. Changes in
Onteora's summer program included one week of specialty camping followed
by two weeks, one week, and two weeks of traditional home troop camping.
The OA, under the direction of OA coordinator Tom Kane, conducted tap-outs
and Ordeal inductions during the two week encampments and a tap-out only
during the single week session. Another change was that tap-outs were held
in the Buckskin/Ken Heim Memorial Campfire Ring, rather than the Parade
field, which had been the practice for many years. 114 new Ordeal and 25
Brotherhood members were inducted over the course of the summer. A
National Order of the Arrow Philmont Trek was held late in the summer,
though no one from Buckskin attended. In September, Peter led 65 Buckskins
to Camp Nooteeming, the new home of past Lodge Staff Adviser Dave Osborne.
As the largest contingent in attendance, the tribe of Buckskins wearing
headbands and feathers, proudly displayed for the Section the spirit for
which Buckskin Lodge is renowned. Buckskin's own Mike Green and Tim Bono
were elected Section Vice Chief and Section Secretary, respectively. In
addition, Past Lodge Adviser Joe Scalise was asked to serve as Associate
Section Adviser. The Fall Weekend resulted in the induction of 58
"Sheepskins" bringing the weekend attendance to 153. Projects
included cleaning up the damage caused by Hurricane Gloria whose high
speed winds ravaged much of Long Island some weeks earlier. Work was also
done on the new COPE Course. Theresa's of Massapequa was the site of the
Anniversary Banquet. Paid membership at year's end stood at 868. A third
annual OA OSR Work Day was held, with 11 members attending. Buckskin Lodge
continued its camp promotion efforts and participation in the Council's
"86 in 86" program, the goal being to establish 86 new units in
Nassau County in 1986.
TOM KANE
June 2, 1986 - May 31, 1987
Tom was elected and installed as Lodge
Chief at the Spring Weekend. At Onteora, where Alan Music was the OA
Coordinator, 90 new Ordeal members were inducted. Brotherhood Ceremonies
were held at a new Brotherhood Ring, due to the sale of the property where
the previous ring stood. On Sunday June 9, 1986, the Buckskin / Ken Heim
Memorial Campfire Ring was formally dedicated. Ken Heim had been the first
director of Onteora. A plaque was presented to Mrs. Ken Heim, and a large
entrance sign was unveiled at the entrance to the Ring, which incorporated
the older memorial plaque from Camp Wauwepex. The days of
"paste-ups" for the Buckskin Tab ended as the newsletter began
being composed on a personal computer. In August, three Lodge members
attended the National Order of the Arrow Conference in Michigan. Tom led a
contingent of 30 Buckskins to the Conclave at Camp Trimount, where Past
Lodge Adviser Joe Scalise was installed as the new Section Adviser.
National Chief Dave Erb was in attendance. The Fall Weekend was attended
by 174 members, including 83 new Ordeal members. An Ad Hoc Committee on
membership Retention and Brotherhood Conversion was formed. As a result, a
"Big Brother" program joining new and old members was
established. Carrol A. Edson, Cofounder of the OA died on October 25,
1986. The Anniversary Banquet was held at the Knights of Columbus in
Uniondale; over 180 attended, and each received a Anniversary Yearbook.
"Italian General" Agusto FiFlorio provided the entertainment.
Associate Lodge Adviser Irwin Green received the Founders Award. Lodge
Training was held in Massapequa, and attended by 25 participants and 25
trainers and support staff; participants received diplomas and patches. 25
members participated in the 4th Annual OA OSR Work Day, where plastic
souvenir mugs were distributed. The Lodge Executive Committee approved the
expenditure of funds to purchase a computer for the camping secretary at
the council office as well as the purchase of leatherworking and
woodcarving tools for use in the Buckskin Craft Lodge at OSR. At the
Spring Weekend, 27 new members were inducted. Jim Eva stepped down as
Lodge Adviser, and Irwin Green was installed as the new Advisor.
