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April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2

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Non-Profit Organization high countrY check us out! www.philstaff.com ® Mission unites (PSA) Association Staff Philmont The and — staff— Philmont the adventure, purpose of serving the the for Ranch Philmont of experience and . and the 17 DEER RUN ROAD CIMARRON NM 87714 Our Mission High Country®—Volume 37, Number 2 Philmont Staff Association® April 2014 Board Of Directors Ed Pease, Editor Mark Dierker, Layout Editor John Murphy, President Colleen Nutter, Vice President, Membership Randy Saunders, Associate Editor Tim Rosseisen, Vice President, Service Bill Cass, Copy Editor Warren Smith, Vice President, Development Dave Kenneke, Staff Contributor Adam Fromm, Secretary Kevin “Levi” Thomas, Cartoonist Matt Lindsey, Treasurer in this issue Contributing Editors National Directors columns Robert Birkby David Caffey Amy Boyle Bill Cass Gregory Hobbs Ken Davis Warren Smith Mark Stinnett Bryan Delaney 4 from the prez Mary Stuever Stephen Zimmer Mark Griffin Catherine Hubbard 12 ranch roundup - PM-SML High Country® is the official publication of the Lee Huckstep 36 ptc news Philmont Staff Association® and is published six Steve Rick times per year as a benefit to its members. 38 trail talk Regional Directors © 2014, The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. Northeast All rights reserved. No copyright claimed for Kathleen Seitz articles previously copyrighted or public material. Rick Touchette Permission granted for non-commercial reprinting 6 bsa news - fieldbook or redistribution with proper attribution. Central Mitch Standard 9 psa news - honoring vets High Country®, Philmont Staff Association®, Phil Winegardner PSA® and the official PSA logo® 9 psa news - regional reunions are all registered trademarks of: Southern Anne Marie Pinkenburg 15 psa news - staff amigos The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. Doug Wahl 16 philmont history - wp birthplace 17 Deer Run Road Cimarron, New Mexico 87714 Western 22 philmont history - celebrate 575-376-1138 Nancy Stickelman Michael Waggoner 28 philmont history - river rats For membership and subscription information, On the cover: visit our website at: Bill Mckown, Ranch Committee Representative Joe Leisz and his 35 HC index Jim lynch, Immediate Past President father, Bob, pose for a photo at the Mark Anderson, Philmont Staff Advisor WWW.PHILSTAFF.COM Phillips mausoleum See story on other Ex Officio Members page 22. Emery Corley, Legal Advisor 5 bulletin board High Country® welcomes articles, photos and Douglas Fasching, Technology Manager letters for consideration for future issues. 32 87714 pride Submission does not guarantee publication. The editors and publisher reserve the right to select and edit materials to be published. Randy Saunders, Executive Director

Send submissions, letters or comments to “ High Country” at the above address or e-mail: PSA® FELLOWS

[email protected] Bob Harvey Fellow PAUL and MARY JANE HARVEY ® If you would like to receive High Country Glenn A. Fowler Fellow in electronic rather than paper format, please BRUCE BARNES contact the PSA office at [email protected] George A. Bullock Fellow Members Only Access WILLIAM D. BRYCE Contributing Writers ® Opinions expressed in High Country are those of Bob Birkby Cathy Hubbard Kathy Leach Joe Davis Fellow USER NAME: STONEWALLPASS the writers and, unless otherwise stated, BILL CASS Joe Leisz David Werhane do not necessarily reflect the views of the John A. Maxbauer, Jr. Fellow hilmont taff ssociation® hilmont Password: craterlakecamp P S A , P ANONYMOUS Scout Ranch, or the Boy Scouts of America.

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 3 from the president BULLETIN BOARD Upcoming PSA® Events Reconnecting PSA Virginia Regional Reunion – April 25-27, 2014 Camp Shenandoah, Swope VA Contact: Tim Riedl at 563-451-7419 or [email protected]

Every once in a while, life circumstanc- place, but because we can stir the ashes PSA San Antonio Regional Reunion – April 26, 2014, Noon to 3:00pm. es give us a chance to reconnect with and rekindle the friendship fire from Casa Lynch: 13715 Bluffrock, San Antonio, TX someone from the past—a long lost a couple of glowing memories. Both Contact: Jim Lynch at [email protected] friend, a former co-worker or even that Kathy and Ron are PSA members and PSA Reception at BSA National Meeting – May 22, 2014, 5:00pm to 6:30pm. person you thought you would never I hope to discover others from my past Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, TN see again, and when you do it is like through the network of great people Contact: Randy Saunders at [email protected] stirring the ashes and finding a glowing who have found their way back to PSA North Texas Regional Reunion – May 31, 2014. ember. Philmont. St. Francis Church Family Life Center, Grapevine, TX. That happened to me last year with I encourage each of you to take the Contact: John Ryan at [email protected]. two people I had not seen in 40 years. chance to reconnect in 2014 by partici- PSA Annual Reunion – July 11-13, 2014 Ron Riesinger worked at Philmont in pating in PSA events—whether at the the early 70s as a , was a really Ranch or at a regional event. We want PSA Summer Trek @ Philmont – July 14-20, 2014 good friend, and not just because he to hear from you. Tell us what you had a car to drive on days off! We lost have been up to by sending an update touch after leaving the Ranch, heading to Randy at the PSA office. You can PSA Autumn Adventure Trek – October 12-17 Philmont Scout Ranch back to college and then careers and see what others from each decade are eventually families. Through facebook doing by reading the “Trail Talk” sec- I searched and discovered he lived in tion in High Country. If you run across Portland, so I wrote him a message former Philmont staffers who aren’t and on a 2013 trip through Texas he members of the PSA, take a minute to arranged to visit at our home in Tyler. let them know they are missed. Our What a treat it was to stir up old memo- membership committee under the ries. direction of Colleen Nutter is starting Several months later, on a fall a new action plan for 2014 to expand visit to the Ranch, I was surprised and the membership even further. She is pleased to see Kathy Leach, another looking for volunteers to be a part of Philmont co-worker I had not seen in that committee. Here is a chance to get 40 years. Kathy was one of the first involved for the PSA. Contact Colleen women hired as a ranger, and changed or Randy if you would like to be a part life in the Ranger department for the of that team. Thank you, and see you at better. the Ranch. These reconnections are examples of what the PSA is all about. We belong - John Murphy, to this group of Philmont staff alumni President not only because we care about this

