From WikiBPSC

Structure at Bear Paw to Cost $15,000

The following is taken from articles that appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette 16 and 17 June 1947

[edit] Green Bay, Marinette-Menominee, Oconto Lodges Back Drive

MOUNTAIN, Wis. - Climaxing the impressive Flag Day ceremonies at the beautiful Bear Paw Boy Scout camp near here Sunday afternoon was the unveiling of a miniature edition of the large building which will be erected by the Elks lodges of Green Bay, Oconto, and Marinette-Menominee, for the scouts at Bear Paw.

It was the first public indication that the Elks were planning anything so extensive and ambitious, although officer had intimated that they had some special plans in mind to show their interest in the Scouting movement. Fund-raising efforts will be started at once, the plan being to have the building, estimated to cost about $15,000, ready for the 1948 camping season.

[edit] Cheers Greet Announcement

An ovation ring through the trees and across the placid surface of Bear Paw lake after James Boex, exalted ruler of the Green Bay lodge, reveal the building plans. About 1,000 persons of all ages, including many scouts in uniform, turned out for the affair which was sponsored by the three Elks lodges. Had the weather been more promising in the morning undoubtedly several times that many would have attended.

Boex announced that the building will be known as Elks Memorial lodge, and will be dedicated to the scouts of the Nicolet Area council who served the country's military forces during World War II. It will be located near the main entrance to the camp property within a few feet of the flag pole which the Elks dedicated in Sunday afternoon's ceremonies.

[edit] Will Be Central Building

Bert A. Thompson, Green Bay, who served as general chairman of the affair, said that the building will consist of a main structure about 40 by 72 feet with two adjoining wings each about 20 by 60 feet. Construction will be in harmony with the other buildings at the camp with half-log vertical type sidewalls and will be of one story.

Elks Memorial Lodge will serve as Bear Paw camp's main dining hall, kitchen, commissary and the camp office. About 250 boys will be able to eat in the building at one time, and there will be facilities for rainy day activities. There will be two fireplaces, one at either end of the main lodge. The building will be so constructed tat it can be used for winter camping activities, as well as for council and district training activities for leaders. A spacious open porch along the side facing the lake will enhance the architectural beauty of the lodge.

The memorial lodge will be a fitting addition to Bear Paw camp. Scout official expressed war appreciate for the interest being show in the development of the camp, undertaken only a little over a year ago. The camp was used for the first time last year, and development will continue for several more years. When completed it will be one of the really outstanding Boy Scout camps in the country.

[edit] Greetings by Shaver

A distinguished visitor at the affair Sunday was W. W. Shaver of Chicago, the regional officer of the Boy Scouts of America. he brought "the greetings of two and one-quarter million Boy Scouts and the 400,000 adult scouters."

"It is not my first visit to Bear Paw camp," Shaver declared. "There is no place that holds a greater further than this Bear Paw camp. It is a Godly-dedicated place, a place inspired by nature and now being inspired by man."

Alluding to the "factors and forces" now changing the world, Shaver asserted it is well for a nation to invest in camp properties and in Scouting generally. He said that the Boy Scouts in this country have seven million dollars invested in camp properties with the midwest region having three million of that.

[edit] Bradley on Flag Raising

The principal speaker was John H. Bradley, formerly of Appleton and now of Milwaukee, who became famous as one of the three survivors of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima. Appropriately, he was chosen to participate in raising the flag, donated by the Elks, to the flagpole, also given by the Elks in Sunday's ceremonies.

Andrew Parnell, Appleton, past president of the Wisconsin Elks association, served as master of ceremonies. Green Bay's mayor Dominic Olejniczak, spoke briefly, emphasizing the strong influence the Scouting movement has on the American boy.

[edit] Flag Ritual Shown

Appropriate remarks also were made by Dr. C. O. Fillinger, Marinette, past president of the Wisconsin Elks association, and Harold Londo, Green Bay, district deputy to the grand exalted ruler of the Elks. Paul Kesting, exalted ruler of the Marinette lodge, made the flag presentation and headed the flag pole dedication ceremony. An especially interesting and impressive feature was the Elks Flag day ritual conducted by Alois Felix, exalted ruler and other officers of the Oconto lodge. The ceremony portrayed the American flag in its various stages of development and stressed the love for country which the flag exemplifies.

Scouts participating in the flag raising were Gerald Green, member of Cub Pack 8, Green Bay; Querin Herlik., Jr Scout Troop 8, and Jerome Behnke, Sea Scout Ship 502, Marinette.

Thompson, who was not scheduled on the program although he served as general chairman, was cited by the master of ceremonies for originating the memorial lodge plans and for accepting a large part in the fund-raising project.