DAVE HERR
May 31, 1987 - June 4, 1988
Dave was elected and sworn in as the new Lodge Chief on the
Spring Weekend. At Onteora, where Dave was the OA Coordinator, 91 new members
were inducted. In August, Dave led a group of members to a National Leadership
Seminar at Rutgers University, along with representatives from 1 1 0 other
Lodges from the Northeast Region. 44 Buckskins attended the Conclave at Camp
Ranachqua at TMR; a highlight was a live reenactment of the OA legend followed
by a professional fireworks display. 56 new Ordeal members were inducted on the
Fall Weekend, which included a "same day" slide show of the weekend's
activities. The 38th Anniversary Banquet was held at the Westbury Manor, where
the entertainment consisted of an interchapter competition of amusing antics. A
special slide show was also shown, which featured a tribute to Dan Brandes who
was stepping down as Lodge Staff Adviser. Dan was the first recipient of a Gold
Bordered Pocket Flap from the Lodge Chief. Longtime Lodge member Bob Courtlangus
became the new Lodge Staff Adviser. Blue bordered pocket flaps were also issued
to members of the Lodge Executive Committee. Lodge Training was held in
Massapequa, where just 2 members were trained. The requirements for the 40th
Anniversary Award were established, which required criteria to be met in
personal, troop, and OA categories. At the Spring Weekend, 14 new Ordeal and 17
Brotherhood members were inducted.
GARY MURPHY
June 5, 1988 - June 4, 1989
Gary was elected and installed as Lodge Chief on the Spring
Weekend. Changes at Onteora included returning to having three Ordeals, with
tap-outs held on Sundays, and Ordeal inductions on Wednesdays; 92 new members
were inducted. The Lodge also sponsored a Scoutmaster's Lounge at OSR in the
Buckskin Craft Lodge. Joe Finck served as the OA Coordinator. Six Buckskins
attended the National Conference in Ft. Collins, Colorado, where past Lodge
Adviser Joe Scalise was recognized with the Order's Distinguished Service Award.
The Buckskin Tab, under editors Gary Hansen and Larry Altenberg, was recognized
as a OA Honor Publication. Rick Balla succeeded Irwin Green as the Lodge
Adviser in September. The Conclave was held in Camp Keowa at TMR, where national Chief Jeff Moser was in attendance. A patch design contest for the 40th
Anniversary Pocket Flap began. At the Fall Weekend, 74 new Ordeal and 13
Brotherhood members were inducted; there was also a special slide show on the
1988 NOAC. The Banquet was held at the Swan Club, where comedian Dave Feinman
provided the entertainment; Deputy Lodge Adviser Buddy Meyer received the
Founder's Award. Lodge Training was cancelled. Under Gary's administration, an
ad hoc committee was established to study the OA's and Buckskin Lodge's mission.
The Mission Study Committee issued its final report the following fall,
recommending changes in the way the lodge, chapters, ordeals, and weekends were
run. Changes that had been made at the National level regarding eligibility
requirements for adults allowed female Scouters to be elected to the Order.
Martha Lambert was elected as the Lodge's first female OA candidate.
TOM FLOOD and MALCOLM REILLY
June 4, 1989 - June 2, 1990
Tom Flood was elected and installed as Lodge Chief on the Spring
Weekend. Onteora, Josh Friedman served as the OA Coordinator. Past Lodge Chief
Tom Kane lead a crew of 4 members to the OA Trek held at Philmont Scout Ranch in
August. Tom Kane also received the Founders Award. At the end of the summer Tom
Flood resigned as Lodge Chief and Little Lodge Chief Malcolm Reilly became the
new Lodge Chief. One of Malcolm's first duties was to lead Buckskin's hosting of
the Section Conclave at Schiff Scout Reservation, with over 400 Arrowmen
attending. Highlights included a campfire on Friday night, a mid-way on Saturday
afternoon, and the presence of National Chief Jack Stephen The climax, however,
was a never-to-be-forgotten Carnival in and around Hayden Hall, featuring a
rollerskating clown (Jim Shields), a dunking booth, carnival games with prizes,
old time black-&-white movies, and cotton candy, hot dogs, popcorn, and ice
cream. The OA National Committee announced the requirements for the Order's 75th
Anniversary Award. Over 150 Arrowmen attended fall weekend, where the 40th
Anniversary Pocket Flap was made available. Lodge Banquet was held at the Swan
Club. Lodge Training was held in Massapequa,
where Tom McHugh was presented with the Founders Award. The Spring Weekend was
held in April, where lodge elections took place. Officers were, however, installed at
a special Lodge Fellowship Day at Schiff in June.