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 4 from the prez bulletin board 5 bsa news technical advice and expertise, proofing Salisbury, then Philmont’s chief ranger both copy and illustrations for accu- and later director of Northern Tier’s racy, and lending the book credibility. Okpik winter program, joined the team. The Philstaff - Fieldbook Connection On both fronts, Philmont connections Former Philmont environmental educa- Their first task: securing content quickly surfaced. tor Carrie Anderson, now an environ- responsibility for the book, which had Reigelman and Stinnett, by then mental field instructor at the University briefly been left hanging in the latest assisted by Joe Glasscock, longtime of Idaho, accepted an invitation. A 70s BSA national reorganization in 2008. national staffer assigned as staff advi- ranger, Jeff Marion, research biologist Over the course of a year, they sor to the project, quickly settled on the for the U.S. Geological Survey and a developed a concept for a new Field- single author concept, with a particular founding member of Leave No Trace, book that would shake things up a bit. single author in mind. Robert Birkby, joined as the delegate from the BSA’s They proposed a change in focus from former Philmont director of conserva- Outdoor Ethics Task Force. Associate a book primarily about in the tion, emerged as the consensus choice Director of Program Chris Sawyer rep- outdoors to a book about the outdoors of the leadership team. “Bob offered resented Philmont among professionals written by Scouting, with plans to the perfect combination of qualities we chosen from each of the BSA’s four high market and sell the book to the public needed,” Stinnett said. “He had a deep adventure bases. as well as the Scouting community. Scouting background, terrific outdoor In May 2012, Stinnett and Birkby “Back in the 80s, I read an outdoor adventure experience, recognized met at Philmont for presentation of retailer’s review about the Fieldbook that environmental leadership and proven the PSA’s Distinguished Staff Alumni called it the best all-around guide to the writing credentials – and the ability to Award to Wally Berg, and with some outdoors on the market,” Stinnett said. put them all together.” thoughts from Silver Sage Award “We wanted to make the new edition Stinnett approached Birkby, who recipient Rod Replogle, another former fit that definition, but also wanted to had authored the previous Fieldbook Philmont director of conservation, ham- use it to help publicize (and perhaps edition and three editions of the Scout mered out what eventually turned out remind people of) the BSA and its place Handbook, as well as Lightly on the Land, to be about 90 percent of the concept the Student Conservation Association’s and content outline for the book. All Cover of the new Fieldbook. as one of the nation’s premier outdoor organizations.” guide to trail building and mainte- agreed that while the current Fieldbook The fifth edition of the BSA Fieldbook, Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, nance, at a Philmont staff function in was a beautiful and masterful work, “Scouting’s manual of basic and ad- their proposal met with enthusias- the summer of 2011. Birkby enthusias- it simply had a bit too much content vanced skills for outdoor adventure,” tic support in both professional and tically signed on, and by December, the and size to be a practical companion hits bookstore shelves this month. As volunteer ranks. In 2011, meetings two were exchanging emails on chapter on most camping or backpacking trips. with previous editions, current and began with representatives of out- outlines and content ideas. While Birk- Decisions made included making the former Philmont staff members played door programs, supply, media studio by finished writing the BSA’s Scoutmas- book smaller and easier to use in the the leading roles in its development. and marketing groups to start work ter Handbook, Stinnett and Reigelman field, with a brighter paper stock to Work on the new edition began way on budgets, timetables, and concep- set about assembling the task force. make it easier to read at night and back in 2009 under the direction of two tual outlines. One of the first and As usual, Philmont staff experience plenty of technical illustrations. The Philmont veterans. Frank Reigelman, biggest decisions involved how the stood out among those selected for team also agreed on a more concise former Philmont director of program book would be written – by assigning outdoor expertise. At Birkby’s sugges- focus on the traditional back country and then leader of the BSA’s outdoor sections or chapters to various writers tion, two younger Phil-adventurers, activities of camping, hiking, outdoor programs team, and former PSA presi- or teams, or by hiring a single author. Piper Niehaus, a former Rayado trek exploration and waterway travel, with dent Mark Stinnett, then the new - Another involved selection of members coordinator, and Kurt Imhoff, another elimination of chapters on biking, sail- man of the BSA’s Outdoor Programs of the Fieldbook Task Force – the group former ranger who had hiked the Pa- ing and similar pursuits that are often Committee, spearheaded the project. that would be charged with providing cific Crest Trail, were invited. Christine more “front-country” in scope and for

6 bsa news Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 bsa news 7 pear in print on the back cover of the PSA Members Honor Veterans which other manuals and resources are new book. available. “The outstanding fourth edition of Every year, the National Capital Area Council (DC, MD, VA) forms an Honor Unit Birkby proposed including quotes the Fieldbook was also produced by a to salute veterans by placing wreaths at various memorials in Washington, DC and tips from back country experts Philmont team – Ed Pease, the project on Veterans’ Day, November 11. The route begins at the Boy Scout Memorial and with strong Scouting connections chairman, and Dave Bates, the project then proceeds to the World War II Memorial, the Viet Nam Memorial, the Korean throughout the book. Such vignettes director, with some of the same names War Memorial, and concludes at the World War I District of Columbia War Memo- would not only provide practical ad- on the project task force,” Stinnett said. rial. PSA members participating in the 2013 Honor Unit were led by former PSA vice from true experts, but would serve “It’s no surprise that Scouting’s defini- Treasurer Jack Person. Those interested in participating in future years should to highlight the role Scouting played in tive guide to outdoor adventure again contact him at [email protected] or 705-528-3464. starting many of those on the path to includes a healthy dose of Philmont outdoor adventure. Readers of the new experience.” Fieldbook will find that many of those As Birkby wrote in his preliminary quotes come from former Philstaffers. plan back in June 2012: “The message Writing began in the fall of 2012 with the Fieldbook can convey is this: the first chapters delivered to the task force BSA has been introducing people to in October. Not unexpectedly, changes the outdoors for more than a hundred of plans popped up regularly. Birkby’s years, and we’re really good at what we draft of a chapter on risk management do. We’d like to share our knowledge morphed into new chapters on hazards and excitement about outdoor adven- and emergency preparedness. The tures with you, so here’s a book full of planned chapter on mountain travel some of our best ideas. We hope you merged into backpacking. Midway enjoy what you find on these pages and through the writing, the entire book that what you read will inspire you and outline changed with the decision to guide you to set off on outdoor adven- devote a completely new section to tures of your own.” safety and survival, with totally new Order a copy of the new Fieldbook and detailed chapters on first aid and from Tooth of Time Traders at www. wilderness survival skills. Through- toothoftimetraders.com or visit your out the writing process, the Philmont nearest Scout shop. contingent on the task force provided PSA members and Scouting volunteers from the National Capital Area Council honor American veterans at various memorials in Washington, DC on Veteran’s Day 2013. valuable insights, suggestions and Editor’s Note: Fieldbook author Rob- ideas, most of which are incorporated ert Birkby has been selected as the 2014 into the finished product. recipient of the PSA’s Distinguished Staff 2014 North Texas PSA Reunion Stinnett hopes that the “new look” Alumni Award, which will be presented Fieldbook will be well received in both When you walk into the PSA Reunion Scholarship Funds so our finest Scouts at the opening staff program on May 29 the Scouting and outdoor communities. on Saturday May 31st in Grapevine, can help bring that treasured Philmont at Philmont. Read about his award and It has already received endorsements TX, you will walk into a Disneyland experience to every 2014 attendee. achievements in the June edition of High from Jon Jarvis, director of the National of Scouting history. “Every Patch Tells Country. Park Service, Greg Miller, president of A Story” of our Scouting legacy, and Date: Saturday, May 31st the American Hiking Society, and Dana every Scouter is a Librarian - thousands Location: St Francis Church Family Watts, executive director of Leave No of patches will be on hand. Life Center, 861 Wildwood Ln (Grape- Trace. In yet another break with past The 2014 North Texas PSA Reunion vine, TX) barriers, those endorsements will ap- is a fund raiser to provide PSA Staff The planning committee has

