Rudd, Robert. Black Boy Scouts Research Collection, 1919-2023 (bulk: 1919-1962)
Held by The Filson Historical Society
Creator: Rudd, Robert
Title: Black Boy Scouts Research Collection, 1919-2023 (bulk: 1919-1962)
Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department.
Size of Collection: 0.23 cubic feet
Location Number: Mss. A R914
Scope and Content Note
Collected materials assembled by former scout Robert Rudd regarding the history of Louisville’s Black Boy Scouts prior to integration. Includes correspondence and meeting minutes, 1920-1949, of the Douglass Division Advisory Board, as well as brochures and flyers, 1924-1952, for Camp Dan Beard, the annual scout camp. Some materials relate to prominent leaders, especially scout executive Steward T. Pickett. There are several training institute flyers and programs honoring Black scout leaders. The collection also includes troop registration forms, reports, and newspaper clippings. In addition, there are several historical summaries and timelines regarding scouting in Louisville. The materials are a mix of originals and photocopied items.
The collection also contains one image: a 1969 photograph of Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School cub scouts, Pack 68. Norman Wade was the pack’s Cubmaster.
Documents are also available digitally. The donor provided scans of all materials.
Historical/Biographical Note
According to Rudd’s collection, experimental scout troops for Black boys were active in Louisville beginning in 1916. The first troop established was Troop #35, Church of Our Merciful Savior, which included future scout executive Steward T. Pickett as a member. By late 1919, official organization occurred with the establishment of the Colored Division Advisory Board (renamed the Douglass Division in 1944 in honor of Frederick Douglass). It was the first Boy Scout Division for Black boys in the United States. Composed of leaders from the Black community, the Douglass Division was headquartered in the Pythian Temple and organized scout troops. Initial recruitment efforts resulted in three active troops, with approximately 60 boys. Early troops included: Troop #35, Dr. Wilson Ballard, Scoutmaster; Troop #36, Prof. Atwood S. Wilson, Scoutmaster; Troop #44, Rev. W. P. Offut, Scoutmaster; and Troop #45, Mr. William Burse, Scoutmaster. For many years the division was headed by Rev. Roscoe M. Wheat (a White man) who reported to the Louisville Council, the White scouting organization, since the division was denied board representation. By 1940, Louisville was one of five cities in the nation with more than 1,000 Black scouts.
Camp Dan Beard, a summer camp for Louisville’s Black scouts, was founded and named in 1920. During the period 1920-1938 it was not held in an established location, but instead rotated due to safety concerns. Camping locations during this period included the Jacob School near Harrod’s Creek, Lincoln Ridge, and a site near Dixie Hwy and Waverly Hills formerly used by the Daughters of Isabella as a campground. In 1939, a permanent camp of about 100 acres on Floyd’s Fork was purchased. World War II interrupted the initial fundraising campaign, and although some facilities were eventually developed, circa 1953 Black scouts began attending Covered Bridge Reservation (the White scout camp) which had developed camp sites and amenities.
Some Black Louisvillians pursued leadership positions within the scouts and were recognized for their work. In 1932, W. B. Matthews, principal of Central High School, received the prestigious Silver Beaver award. Steward T. Pickett became the first Black scout executive, serving as Field Executive of the Douglass Division and in other leadership roles when the division dissolved.
Sources:
Rudd collection, especially Folders 1 and 3-6.
Folder List
Box 1
Folder 1: Historical statements and timelines re: Louisville’s Black Boy Scouts, 1944-2023
Folder 2: Scout troop re-charter applications and recreational facilities report, 1919-1920, 1925
Folder 3: Douglass Division Advisory Board letters, mtg. minutes, and reports, 1920-1949, 1995
Folder 4: Camp Dan Beard brochures, 1924-1952
Folder 5: Camp Dan Beard announcements, campers’ list, reports and map, 1921-1940
Folder 6: Scout Leaders: awards and leadership training programs, 1940-1981
Folder 7: Order of the Arrow letter & Redbird publications, 1949, 1961-1962
Folder 8: Newspaper clippings, ca. 1937-1962
Folder 9: Photograph, Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School cub scouts, Pack 68, 1969
Digital files are also available. The donor provided scans of all materials.
Subject Headings
African American children – Kentucky – Louisville.
African American youth – Services for – Kentucky – Louisville.
Boy Scouts of America. Louisville Council. Douglass Division.
Boy Scouts – Kentucky – Louisville.
Camp Dan Beard.
Covered Bridge Reservation.
Cub Scouts – Kentucky – Louisville.
Louisville (Ky.) – Societies and clubs.
Order of the Arrow.
Pickett, Steward T., 1903-1981.
Wheat, Roscoe M.
World War, 1939-1945 – War work – Boy Scouts.
Youth – Societies and clubs.