This clipping is from a 1934 edition of the LaFollette Press.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – The celebration of 100-years of scouting in LaFollette continues with today’s special feature.

1934: LaFollette Leaders Support Boy Scouts;

2021: LaFollette Celebrates 100 Years of Scouting

For Release:  Sept. 1, 2021

Contact:  Chris Thacker, Scoutmaster of Troop 310,   423 494-6221    aitgChris@gmail.com

This article is part of the series about Scouting history in LaFollette/Campbell County.  This year 2021 celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Scouts’ LaFollette Council, founded in 1921.

In 1934 a group of LaFollette’s business and professional leaders met to provide continued organization to the local Boy Scouts.  Based on an article from the LaFollette Press (Vol. 23), the meeting, held at the American Legion Hall, provided leadership and funding for the organization.

2021:  100th Anniversary of Scouts’ LaFollette Council

The Boy Scouts of America started in the U.S. in 1910, and the Scouts’ LaFollette Council was formed in 1921, as one of the earliest Scout Councils in Tennessee.  Here in 2021, for the 100th anniversary of LaFollette Scouts, a year-long celebration of events is being hosted by Boy Scout Troop 310.  The Troop, sponsored by Cedar Hill Baptist Church,  serves as the flag corps for many community events in Campbell County, and leads a number of community service projects.

The Troop’s Scoutmaster Chris Thacker comments on the historical aspect: “Our boys are excited to lead the 100th Anniversary of LaFollette Scouting events, and honor the Scouts and their leaders from the past.”  To learn more about the 100th Celebration, check out the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lafollette100scouts or in Facebook, search “LaFollette Scouts 100”. 

1934 LaFollette Business Leaders become Scout Leaders

The Scout organizational meeting in 1934 included the professional Scout Executive J. C. Acuff, and a number of LaFollette men were selected as volunteer Scout leaders.  These men listed below served in roles such as Committee Chairs for Camping & Safety; Civic Service; Fundraising; and Scout Leader Training.  The organizational plan included raising $250 to support the Scouts’ activities.

  • M. H. Irwin, President of First National Bank.
  • Paul Francis, owner of Francis Florist and Francis Gardens, and several coal-mining companies.  
  • Guy Easterly, Publisher & Editor of the LaFollette Press.
  • Conrad E. Troutman Sr., City Attorney, later County Judge.
  • I. J. Mauney, Treasurer of the LaFollette Electric Power Board.
  • Pat W. Kerr, a LaFollette High School (LHS) Principal and School Superintendent in Campbell County, Coach of LHS’s first football team.  The LHS (now LMS) and CCHS football fields are named in his honor.
  • Jesse L. Rogers, a local Judge.
  • David Reynolds, Co-Founder of Peoples Bank of the South; (This David Reynolds’ son, John T. Reynolds, a Scout as a youth, was later President of the Bank and still serves as Chairman.  And David’s grandson, David Reynolds, an Eagle Scout, is currently the President and CEO of the Bank).
  • R. L. Sharp, later the Chairman of the Board of Peoples Bank, also Chairman of the LaFollette Electric Power Board.
  • Others:  P. W. Moore, A. B. Cole, C. E. Looney.

True Community Support for Scouting

Also attending the meeting – in full support of the Scout movement – were other LaFollette leaders:

  • For the Parent-Teachers Association: Mrs. M. H. Irwin; Mrs. R. L. Sharp; and Mrs. Con E. (Velma) Troutman (a teacher and later Principal at West LaFollette Elementary School).
  • For the American Legion: L. I. Mauney (a Cashier at First National Bank), Leland J. Morton (a partner in Morton Wilson Hardware), and A. B. Cole.
  • For the Chamber of Commerce: M. H. Irwin.
  • Churches: Rep. A. J. Seale and Rev. J. E. Lowry.

Boy Scouts in LaFollette / Campbell County have been fortunate to have the support from the business and professional citizens.  Stay tuned for more on the 100th Anniversary of the Scouts’ LaFollette Council.

For more information about Boy Scouts in LaFollette, please contact Troop 310 Scoutmaster Chris Thacker, C: 423 494-6221  aitgChris@gmail.com    To learn more about the 100th Celebration, check out the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lafollette100scouts or in Facebook, search “LaFollette Scouts 100”. 

For History Buffs Only

Today, LaFollette and Campbell County Scouts belong to the Great Smoky Mountain Council, which serves Scouts in 21 counties in East Tennessee, and is based in Knoxville.  At the time of this 1934 LaFollette Press article, our local Scouts were part of the Upper Cumberland Area Council, based in Middlesboro, KY.  Over the years, local Scouts have belonged to a number of Councils in both Tennessee and nearby Kentucky:

  • LaFollette Council, 1921 to 1927
  • Cumberland Council, based in Lenoir City, TN, 1927 to 1929
  • Then brief stays in Knox County Council, TN, 1929; and Knoxville Area Council, TN, 1930;
  • Upper Cumberland Area Council, Middlesboro, KY, 1930 to 1949;  Changed name to Cumberland Council,  1949 to 1963;
  • Blue Grass Council, Lexington, KY, 1963 to mid-1960s;
  • Great Smoky Mountain County, Knoxville, TN, mid-1960s to Present. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/02/2021-6AM)

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