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 8 bsa news psa news 9 luncheon purchases http://www.psareunion.com/ OR a program for the NCCS Conference receive red border Contact PSA Reunion Co-Host John at the Philmont Training Center. The One Millionth Corpany [email protected] or overall Staff of the annual Lone Star Trade - O Camper patch. event host John Ryan thetexaswebguy@ - Ree are proud to join efforts with the * A FREE Col- yahoo.com Philmont Staff Association to provide lectible patch for Note: The 2014 North Texas PSA Staff Scholarship Funds. every Scout under Reunion is part of a weekend event 18 attending May called the Lone Star Trade - O - Ree. 31st. This event began in 1988 as a fund * Youth Auc- raiser to help OA Scouts, who would tion FREE Patch not normally be able to go to Philmont, giveaway. Your see their dream become reality. Scout (under 18) Through the years, our annual fund can learn about our raising event has helped Scouts from 20 shared heritage, Troops, 3 Scout Councils and 2 Coun- learn about value tries experience Philmont on a Trek, and learn about Cavalcade, Kanik adventure or provide patch trading rules - and then 400 patches will Florida PSA Reunion be given away in a John Corpany, (right) is co-hosting the 2nd North Texas PSA Reunion A small but hardy band of PSA members attended the 4th Annual Florida PSA Re- game. that is raising funds for Staff Scholarships in 2014. As a former Philmont union at Paynes Prairie State Preserve near Micanopy, Florida on February 1. Un- * Scouts Only (18 Ranger, John can’t wait to hike the trails of Philmont with his son Elliot officially, the event began on Friday and extended into Sunday in this lush park. and under) 1 For 1 (left) during the summer of 2014. A roaring campfire helped chase away Friday night’s soaking rain and cold, and Trading Table. All good food and fellowship followed by a nature walk and geo-caching expedition designed a fun event for Philmont Scouts can bring their own patches, and rounded out the event. Plans are already underway for the 2015 reunion; everyone Staffers, their families, members of 2014 if they see something on the table they is welcome! The PSA extends thanks again to Randall and Susan MacDonald for Philmont contingents or anyone who want, they can put one of their patches their dedicated work planning this annual event. has ever dreamed Philmont: on the table for one patch they want * Philmont One Milliionth Camper from the table. Patch Sets approved by PSA Director * PSA members and/or groups. We Randy Saunders and Philmont. Sales have a few side rooms we can dedicate benefit Staff Scholarship Fund. There to specific Philmont alumni who would are only 30 full sets of 5 patches at $35 like to meet as a group. A purple border each with all funds over cost benefiting One Millionth Camper patch is avail- Staff Scholarships. If you can’t make able for PSA members. Please contact it to the Reunion, a black border One John Ryan for availability. Million Camper patch is available for There are still a few activities being $ 4 each. Please email John Ryan at worked on to make this an enjoyable [email protected] for more time for you - so mark it on your calen- infofrmation. dars to swing by Saturday May 31st. * Philmont Memorabilia and For more information on the PSA Philmont Contingent Patch Displays. Reunion schedule, availability for the * PSA Reunion Luncheon 1130 a.m PSA Staff Scholarship Patches, or the Pictured above are our intrepid Floridians: (L-R) Bill Guglielmi, Trish Guglielmi, Jo Hentzelman, .(benefiting PSA Staff Scholarships). All activities available for PSA members, Steve Hentzelman, Steve Gamewell, Jenny Gamewell, Susan MacDonald, Randall M. MacDonald.

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 10 psa news Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 psa news 11 ranch roundup

Major New Mexico Historical Book Donation to Seton Memorial Library by David Werhane, Philmont Museums museum’s collection and back country Director program. Now, as I thought of some of the great collections Bob had acquired Among the best things about working in the 23 years I’d known him (historic at “The Seton” is that you never know buildings, furniture, architectural ele- when the next great story will walk ments, antiques, tools and stories), my through the door. One day last August excitement to hear his thoughts was I looked up from my desk and saw an barely containable. old friend, the honorable Robert A. After some discussion about his Burns (Philmont Staff 1966, 1969, 1972, desire to preserve New Mexico and 1974-76) , strolling into our courtyard. I Cimarron history and more important- greeted Bob at the door and after a few ly help educate future Philmont staff moments of catching up, he advised me about it, Bob stated that he wanted to that he intended to make a donation to give us his entire private library of New the Philmont Museum-Seton Memorial Mexico history. Philmont staff from the 60s and 70s era. Library. As he rattled off titles such as Anyone who has ever had the Turmoil in New Mexico, The Historical inscriptions to local people of note such the 1927 City of Raton Ordinances and chance to talk with Bob Burns knows Encyclopedia of New Mexico, Our Wild as Evlyn Shuler, Oscar E. Berninghaus even the “1948 Rule Book” from the he has an extensive interest in the Indians and The Fighting Fool and then and Rufus Whiteman. Often these Operating Department of the Atchison, history of the Cimarron area and its elaborated on the authors F. Stanley, inscriptions include the location of Topeka and Santa Fe Railway System. people. This wouldn’t be his first dona- William Keleher, and Harvey Fergus- signing as “Cimarron, New Mexico.” While the books from this collection tion to the Museum. As a staff member son, it was obvious he’d been collecting All in all, over 300 books including are to be used for research and educa- in the 1960s and 1970s, Bob began his books and historical documents since dozens of periodicals, pamphlets and tional purposes, due to the significance longtime support of Cimarron and The his summers here in the 1970s. The maps have been accessioned into our (and rarity) of many of these books, the Seton. Coincidentally, one of the first true surprise however, came a week permanent research collection. This collection is currently shelved behind files I came across while moving into later when Bob began bringing in case collection has been given its own sec- locked, glass doors. By request, anyone this office in 2012 was a series of letters after case of books. While cataloging tion in the Library as “The Robert A. wishing to use them may do so here at between him and former museum cura- them it was obvious that not only was Burns Collection.” It contains a vast ar- PM-SML. tor, Ellie Pratt. They were discussing this one of the most complete collec- ray of important information including If you have an interest in viewing the New Mexico Fur Trade and how tions of Cimarron history we’d ever historic maps, New Mexico’s Historic the complete catalog it is available by Bob intended to “teach it” to camp- seen, but that most of these books Figures Encyclopedias, early 20th cen- request. Simply email our Librarian, ers. During Steve Zimmer’s tenure are themselves a piece of that history. tury promotional literature, historic Robin Taylor, at: philmont.museums@ as museums director, Bob contributed Many are first editions signed by the diaries, dissertations, and essays, scouting.org. many artifacts, tools and books to the author, but more importantly they have ‘fiction based on fact’, short stories,

12 ranch roundup Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 ranch roundup 13 Staff Amigos Kicking Off for 2014

Another season at Philmont is right Health Lodge, Dining Hall, Adminis- around the corner, and again I bring tration and Trading Post. PTC staff: my request for former staffers to volun- Administration, Program Staff, COPE, teer to befriend a staff group. Hiring is Philmont Museum/Seton Memorial nearly complete, camps and trails are Library, Villa Staff and Handicrafts. being prepared, and the winter mois- If you or your group are interested ture is being assessed (I hope it’s better please email me at [email protected], or by the time this is in print). contact me through the Philstaff face- Big changes at the Ranch this year book page. I will need your first and include the opening of Metcalf Station second choices, an email, and any other Camp in the north, and itineraries that information that you deem important. will pass through and camp on the Expectations are that you connect with Chase Ranch lands. your staff group early in the season, I will be taking requests for staff and send appropriate care packages groups beginning earlier this year in and letters throughout the summer. I hopes of covering more groups. I will will be available to you with informa- open up on March 15 (Saturday), and tion as I receive it. will continue to fill groups until they Thank you so much for helping are all taken (I hope..). these staffers enjoy their summer even Groups available are: Ranger more! Training Crews, Back country Camps, Horse Department, Conservation, Base – Cathy Hubbard camp staff: Activities, Welcome Center, PSA Board of Directors Logistics, News and Photo, Chaplains,

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 14 psa news 15 In Search of Waite Phillips’s Birthplace by Robert Birkby were born “on a farm in southwestern Iowa on January 19, 1883.” An Order of Much is made of key locations in the the Arrow online history adds that the life of Waite Phillips. His 127,000-acre farm was near Conway, Iowa. Search donation of magnificent New Mexico the library and internet about Mr. Phil- landscape is the heart of Philmont lips, and you’ll find little more specific. Scout Ranch. The Villa Philmonte on Up for the challenge, I set out last that summer prop- to find erty is that last lovingly elusive pre- land- served. mark of So is Waite Phil- Phillips’s brook, story - his the place photo by Bob Birkby Frank Phillips’s Model Covered Wagon in the Taylor County Museum. 72-room where he Tulsa, arrived chewed the grass down to the roots,” (“L.E.”) and Waite, he formed the Lew- Okla- on the Lewis said. “When they started on the cinda Oil Company, the name a blend homa, planet. spokes of the wagon wheels, I decided of their parents’ first names. It was a man- it was time to try our luck elsewhere.” forerunner of Phillips Petroleum. sion, My first Elsewhere turned out to be Taylor Just as Waite would do in New now the Frank Phillips Home collection stop was County, Iowa, where Lewis and Josie Mexico, Frank used some of his Philbook The Phillips Family in 1899 at their home near Conway, Iowa (Waite and the local settled down to farm and to raise ten wealth to purchase and develop a Wiate Seated Far Left). Museum history children. ranch as a retreat from the pressures of Art. museum in Bedford, Iowa, the seat Frank went to a nearby one-room of his industry and a place to enter- A recent Philmont Staff Association of Taylor County where Conway is country schoolhouse, leaving at age 14 tain business associates. He named gathering in Los Angeles paid respects located. A volunteer docent told me to become a barber. When he was 17 he it WOOLAROC, an acronym for the at the mausoleum of Mr. Phillips and about Lewis and his wife Lucinda traveled by train to Colorado and Utah Woods, Lakes, And Rocks of its setting his wife Genevieve (see article, page “Josie” Phillips marrying in 1867 in Des in search of fortune and adventure, in Oklahoma’s Osage Hills. The elabo- 22}. It’s easy to find - Westwood Village Moines, Iowa, then homesteading in then returned to Iowa and married a rate eight-bedroom ranch house filled Memorial Park Cemetery, near the central Nebraska, fifty miles north of local banker’s daughter. with art and western items is today the crypt of Marilyn Monroe. Grand Island. A grasshopper plague With help from his father-in-law, WOOLAROC Museum. But where is Waite Phillips’s birth- swept across the prairie in 1874, a year Frank became involved in finance, The Taylor County docent showed place? after their son Frank was born, wiping including investments in the newly- me a 1/4-sized covered wagon with The Philmont website says only out the Phillips’s fields. emerging oil business in Oklahoma. “WOOLAROC or Bust!” painted on the that Waite and his twin brother Wiate “The grasshoppers ate the crops and Along with his brothers Lee Eldas canvas. A plaque on the wagon reads F