TOM McHUGH
June 2, 1990 - June 15, 1991
Tom was installed as Lodge Chief on
the Spring Fellowship Day at Schiff. Tom was the OA Coordinator at Onteora where
128 new Ordeal members were inducted in 5 weekly Ordeal ceremonies; 29
Brotherhood members were also inducted. Past Lodge Adviser Jim Evans received the Founders Award. A
highlight of the summer was the 25 member Lodge contingent that attended the
National Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, and side trip to the national
Scouting museum in Murray, Kentucky. The contingent leader and adviser were Bill
Harvey and Doug Makosky, respectively. A NOAC pocket flap was issued for the
occasion, which had a white border (general issue) and silver mylar border
(contingent members). A NOAC neckerchief patch was also issued. A new members
meeting was held in September. Tom led a contingent of 18 members to the
Conclave at Camp Keowa at TMR; National Chief John Meckley was in attendance. A
special feature at the Conclave was a special native ceremony presented by an
unusually large contingent from Puerto Rico. At the Fall Weekend, 50 new Ordeal
and 15 Brotherhood members were inducted. The 41st Anniversary Banquet was held
at the Swan Club, where Todd Iredell received the Founders Award. A Training
Weekend was held at Camp Alpine. A new Tab-shaped pin was presented to trained
lodge members. Tom took office as the Section Vice-Chief. The Spring Weekend was
held in April at Schiff, 14 new Ordeal and 10 Brotherhood members were inducted.
Tom's term ended with a Special Rededication Day at Schiff where 43 members were
recognized for earning the Lodge's 40th Anniversary Award with a pin which
resembled the first Lodge patch, and could be worn on the 40th Anniversary
Pocket Flap. 67 members were recognized for earning the Order's 75th Anniversary
Award, which consisted of a golden turtle and arrow suspended on a national
ribbon. A patch (printed and embroidered) was issued to participants, who also
took part in a special rededication ceremony that national had provided for the
Order's Anniversary.
ALBAN
PLOTKIN
June 15, 1991 - June 14, 1992
Alban was installed as Lodge Chief
at the Rededication Day at Schiff. Alban was the OA Coordinator at Onteora,
where 113 Ordeal and 24 Brotherhood members were inducted. At the end of the
summer, Onteora was closed. A new pocket flap was issued, which restored the 24
"W"s to the perimeter of the flap, representing the original 24
members of Buckskin Lodge. Alban led a contingent of 8 members to the Conclave
at Camp Pomperaug. Henry Nichols, an Eagle Scout infected with the virus that
causes AIDS, was a guest speaker. National Chief Clint Takeshita was in
attendance. Nearly 200 arrowmen attended the Fall Weekend, including 77 new
Ordeal and 10 new Brotherhood members. Lodge dues were raised to $7 to provide
additional funds to chapters. The Anniversary Banquet was held at the American
Legion Post in Hempstead. Lodge Adviser Rick Balla received the Founders Award.
In January, Alban was elected to the office of Section Vice Chief. Lodge
Training was held in Massapequa Park, where a side activity was the collating of
the 5th Edition of the " Where-to-Go" Camping Booklet, which was later distributed
council-wide. Lodge Ordeal Election and Induction Rules were revised to permit
candidates elected in the spring to be inducted in the spring, since there would
be no summer inductions. A NOAC Pocket Flap was issued, once again with a white
border (general issue) and silver mylar border (contingent members); as well as
a neckerchief patch. The Spring weekend was held at Schiff Scout Reservation.
ED ULRICH
June 14, 1992 - June 6, 1993
Ed was elected and installed as Lodge
Chief on the Spring Weekend. Many Na ssau County Council troops attended summer camp
at Camp Keowa at TMR fo Ilowing the closing of Onteora. Contingent Leader Bill
Harvey and Adviser Doug Makosky led 37 members to the
National Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee. A highlight was our Founders Day
booth, entitled, "A Long Island Experience". A side trip was made to
Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry. Fred led a contingent of 21 members to the
Conclave at Camp Siwanoy, where Past Lodge Chief Alban Plotkin was re-elected
Section Vice-Chief. At the Fall Weekend, 80 new Ordeal and 21 Brotherhood
members were inducted. The Buckskin Tab began a new feature, "OA
Horoscopes", and an Honor Chapter Program was unveiled. Scouting's Green
Bar Bill died in the Fall. The Anniversary Banquet was held on the campus of
Hofstra University, where Buckskin Lodge member and White House Fellow Dr. Larry
Jindra spoke to an audience of 138. Past Lodge Chief Alban Plotkin and Lodge
Staff Adviser Bob Courtlangus received the Founders Award. Rick Balla stepped
down as Lodge Adviser, and Charlie Firmbach was installed as the new Adviser.
