Legacy speaker series kicks off at NOAC 2015
By Joshua T. Shelhamer
At the first BSA sanctioned NOAC, things were certainly different than they are today.
At this conference, Arrowmen will have a unique opportunity to look back on the history of the OA. The Legacy Speaker Series kicks off on Monday and will present a treasure trove of oral stories, history and a look at how it all began. Hearing from those who cheerfully served before us will be a treat for young and old Arrowmen. Some of this weeks topics and guests include:
1948 NOAC
While the 1948 NOAC was held at the University of Indiana in Bloomington, Indiana –and has made repeat appearances there – it was hosted by by a single lodge, SoAkaGha-Gwa. And, while 15,000 Arrowmen have amassed here at MSU, just 1,000 Arrowmen attended that first conference. Moreover, OA Founder E. Urner Goodman himself gave the opening address. Most importantly at this groundbreaking conference, it was announced that the OA was to become an official organizational segment of the Boy Scouts of America.
Don Thom, ’48 Conference Attendee
Seasoned Scouter Don Thom was one of the Arrowmen who attended the ‘48 conference. Raised in Louisville, Kentucky, he excelled and rose through the ranks, earning his Eagle Scout in 1943. He continued service in the program as a Scoutmaster for 12 years. In 1946, Thom joined the ZitKalaSha lodge, where he served as lodge chief. Thom will be one of the legacy speakers this week.
Diversity and the OA
As with business, government and other organizations, the OA has expanded its diversity over time. Today, the OA is comprised of Arrowmen of both genders and a wide range of ethnic groups, races and religious backgrounds.
John Brown
John Brown grew up in Chicago at a time when Scouting was segregated. He earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1949 and was inducted into the Order in 1950. Now a Vigil Honor member, he has attended every NOAC since 1965! Brown has also volunteered as OA Service Corps scoutmaster in 1973, 1981 and 1993.
Outside of the OA, Brown served as Scoutmaster at the 1971 World Jamboree in Japan and has helped staff world jamborees in Holland, England, Sweden and has volunteered at seven other national jamborees. In 1994, Brown was honored with the BSA’s Distinguished Service Award.
Kay Trick
Kay Trick is a longtime Scouter who has contributed much to her local council. She was also the first woman to be invited to join the OA National Committee. Over the years, she has served in various scouting leadership positions in her council, region, at NOACs, in ArrowCorps5 and at national and world jamborees. At NOACs, she has used her leadership skills to plan and manage the trading post. Because of Trick’s dedication to Scouting, she has been honored with the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope and the OA’s Distinguished Service Award. She also earned the International Scouter’s Award.
Thom, Sussman, Brown and Trick have graciously agreed to share their OA experiences from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Monday in the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center auditorium.
Development of diversity in the OA and OA members’ varied experiences can be discussed on social media using the hashtags #NOAC2015 #NOACGEO #NOAC1948 and #OADIVERSITY.