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 16 philmont history philmont history 17 P Ranch. It had been a gift from Frank explained my quest. A helpful gentle- the southeast corner of Lewis and Josie to two young nephews. man returned from a vault with a large, Phillips’s farm. On a scale heavy led- The landscape undulates with rich, much more ger. He put black soil covered by a healthy crop modest than the book of soybeans. A line of trees traces a Philmont or on the tributary to Honey Creek that in the WOOLAROC, counter 1880s could well have been an inviting L.E. devel- and turned spot for a farmhouse and a barn. There oped a farm the pages. is nothing left of that homestead and near his As his fin- no marker or plaque to commemorate photo by Bob Birkby Bartlesville, ger glided The Phillips’s farm house. the site, but it’s a good guess that the Oklahoma, over the Phillips family lived on this land east of home where hand- modern geocacher would use latitude Conway when Waite and Wiate Phillips he could run written and longitude to put that location at 40º were born. cattle and entries, he 42’ 07.03” N, 94º 34’ 15.34” W, with an Of course, establishing historical photo by Bob Birkby raise hogs, Taylor County recorder’s ledger. suddenly elevation above sea level of 1,219 feet.) certainty can be tricky. I’ve recently something he smiled. The county recorder marked the come across a collection of photographs enjoyed doing with his son Phillip R. “Here it is,” he said. location on a road map - eight miles organized by Lee Phillips III, grandson Phillips. They called it Philson Farms. The deed was dated January 7, 1876, east of downtown Bedford on Highway of L.E. Phillips. One is of a two-story (The Phillips brothers all became strong seven years before Waite Phillips’ birth, 2, then home. The supporters of the Boy Scouts of Amer- documenting the sale of forty acres of two and a handwrit- ica. Frank was honored with the Silver farmland to Lewis Phillips for $800 half miles ten caption in 1943, Scouting’s highest rec- (about $17,000 in today’s dollars). north on reads, “Old ognition for service to youth. Wishing The property was described as “The County farmhouse to avoid the limelight, Waite chose not East half of the East half of the South Highway West of to be considered for the award.) West Quarter of Section Seven (7) in N. 64. Conway I was fascinated by all these Phil- Recent where lips facts, but nonetheless steered the efforts to Waite and docent back to my search for Waite’s stan- Wiate were birthplace. She was aware of a farm dardize born. Taken near Conway where the Phillips fam- addresses about ily had moved in 1885, but that was in rural 1883.” two years after Waite was born. She Iowa have suggested the key to the location I was imposed I’ve found seeking would be in records at the street and no record courthouse. avenue photo by Bob Birkby of Lewis Built in 1892, the courthouse in photo by Bob Birkby names Paul Chandler examines the foundation of the Phillips’ 1890s farm- Phillips The Phillips’s farm today, planted in soybeans. house. downtown Bedford would have been on farm owning a familiar sight to the Phillips family. I Township Sixty eight (68) North Range roads. Thirty minutes later, I found property west of Conway. The docent climbed the creaky stairs to the second- Thirty two (32) West Centering Forty myself standing at the intersection of at the Taylor County Historical Society floor office of the county recorder and Acres by Government Survey.” (A Tennessee Avenue and 240th Street, was not aware of a Phillips farm in that

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 18 philmont history philmont history 19 his brother’s body home for burial in Washington Cemetery near the town of Gravity, a few miles from Conway. That was the last stop on my explo- ration, too. The family plot has a large stone featuring the name Phillips. To the left are smaller stones for Wiate; a sister Etta, who had died of diphtheria when she was almost seven; and his mother. To the right, flanked by a metal Grand Army of the Republic star, the stone marking the grave of Waite’s father reads:

L.F. Phillips, 1844-1922 2 IA Batt. Aug 1, 1861-Aug 7, 1865

The last lines commemorate Lewis Phillips’ service through nearly all of Collection of Lee Phillips III photo by Bob Birkby the Civil War. At 17, an age that today Lewis Phillips, age 17, in his 2nd Iowa Battery Phillips Family Plot in Washington Cemetery - Gravity, Iowa. is too young to work as a Philmont uniform - 1861. ranger, he had enlisted in the Union direction. Could the caption mistakenly supported the north side of the Phillips Army. His light artillery battery saw say west when the writer meant east? home. the impulse of Frank, Waite, and Wiate action for the next four years in Tennes- Could Josie have given birth to the “Down there’s where the railroad to jump a train and head out to dis- see, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, twins in a home other than her own? used to go,” Paul told me, pointing cover the great big world beyond the and Missouri. Of the 300 Iowa boys Whatever the case, when the boys toward a shallow valley a few hundred horizon. who marched off to war, three died in were two years old the family moved yards away. “They say that when the I was born in Iowa too, not far from combat. Twenty-nine perished of dis- to a farm four miles north of Conway. twins were 16 and working in the fields Taylor County and I also bolted west ease. The grit and determination Lewis The rising terrain becomes what could it was hot and hard, so they jumped on for adventure when I was 16. I found must have brought to his own children almost pass for hills, and today a mod- a train and went west.” it, just as Waite Phillips did, in the from his wartime experiences is a story ern farmhouse stands at a high point Their departure was actually more mountains of northern New Mexico at for another time. that township maps designate as once organized, bankrolled in part by their Philmont, the most famous of all the The cemetery is surrounded by having been the Phillips place. older brother Frank, who had himself landmarks bearing the Phillips name. cornfields rolling out in every direction Paul Chandler, who has worked the gone on a similar quest as a teenager beneath an enormous sky. Standing farm since the mid-1970s, came down a decade earlier. The twins spent three there, it’s clear to see why Lewis found the driveway and assured me before I years traveling and finding jobs in min- southwest Iowa a place to get beyond got out of the car that the barking dog ing camps and lumber towns. The trip battlefield sacrifices and grasshopper was harmless. In the lawn a few feet came to a tragic halt when Wiate died plagues to put down roots and live a from his house, Paul showed me the re- in Spokane, Washington, after surgery quiet life. It’s also easy to understand mains of a concrete foundation that had for appendicitis. Waite accompanied