Rick passed on to Charlie a leather buckskin jacket that had belonged to
Buckskin Co-Founder Irving Southworth, with the instructions that he care for it
until it is passed on to the next Lodge Adviser. Lodge Training was held in
Massapequa Park, where a new patch was issued (to which the previously issued
training pin was attached) to recognize trained lodge members. The Spring
Weekend was held at Schiff, when 135 new ordeal members were inducted.
JAMES FLANNERY
June 6, 1993 - June 5, 1994
James was elected and installed as
Lodge Chief at the Spring Weekend. James the Buckskin contingent to the
Conclave at Alpine Scout Camp, where past lodge Chief Alban Plotkin was once
again reelected Section Vice-Chief. National Chief Brian Beaverstock was also in
attendance. The Fall Weekend was held at Schiff. Two plaques were installed in
Schiff Scout Reservation, one in Hickox Dining Hall, and one in the Ordeal Ring.
Listed on the one in Hickox Hall are the deceased brothers who dedicated service
to our lodge. The Buckskin Memorial plaque, removed from the Buckskin-Ken Heim
Ring at Onteora, was installed in the Ordeal Ring at Wauwepex. A total of 187 new
members were inducted on the previous Spring and Fall weekends. Lodge dues were
raised to $10 plus a $10 fee for late dues. The Anniversary Banquet was held at the
Knights of Columbus Hall in BeIlmore. The Special Guest at the Banquet was Teddy
Roosevelt impersonator James W. Foot, and Council President
Fred Meyer, who made a special presentation to Lodge Chief James 'Gomer' Flannery.
The April edition of the Buckskin Tab reported "Chief De-Throning Attempt
Failed"; it was an April Fool's issue. Lodge Training was held in Massapequa
Park, with 20 participants and staff. At the Spring Weekend, 150 new Ordeal and 47
Brotherhood members were inducted.
FRANK MACCHIO
June 5, 1994 - June 4, 1995
Frank was elected and installed on the Spring Weekend. Mike
Cassano, NOAC
contingent leader and Mark Ruskin, adviser, led eight members to the
conference at Purdue University. A NOAC flap was issued in a very limited
quantity. The Buckskin Tab received an Honorable
Mention in the NOAC Publications Competition. Little Lodge Chief Dave Forras led
10 members to the Conclave at Camp Seaton, where Alban Plotkin was reelected
Section Vice Chief. Following the Conclave, the Section was reorganized and
Alban was elected Section Chief at a special meeting of the new Section NE-2C
Council of Chiefs. Elangomat training became part of Chapter meetings to enable
members to properly lead and guide ordeal members through their induction. 35
new ordeal members were inducted on the fall weekend; 14 Brotherhood members
were inducted following a night out under the stars and a Sunday morning
Brotherhood ceremony; also there was a Vigil Honor Ceremony, with Sean Brix and
Frank Macchio receiving Vigil Honors. At the Lodge Banquet, the 45th Anniversary
Pocket Flap was distributed, with numbered flaps going to those in attendance.
The 45th Anniversary Edition of the Buckskin Lodge Handbook was also
distributed. A highlight of the Banquet was past Lodge Chief Richard Ward (1955
- 56) sharing stories of Buckskin days gone . As well, Sean Brix and Bill
Elliott were honored by receiving the Founder's Award. Frank also announced in
his State of the Lodge Address that we attained Honor Lodge recognition from
National, last received by Buckskin in 1988. Lodge training was held in April.
Training Chairman Kevin Reilly led a small but motivated group of 8 Lodge
members through the annual event. The Spring Service Weekend, under Little Lodge
Chief (Weekends) Sean Cagney inducted 185 new Ordeal members, while 40 more
members sealed their vows in Brotherhood.