20 philmont history Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 philmont history 21 Celebrate! us. There were more stories and greet- we’d heard of, seen on the screen, or ings and catching up to do, and six of listened to on the radio for our life- us looking at a little map on my iPhone, times; and then in the chapel decorated trying to match the screen up with in pinks and reds with the paintings landmarks and looking at each other of Waite and Genevieve Phillips - who like we were sure the trail junction was had changed our lives more than all around here somewhere... those we’d sought out on the lawn. In no time we’d figured it out, John Clark, Philmont’s General and right about then volunteers from Manager, welcomed the group - which Huntington Beach Troop and Crew 90 had swelled to a standing room only jumped out of their cars to mark the crowd - to the chapel, and Rod Tay- alley folks needed to head up to enter lor sang one of Mr. Phillips’s favorite the “Cemetery of the Stars” and pay songs, “My Wild Irish Rose” (I’m hop- our respects to the Phillipses. Shielded ing he includes that on his next CD). from the noise of the traffic by the high- After so many years of experiencing rises and businesses, the small patch of the generosity of the Phillipses, read- green was a peace-filled respite from ing about them in books, and hearing the bustle surrounding us as we gath- selective quotes at countless campfires, ered, first looking for names of those it was nice to hear of them as regular

Portraits of Waite and Genevieve Phillips were on display at the Westwood Chapel. by Joe Leisz way from the high peaks of the Sangres and the quiet trails of Philmont, but on How do you say “Thank You” for a gift a busy street-corner where my dad and 75 years after it has been given? I waited for the lights to change and How do you express gratitude to some- struck up a conversation with a random one who changed the lives of some couple with a camera who had flown million young men and women, in a in from Cleveland (our home town), very profound, deeply found way that the magic of HOmE came through as has reverberated world-wide, some 50 we realized we were going to the same years after his passing? place, for the same reason. I’m not sure if I know how, but Walking with them, we were soon some 140 members of the Philmont telling stories you’d expect to hear on Staff Association attempted to pro- any back country porch over advisor’s vide that answer when we gathered in coffee, or in the RO after a hike-in. It sunny Southern California on the morn- wasn’t until we’d covered another block ing of February 1st at the Westwood and were about to make a turn that we Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles. realized we should probably look at a The high-rises of Wilshire Boulevard map, and looked up to see John and The location of the Phillips southern California home, on Bellagio Road. The Phillips’ actual residence and busy freeways may seem a long Terri Nichols getting out of a cab next to is no longer there.

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 22 philmont history philmont history 23 people, parents and grandparents, from 1pm, of getting to meet him in one of keep permanently are those we give their family members. Their great- his offices in a tall building someplace away.” Sitting there with my Dad, who grand-daughter shared the unique in the city and getting a pencil with his was able to enjoy a Philmont trek with perspective of someone who grew up name on it, and sitting for evening hors my old troop while I was a Ranger, the riding to Fish Camp with her grandfa- d’oeuvres before dinner. Having “her friends I’ve now known almost 30 years ther, Chope Phillips, and then working space” in the kitchen to “work” (color from Scouting and my OA experiences at Philmont and play) with as a youth in Southern California, first as a Villa the staff bus- others I’ve known for more than two Tour Guide tling around. decades from Philmont, and more re- and then as a Stories about cent friends from PSA reunions, service Ranger. She Christmas projects and treks and time on staff, it talked about with the became even more remarkable to me at how much family and just how impactful the gift of Waite and Philmont having to be Genevieve Phillips truly was, is, and means to her so patient John Clark served as master of ceremonies for the event. will continue to be. and shared as children, Near the closing of the program moving waiting for us for the event. He talked about the we were asked to write some of our memories her grandpar- connection that Waite grew to have thoughts on a note-card, designed with which I hope ents to get up with Scouting and the impact he had a part of the Philmont topo map on the will one-day (and for- on individuals, pointing to a letter Mr. front. Mine included the area around be printed in mally dressed) Phillips had written in response to a Base Camp, Lover’s Leap and Urraca High Country, before they then-15 year-old Charles Benoit (who Mesa. It was where my first Philmont or used as a could open was among the group gathered in the forward in a their gifts. Chapel), who’d written him to learn the future print- These tied into secrets of his success after backpacking ing of Beyond my mind’s at Philmont. It is telling that one of the the Hills… eye, coloring a richest men in America would take the until then deeper appre- time to personally answer a letter from she’s hoping Rod Taylor plays a tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Phillips. ciation of how a young boy from Toledo, Ohio, and to maintain far Waite Phil- share with him advice that would help some anonymity for a few more years lips had come from his modest roots shape his life. Ed wove together three as a seasonal staff member! in Taylor County, Iowa. It helped to quotes from Waite Phillips, noting the Julie Puckett, Chope’s daughter, clarify how remarkable his success had duties that come with success: “Those shared her memories of her grandpar- been, and how amazing his generosity individuals with unusual profes- ents, and of how different life seemed truly was. sional or business ability have a solemn coming from their ranch by train to Ed Pease shared, with a smiling nod obligation, in my opinion, to use it; Southern California where it seemed from John Clark about this being the and furthermore, to use the surplus, Julie Phillips Puckett shares here memories of that everyone had a chauffeur, and “speech he had been preparing for his visits to her grandparents in southern California. beyond their reasonable requirements, life was so much more formal than whole life,” some thoughts which put for human welfare,” the importance trek started in 1989, during our 50th it is now. Images of Mrs. Phillips to words the thoughts of all of us in of helping others: “real philanthropy Anniversary Year. It was where I took taking breakfast in bed to meet with the room – expressing our thanks and consists of helping others, outside our my parents hiking when they visited her household staff, dressing late and heartfelt appreciation to the Phillips own , from who no thanks Philmont for the first time, and where enjoying walks in the garden. Stories family and the members of the board is expected or required,” and of the they camped with me during the big of Mr. Phillips taking lunch precisely at of the Phillips Foundation who joined power of legacy: “the only things we Ranger Reunion a few summers before

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 24 philmont history philmont history 25 mausoleum with my Dad and mem- ity: John Clark, Mark Dierker, Bryan bers of my Phil-family, to say thank Hayek, Lee Huckstep, Jim Lynch, Jason you, and leave a simple note. It was a Mascitti, John Murphy, Ed Pease, Jack privilege to express my appreciation to Person, Julie Puckett, Steve Ramsay, the members of the Phillips family, and Tim Rosseisen, Randy Saunders, Greg those who’re guiding their continued Stice, Rod Taylor, Rick Touchette, and legacy on the Phillips Foundation to the members of the Phillips Family, Board… to share the very personal the Phillips Foundation, and Jolene Ma- impact that gift has had on me, and my son, General Manager of the Westwood family, and on so Cemetery and many others. Mortunary. We took one We invite last look at that you to join small stretch those who of green before were at the heading to lunch Celebration in at the Skylight writing a short Gardens, swarm- note about ing the place what Philmont Descendants and relatives of Waite and Genevieve Phillips. with stories that means to were befitting an you, how it evening at the has shaped my Mom passed away. I was struck by that for all the celebrities and famous St. James, and your life, or how personal the gift of Philmont was folks interred at the Westwood Cem- then made the the impact to me, to my own family, and to my etery, the largest tomb, centered in the short drive into the Phillips’s extended Phil-family. I was struck by east toward the rising sun, belonged to the hills above gift has made how personal this gift has become to what could be thought of as a couple of Los Angeles to on you, your thousands of others in the PSA, others New Mexico ranchers. Simple people make a quick family, and who’ve served on staff, and to the mil- from simple roots who’d done good stop at 10659 your friends. lion scouts and scouters who’ve hiked in the world and were now elevated Bellagio Road, Feel free to her trails and gained perspective on the above all those celebrities. A couple Charles and Mrs. Benoit, sharing a moment with Jason the address of mail these world from her high peaks. who, while perhaps not as famous as Mascitti. Mr. and Mrs. to the PSA When we left to join in the scaven- the stars resting around them, had a Phillips’s last home – the place where Office, or post your thoughts to our ger hunt for the memorials of the stars, deeper impact on the world we live in many of Julie Puckett’s memories were facebook page. Encourage others to do Marilyn Monroe with her rose-colored today than those who entertained us. formed. It seemed fitting that the gates the same. These memories of Philm- marble, Dean Martin (“Everybody Waite and Genevieve Phillips made a there, across from the Bel Air Country ont’s IMPACT, and the difference the Loves Somebody Sometime”), Ray gift that truly changed lives. It was not Club and UCLA campus, were guarded gift of Waite and Genevieve Phillips Bradbury, Burt Lancaster, Jack Lem- as fleeting as a performance flashing on by two magnificent New Mexico elk… has made, will be remembered as we mon (“in”), Natalie Wood, Don Knotts, a screen, as ephemeral as music disap- Words are not enough, but thank you look forward to welcoming Philmont’s Peggy Lee, Merv Griffin (“I will not pearing into the air, or fragile as words again, Waite and Genevieve. 1,000,000th camper this summer, and be right back after this message”), Mel on paper. Their gift was land. You can And also a special thanks to the prepare for an exciting future. Torme, Carl Wilson, Eddie Albert, Tru- touch it and walk its trails, rising to Phillips Celebration Committee for all man Capote, and Billy Wilder (“I’m a meet its challenges. It is lasting, and it their hard work and efforts over the Writer, But then Nobody’s Perfect”), is legacy. past year to make this event a real- I had to stop and smile. It struck me It was nice to pause at the Phillips’s

26 philmont history Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 philmont history 27 philmont history Year of the River Rat - Part Two

Kathy Leach, captured by the of the Pecos Wilderness.

The first installment of this article appeared and Mac McCormack would take one in the February 2014 issue of High Coun- [from his home council in Louisiana], try. In this second and final installment, to be followed by 13 regular crews the Gateway Ranger Kathy Leach concludes the rest of the summer. Regular ranger staff Truchas lake. story of a little-known piece of the history of was being asked to give a “sales pitch” rangers were training that week. To and Ed Jensen when a bus pulled Philmont program. for the Gateway areas and to sign up add to the problem, there weren’t even up. Just like old times, we ran across Based on responses from Dennis Gilpin, arriving crews to that program if they enough Gateway Rangers, so second the parking lot while other rangers George Segelken, Dave Bates, Mick Leach, could manage the additional charges. and third year rangers were taken from directed the bus to our location. As the Brad Plumb, Steve Lewis, Tim Seaman, In addition, the Ranger Department the training crews on about the third bus pulled up, we realized that it was Mac McCormick, Chris Manheim, Wally was seriously understaffed when more day, and on the last day, we even took full of girls. We were about to become Berg, Steve Harmony, Dave Caffey and crews than expected showed up at a few of the best prepared first-year rangers for Philmont’s first all-girl Tracy Pitken. Philmont, causing many “cracks” and people. Ranger Office Manager Greg expedition, the ‘Girl Rangers’ of Spar- “back-to-backs” before any additional Golgart found himself scheduling tanburg, South Carolina. Their itinerary Reality hiring could be done. back-to-back crews (no day off between went from Lovers Leap to Miners Park From Dennis Gilpin’s journal, “We crews as was standard) for the whole to Clark’s Fork and beyond, with a side Almost right away, the ambitious were all sort of disappointed because season, with not nearly enough rangers hike to the Tooth on their third day. Ed, Gateway Program started hitting some we had expected that the first week for the peak periods.” Roger, and I accompanied them to the rather large bumps in the road. On June would be reserved for Gateway Treks, But as the saying goes, “When one Tooth and hiked on in to Base Camp on 14, the Gateway Rangers learned that while in reality, we had 38 crews door closes, another one opens.” To the afternoon of June 18.” only three groups had signed up for coming in that week and only three his amazement, Dennis was assigned a Back at Base Camp, the Ranger the wilderness treks, to be assigned as Gateways. Furthermore, the Gateway special group of Explorers, and recalls, Department had not been idle. As- follows: Jim Wheeler would take one, Rangers would have to handle most “On June 15, a Friday, I was sitting on sistant Chief Ranger Dave Jung was Greg Snyder would be assigned one, of the regular crews, because the other the loading dock with Roger Rowlett working the phone and hiring as fast

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 28 philmont history philmont history 29 as he could. Johanna Wilson, the adult could agree on just who had the crazy leader for Dennis Gilpin’s Spartan- idea to begin with. burg “Girl Rangers” crew, was one of Chris Manheim, in his very first a number of individuals hired off the month of rangering at Philmont, lucked trail that summer to take up the slack in into a Gateway trek and says “I believe the Ranger Program. On June 19, Tracy it was late June of 1973 and I was still Pitzen, Ranger Training Coordinator, a rookie ranger. I picked up a crew drafted Dennis Gilpin, “on-the-spot” from Texas. Probably in Logistics, the as Training Ranger for the new ranger crew was convinced to change their hirees, so he heard very little about the trek to a Gateway Trek to the Pecos and Gateway Program over the rest of the Truchas Peaks. I took the crew out for summer. the Philmont part of the trek along with But somehow, momentum was Chris Dahlin, a seminary student from building with the Gateway Program Baltimore, Maryland. When it came and several other rangers got a chance time to depart for the Pecos, the crew to take a crew out. Dennis notes that and Chris took a liking to me and asked Mark Brixey and Barc Hunter took a if I could come along as a co-ranger. As Gateway Trek to Beaver Creek later in a fresh-faced ranger, but with a good the summer of 1973 and loved every reference from my TR Dennis Gilpin, I minute of it. Roger Rowlett was lucky was allowed to tag along.” to get two Gateway treks, the second Wally Berg, the founder of Berg Ad- Truchas peak. being to the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. ventures International, reported in from There was time to organize two outings his 52nd climb of Mount Kilimanjaro and Dan Nellis. They had four KCM Truchas Lakes. We enjoyed an awesome for other Philmont staff, one going to to say that “ Blanca Peak (a fourteener treks throughout the summer, gaining moonrise in the East Fork Rio Santa the Pecos and one to the Rio Grande. in Southern Colorado) was the only permission from Joe Davis for the third Barbara. It went from pitch black to Paul Matherne and Kathy Leach co- place that I ever actually went with a trek to go to the Wheeler-Latir area brilliant full-moon light as we watched rangered a mid-summer Gateway trek crew. I remember going there at least and the fourth trek to go to the Pecos the moon rise over the treeless Santa to the Wheeler Peak area. They got to twice, but one of those trips may have Wilderness. Tim recollects that by the Barbara Divide. Crew enthusiasm was the top of Wheeler Peak on a beautiful been a recon that we did in advance of end of the summer, Davis was having always high.” day with their crew and looked at the going with crews. I do have very clear second thoughts about the Gateway Steve had successfully done a “base trail continuing on to Wheeler’s three memories of leaving Philmont in a yel- concept. Seaman recalls, “I believe it camp recruitment” of this Chicago crew companion peaks, whereupon Paul and low Swope school bus and driving to was because Joe felt that it was actually with a former Ranger as one of the Kathy took off on an impromptu gut- Ft. Garland, Colorado, and on to Blanca cheapening the Philmont experience advisors. buster without backpacks. The crew at least twice. These were very exciting and memory by implying that it wasn’t wisely went back to camp but Paul and trips for me. Working on the Gateway enough, and that federal lands were Illumination Kathy conquered the three other peaks. Program had a tremendous and very needed to make it enough.” Unfortunately, the only way back to positive influence. Perhaps it was the However, most crews that sought The Gateway Program seems to camp was back down to Ditch Cabin, direction that I was headed anyway.“ out the stronger wilderness experience have ignited an even more profound the trailhead, then back up to crew In 1973 Greg Poulsen and Tim Seaman had a strong positive reaction. Steve love of wilderness in those individuals camp at Horseshoe Lake, much, much were the Kit Carson Men Rangers, Harmony gives a captivating example, that experienced one of these remark- later! Afterwards, neither one of them with occasional help from Greg Snyder “Our crew had an excellent time. able settings. Back in 1973, Gateway Bighorns came right into our camp at Ranger and KCM Ranger Greg Snyder