SEAN BRIX
June 4, 1995 - June 2, 1996
Sean was elected and installed at the Spring Service
Weekend at Schiff Scout Reservation. One of his first duties was to lead
a contingent to the NE-2C Conclave at Alpine Scout Camp in New Jersey. Over
20 members of Buckskin Lodge attended, some of whom were responsible for a
few of the training seminars. Buckskin did a great job hosting the Native
American dance exhibition, while during the Saturday night festivities,
Buckskin came home with the largest prize, a 6' x 3' poster of the conclave
patch. Alban Plotkin gave a stirring farewell speech as the outgoing Section
Chief, and Tommy Chau was elected in his place. After the Conclave, the
section was realigned again and is now NE-2A. The Fall Service Weekend was a
success, with 46 new members taking their Ordeal, and 13 members sealing
their vows in Brotherhood. Little Lodge Chief (Weekends) Anthony Eagan kept
everything moving, and fed everyone steak as well! The Lodge Banquet, again
at the Bellmore Knights of Columbus, offered a special pin for all the attendees. A
"Phrenologist" was on hand to keep everybody entertained and
laughing. The Founder's Awards were presented to Frank Macchio and Bill Fox
Ill. The Lodge sponsored a camp promotions night in January at Kellenberg
High School, with different area camps coming down to pitch their wares.
Lodge Training, under the auspices of Anthony Eagan, was a success, even
after being postponed due to snow! Some of our chapters were realigned, to
match the shuffling of the Districts by Council. Merroque and Pequott
combined to form Wulihan Chapter, serving the newly rearranged Pequott
District. The Buckskin Tab came out with their first two color edition in
April. At the Spring Service Weekend, Anthony Eagan had great success,
leading 144 new members through their Ordeal, and having 41 Lodge members
seal their vows in Brotherhood.
DOMINIC KENT
June 2, 1996 - June 8, 1997
Dominic was elected and installed at the Spring Service
Weekend at Schiff Scout Reservation, in time to attend the 1996 National
Order of the Arrow Conference, held at Indiana University in August. The
group, led by Youth Contingent Leader Tom Liddy and Adviser Brian O'Neill,
was 20 Buckskin members strong. They were joined on the bus ride by 12
members of Ona - Yote Lodge. Once there, Lodge members proceeded to make
their mark in Bloomington Indiana, participating in many events and
seminars. The Buckskin Tab, in the newsletter competition, earned Merit
Recognition, and came in second place in the Northeast Region. The side trips
to Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky,
Ohio were added bonuses to a great trip. Next up was the NE-2A Section
Conclave, held at Alpine Scout Camp in New Jersey. Led by Dominic, the contingent consisted of 20
members from B uckskin Lodge. The Lodge hosted two training seminars; Elangomat
Training and Quality Publications. During the OA Jeopardy competition, Buckskin
emerged as champions. Elections found Robert Goberia new section
chief and Dominic section secretary, (beating out two other contenders!).
The Fall Service Weekend, run by Little Lodge Chief (Weekends) Carl
Regelmann, was well attended. 41 new members went through their Ordeal, and
27 members sealed their vows in Brotherhood. The Banquet at the Bellmore
Knights of Columbus was great for fellowship, as the guests were treated to
a magic show, with the finale being Banquet Chairman Peter Kasin being
guillotined! Lodge Training was well attended, as Training Co-Chairmen
Carl Regelmann and Anthony Eagan put 35 members of Buckskin through their
paces. The Spring Service Weekend was successful and well attended, as Carl
Regelmann again ran everything smoothly. There were 57 new Ordeal Members
and 24 members sealed their vows in Brotherhood, which took place on Friday
evening for the first time.