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 30 philmont history philmont history 31 related how the Pecos wilderness per- on their own. Steve Harmony reports, from 2004 to 2009. Nothing seems to slipped while traversing a large snow- sonally affected him, “There is a purity “I developed a love of New Mexico, stand the test of time like the “core pack. She rolled and tumbled down the there, especially on the divide above ultimately moving to Los Alamos in business” of Philmont, as they say in snow, gaining tremendous speed. At the treeline. It’s a far away feeling of 1980 where I became Assistant Scout- the corporate world. the bottom of the snowpack, watching quiet solitude. If you let it; the solitude master for Troop 122 and advised many On the other hand, it has to be events unfold, stood the crew’s ranger and quietness takes you over. The Philmont treks. I’ve returned to the pointed out that Philmont is not a Mick Leach. He says time stopped for vastness of the area makes you realize Pecos Wilderness many times since.” wilderness him, except how small and insignificant you are as Looking back through the years, it is experience. The for the figure a person.” very clear that the “Philmont experi- relevance of barreling Certainly, Wally Berg and Dan Nel- ence” can stand on its own as a unique a true wilder- his way. He lis readily come to mind because they and valuable experience. It has been ness setting vainly tried each went on to have successful careers 75 years in the crafting, and has not is every bit as to grab a boot in the great outdoors. Mac McCormick diminished in popularity. Philmont strong today as she hurtled says that he has spent the last forty keeps trying to find ways to “push the as forty years over his head years introducing Scouts to true wilder- envelope” in high adventure with more ago. It offers a but she was ness in just about every state that has miles, more days, and separate venues, valuable coun- just out of mountains. and there was a short-lived Double terpoint to the reach. She Others became motivated to make H High Adventure Base managed by frenetic world continued fly- deeper explorations of wilderness areas Philmont in southwestern New Mexico of constant ing down the connection slope until she and instant collided with response. One an outcrop Where are YOU showing your 87714 Pride? gets the sense of boulders. As our readers are aware, High Country pub- at Philmont of US Forest Service sign warning of dangers ahead. Amazingly lishes occasional photos of the world travels “over-sched- she was able of various Phil-gear, usually accompanied by a brief explanation – and a shameless promo- uling” young participants so that they to walk away and continue the trek the tion for you to buy Phil-stuff from the PSA. never get to know the unstructured following day, her gear being dispersed This photo of Andrew Miller was recently tak- day, the contemplative moment, or the among the other crew members, and en atop Mount Kosciuszko (Australia’s highest peak). inner silence. How else will young she actually finished the trek. folk know the value of such time, if the This story is a sobering reminder experience is not provided in a true that there is no easy in-and-out in a Andrew Miller stands atop Mount Kosciuszko (Australia’s highest peak). wilderness setting? wilderness setting, even in the age of Then there are the really stark reali- cell phones. Vehicles cannot be sent in ties inherent in a true wilderness set- to retrieve the sick, the injured, or the ting. Elliot Barker recounts in his book, crews endangered by wild fire or flash Beatty’s Cabin, the story of two young floods. New signs, warning of other hikers falling to their deaths on Middle dangers, now grace the trails of the Share your 87714 sightings with us for future use on the website, in High Coun- Truchas Peak in 1947. The lingering Pecos Wildnerness in the aftermath of try or both­! E-mail [email protected] with your sightings, and if for some inexplicable reason you don't have your 87714 sticker yet, contact the PSA snow packs in 1973 almost resulted in the June 2013 Jarosa fire. to purchase some at eminently reasonable prices. Shop for T-Shirts (and other a similar tragedy. One young trekker, In this day and age, nothing comes cool 87714 gear) at www.philstaff.com. on the way down from Truchas Peak, for free anymore. Back country rescues

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 32 philmont history philmont history 33 are now very often accomplished was under financial strain at the end 1973 Gateway Ranger Staff ing, at the beginning of the 1972 camping by incredibly sophisticated aviation of 1973, even with the larger-than- season. Since that time she has enjoyed the equipment. On Sept 22, 2013, a video of expected camper attendance. Joe Clay’s Mark Barber, Gateway Trek coordinator mountain West as a hiker, backpacker, and a daring rescue was posted to the Face- position as program director fell under Bruce Groves, Gateway Training Ranger cyclist. Kathy grew up in Laredo, Texas, book page for Mountain Rescue Aspen the axe. The immensely popular Joe Kathy Leach*, Gateway Training Ranger where her mother was a community college (MRA) and immediately went viral. Davis moved on to the BSA National Dennis Gilpin*, Training Ranger, Gateway English instructor and her father was with The short two-minute clip showed a Office. His replacement, the very able Ranger; Wally Berg*, Shelton ‘Barc’ Hunter, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Blackhawk helicopter and MRA team Joe Hawkins, was trying to get his bear- Michael Salmon, Mark Brixey, Ed Jensen, Ken Service. Both parents were great fans of members extracting a critically injured ings as the new Director of Camping Schwenke, Leroy Brown, Ken King, George Philmont, and of their family’s involve- climber from the upper slopes of North and in no mood to continue problem- Segelken*, Chris Dahlin, Mick Leach*, Greg ment. Kathy is a graduate of Stephen F. Maroon Peak (14,014 ft). The Colorado atic programs. There was also a change Snyder, Jerry Dennis , Mac McCormick*, Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, Army National Guard helicopter is in the general manager position, with Al Spaniol, Don Fidler, John Maenpaa, Jim and the St. Mary’s University School of shown hovering, barely moving, just Bill Littrell, a cattleman, taking over the Wheeler, John Gibbons, Paul Matherne, Eric Law in San Antonio. Along with other above the talus long enough for MRA reins. His non-Scouting background, Wunz, Steve Harmony*, Dan Nellis, James members of the 1972 Ranger staff and team members to load up the injured combined with Joe Clay’s departure, Harner, Roger Rowlett Philmont year-round professional staff, she climber who had fallen about 50 feet was immediately felt in the program was involved in development of the Wilder- while descending from the summit. areas. *Gateway Rangers contributing to the ness Gateway program. Kathy was engaged As the sole carryover from the 1973 article in legal practice in Houston and currently Reality Again season, Dave Bates recalls the huge lives in Colorado Springs. effort of getting the camp ready for Katherine Leach—Kathy to Philmont Ultimately the Gateway program another summer. “It would have been friends—served on the Philmont staff as Ed. Note: Persons who have recollec- had one fatal flaw. Hidden program overwhelming for me to manage all of Ranger and Gateway Training Ranger in tions, photographs, journals or other costs surfaced at the end of the sum- Philmont’s programs plus the Gateway 1972 and 1973. Her brothers, Jim, Bill, memories of the Gateway program are mer. Rafting equipment was very ex- Program. Under the circumstances and Mick Leach, also served on staff in the encouraged to share them with Kathy pensive. New backpacking equipment I could not be a strong advocate for 1960s and 70s. Along with Nancy Wells, Leach, who is preserving the story for had to be purchased, such as stoves and continuing the program even though it she was one of the first two female Rang- the Philmont Archives. kleach@pcisys. nylon tarps, not to mention special food seemed like a great idea. The program ers hired by Joe Davis, Director of Camp- net. packs. Transportation costs to distant received lots of favorable comments trailheads, even back then, raised from crews that participated.” everyone’s eyebrows. The Ranch Com- It is remarkable that the Gateway High Country Index Updated mittee could no longer endorse the program had the success that it did, high transportation costs incurred in given the one year it had to mature. running the program. Even forty years later, the concept of Are you a Phil-history buff? Do you that includes every issue of High Coun- Dave Caffey recently commented a “gateway to more adventure” is still vaguely recall a story or a person or try magazine? It does – and it has just that, “Mr. Davis named me as chief viable. Regardless of future decisions an event that you’d like to know more been revised, through December 2013. ranger along about October 1973, and I around the concept, the best ending of about? Would you like to revisit your You can find it in the “Members don’t think the Gateway Program was this saga is that Philmont has weath- years on staff as reported by High Coun- Only” section of the PSA website: ever in my field of vision—I think its ered many storms, keeps coming back try magazine? philstaff.com. Combine the index with fate had already been determined by as strong as ever, and is still able to Did you know that the PSA (thanks the pending release of annual issues of that time.” thrill and challenge today’s youth. to the continuing hard work of Publica- High Country magazine dating back to As luck would have it, the Ranch tions Committee member and Philmont our founding, and you have an invalu- author Bill Cass) maintains an index able resource for all things Philmont.