CARL REGELMANN
June 8, 1997 - June 7, 1998
Carl was elected and installed at the Spring Service
Weekend at Schiff Scout Reservation, and then attended the National
Jamboree, where he was a part of the largest gathering of Arrowmen ever,
with over 15,000 strong at the event After the Jamboree, he led 30 other
members of Buckskin Lodge to the NE-2A Section Conclave, held at Baiting
Hollow Scout Camp in Suffolk County. There were many informative sessions,
including OA Jeopardy, hosted by Buckskin. Unfortunately, this did not give
them an advantage as they came in second. Brian Danneker was elected new
Section Chief for NE-2A, but Buckskin was realigned again, and is now in
Section NE-2B, with Ken Jenkins as Section Chief. The Fall Service Weekend
was well attended, despite the wet weather. Fred Otten, Little Lodge Chief (Weekends), led 102 new members through
their Ordeal, ending with two indoor ceremonies. There were 17 members who
sealed their vows in Brotherhood. The ceremonial team, under the leadership
of Dave Harman, and despite Mother Nature, ran five fantastic ceremonies. A
Brotherhood Day was held in November at Valley Stream State Park, allowing
48 brothers to seal their vows. The 48th Annual Lodge Banquet was held in
Bellmore, with the many attendees enjoying the comedy of Kenny Warren and his
"short friend". Carl announced in his State of the Lodge Address
that Buckskin attained Honor Lodge status. Recipients of the Founder's
Awards were Anthony Eagan and Gary Hansen, both well deserved. The "Service to
America" project started this year, with the Lodge taking leadership in
this national program. Lodge Training took place in February. As of April,
1998, Buckskin Lodge was realigned into a new Section, NE-3A. The Spring
Service Weekend took place in sunshine, and much cheerful service was accomplished under the
direction of Fred Otten. 132 new members went through their Ordeal, and 17
members attained Brotherhood.
RYAN FLEISCHMAN
June 7, 1998 - June 6, 1999
Ryan was elected and installed at the Spring Service Weekend at Schiff
Scout Reservation. The Section Conclave took place at Camp Sequassen,
Connecticut, with a large group of Buckskins attending. They made their
presence known at the conclave by "pinning" the backs of
unsuspecting brothers with clothespins announcing that Buckskin would be
hosting the 1999 Conclave. Brian Dannecker was elected to a second term as
Section Chief. The N.O.A.C.
contingent traveled to Ames, Iowa
in August under the direction of Youth Leader Matt Odwazny and Adviser Brian
O'Neill. Five of our brothers competed in the Native American dancing,
bringing home five ribbons among three of them, while our Buckskin Tab took an
Honorable Mention. Onteora Scout Camp opened this year for the first time in
seven years, with many Arrowmen taking part in its success, notably Jim Kent,
Dave Barkstedt, Sr., and Rick Balla. The Ordeal Ring was rededicated in an
excellent ceremony, and a Brotherhood ceremony was carried out. The Fall
Service Weekend, run smoothly by Billy Zask, Little Lodge Chief (Weekends),
was again successful, with service to Schiff Scout Reservation being done by
the 65 new Ordeal members, 21 new Brotherhood members, and all else who came
out to help. The new Lodge Where-To-Go book has been finished, under Chairman
Tom Liddy and Adviser Steve Sassi. The second Brotherhood day was held in
November, with 12 brothers sealing their vows. The Lodge Banquet, held on
December 29th at the Bellmore Knights of Columbus was well attended, and
guests were entertained by Magician Statler. Ryan announced in his State of
the Lodge Address that Buckskin Lodge attained Honor Lodge Status again.
Founder's Awards were given to Peter Kasin and Carl Regelmann. Lodge Training
was held at Schiff Scout Reservation this year. It was well attended, offering
seminars on history, chapter operations, high adventure camping, and Elangomat
training. While there, cheerful service was also done with some clean-up and
erosion control work accomplished. The Spring Service Weekend at Schiff Scout
Reservation was held the first weekend in June, with many new
Ordeal members being inducted. Service was done to prepare for the Section
Conclave. Bill Zask did a super job of keeping everything organized.
TIM CALLAHAN
June 6, 1999 - 2000
Tim was elected and installed at the Spring Service Weekend at Schiff Scout
Reservation, just in time for the Section NE-3A Conclave that Buckskin hosted
the next weekend. The weather was great and the many seminars, hosted by other
lodges in the section, went very well. The afternoon activities were also well
attended, with swimming, rappelling, and archery among the many events. The
new Section Chief elected was Pat Boyd, and it was decided that future section
conclaves will take place on the fourth weekend of August. Onteora was open
again this year, and Buckskin Lodge held Ordeal and Brotherhood ceremonies,
including a call out. Kevin Didden, OA coordinator at Onteora this year, did a
great job of keeping things running smoothly. National introduced a new Boy
Scout Leadership position - OA Troop/Team Representative. A 50th Anniversary
Buckskin Lodge neckerchief was designed for the Banquet.
The Lodge Chief for 2000-2001 was Jeff
Price. The Lodge Chief at the time this was written was Mike Gherlone.
If anyone has more history of Buckskin Lodge to
share please let me know and I'll add it here.
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