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 34 philmont history HC index 35 ptc news STEM Outdoor Explorations – Down Trek program will offer each partici- & Dirty, Nitty-Gritty and Sky High pant the chance to explore the Philmont (14-20 age youth only) back country in a whole new way! As PTC Advances July 27-August 2 the STEM crew hikes the ranch, they will camp in many different areas and STEM Spend a week exploring the natural engage in interactive lessons in the science world using RMSC as your following areas: physics, chemistry, Opportunities base of operation. Daily you will travel forestry, astronomy, stream ecology, Why STEM? The spirit of innovation to and from Philmont Training Center wildlife management, geology, botany, can help us overcome challenges and to Rocky Mountain Scout Camp at the watershed management and range ensure a prosperous and secure future. base of the Tooth of Time exploring and management. In addition, “Leave No We live in a time of great opportunity, chery to welding, Scouts can’t help but experimenting in the New Mexico wild. Trace” techniques and principles will enjoy the wide range of STEM-related Come out and discover the mechan- be integrated into the curriculum. activities. To support this initiative, the ics of COPE adventures, chemistry of STEM Trek participants will work BSA developed the Nova Awards pro- the prairies flora and fauna, habitat of and hike in crews under the leadership gram so that youth members have fun the Philmont water ways and ecosys- of trained Philmont rangers, many of and receive recognition for their efforts. tems and whom have In conjunction with this exciting climb to new academic BSA initiative, Philmont Scout Ranch heights as back- and Training Center have three STEM you challenge grounds in experiences to choose from in 2014. your skills the science, with rock engineering, STEM – Discovering the Possibilities formations; math and for your District and Council climbing, rap- technology, July 27-August 2 pelling and and/or years identifying of experience and to seize this opportunity, we must This week-long STEM (Science the composi- working in position ourselves at the cutting edge Technology Engineering and Math) tion of the an outdoor of scientific discovery and technologi- conference at Philmont Training Center landscape. classroom. cal innovation. is designed to help you and your coun- Sign up now A crew takes part in a STEM learning activity. During the Yet our country is falling behind cil integrate STEM programs and activi- for this in- STEM trek, in science, technology, engineering ties into your current programming. tense five day each crew and mathematics. This is why many There will be many opportunities to adventure. Sign up at www.philmont- will spend several days participating in professionals and educators in science, experience hands-on activities to share trainingcenter.org. diverse STEM discussions and experi- technology, engineering, and mathe- with your units; these activities will be ments. The experience of working on matics believe the should accompanied by discussion on how to STEM Treks (14-20 age youth only) such a wide array of projects will do more now than ever to encourage implement, modify, and incorporate #1 – July 17-28th provide vital knowledge for use at local students to enter STEM-related fields. them into your programs. Excitement, #2 – July 22nd-August 2nd council camps and managed areas in STEM (Science, Technology, roadblocks, funding, recruitment, train- the participant’s community when he Engineering and Math) is part of an ing, resources and tracking will be top- or she returns home. The fee is $800 for initiative the Boy Scouts of America ics addressed by this conference. Sign The STEM Trek is an exciting the 12 day experience. has taken on to encourage the natural up to attend online at www.philmont- program at Philmont Scout Ranch for For a complete list of STEM Trek curiosity of youth members and their trainingcenter.org. Scouts and Venturers who have an requirements and to download the ap- sense of wonder about these fields interest in Science, Technology, Engi- plication to attend, visit www.philm- through existing programs. From ar- neering and Math. The 12-day STEM ontscoutranch.org.

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 36 ptc news ptc news 37 trail talk the local arts community. Contact: 535 2014 – which also happens to be Gene North Booth Street, Dubuque, IA 52001. Schnell’s birthday! She joins her older 563-663-5239. [email protected]. brother, Waite, who is now 5. Contact: 1960s 6100 South Yale Avenue, 1 Warren PSA Members Len Scheel (80-87, 89, 97, 06) taught at Place, Suite 1500, Tulsa, OK 74136. Dave Caffey (65-68, 70-77) has had Crystal Lake High School (Illinois) from [email protected]. to Receive Silver his latest book, Chasing the Santa Fe 1957-1994, also serving as chairman of Ring, published by the University the science department. From 1994 to Buffalo of New Mexico Press. The book is the present, he has been an Interpre- available at major online retailers now tive Park Ranger at Bandelier National and will be available at the Philmont Monument (New Mexico) and has Museum-Seton Memorial Library this remained active in Scouting, which has summer. Contact: 201 Wrangler Way, honored him with the District Award Clovis, NM 88101-9397. 575-769-2496. of Merit, Distinguished Commissioner, [email protected]. and Silver Beaver. Contact: 718 Jeffry Pl, Los Alamos, NM 87544. 505-672- 1970s 0055. [email protected].

Bob Cylkowski (75-76) recently moved 1990s to the St. Louis metropolitan area as Manager for Maintenance Operations Chris Bailey (96) married his wife Cyn- PSA members Mike Hoffman (Phoe- with the United States Postal Service. thia in September 1996, and now has a nix, AZ) and Toby Capps (Seattle, Prior to his move, he was active in son, 16, and two daughters, 15 and 10. WA) will be honored, together with Scouting and received the District He served in the US Air Force Reserve seven other outstanding Scouting Award of Merit. As a former overseas until his retirement in 2012 and now In Memoriam. volunteers, with the BSA’s highest Scout (1966-71), he would like hear works for the State of Illinois as a Med- Forever on the Trail award for service to youth: the Silver from others who have been involved icaid consultant. He remains active in Buffalo. The BSA honors outstand- in BSA Scouting outside the USA. Scouting, having served as Assistant We learn from her grieving parents ing service at the council level with Contact: 1102 Buran Drive, O’Fallon, Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, and of the death of Lori Beth “Tex” the Silver Beaver, at the regional IL 62269. 217-778-8109. baluga538@ most recently as Venture Crew Advi- Jenkins on December 26, 2013. She level with the Silver Antelope, and charter.net. sor. His son attended his first Philmont was a Wrangler in 2012 and was at the national level with the Silver trek in 2012. Chris and Cynthia dream eagerly looking forward to return- ing last summer. Sadly, she became Buffalo. In the entire history of the 1980s of being able to return to Philmont on ill in February of 2013, resulting in staff, hopefully in the not-too-distant BSA, fewer than 800 people have several hospitalizations. Still, she Mark Dierker (84-85, 94) in 2009 been so honored. The PSA takes future. Contact: 32 Amber Court, Glen held hope of returning to Philmont, great pride in the life and work of moved from Joliet, IL to Dubuque, IA Carbon, IL 62034. chris.bailey63@ but her health continued to fade and these two members, and joins Scout- where he works as the Manager of charter.net. with it, the dream of returning to the ers everywhere in offering con- Photo Acquisitions for McGraw-Hill Ranch. Memorial videos on You- gratulations for their well-deserved Higher Education. He also owns a Whit Culver (97-00) and his wife Tif- Tube may be found at youtube.com/ watch?v=8KEoXMTkhXo and you- recognition. photography business and a custom fany welcomed their daughter, Emeline tube.com/watch?v=a-kysaLB1M0. jewelry design business and is active in Jane, into the world on February 2,

Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 Volume 37, Number 2— April 2014 38 trail talk trail talk 39 Join Us for 2014 Reunion at the Ranch

The Philmont Staff Association’s 2014 partner of Philmont Scout Ranch. Start- Reunion will be held the weekend of ing this summer, campers will be able July 11-13 at the Philmont Training to hike and camp on the historic ranch Center (PTC). You and your family are and tour the house as part of their itin- invited to participate in service, fellow- erary. PSAers will have an opportunity ship, and sharing memories. PTC, with during the reunion to visit the Chase its first class facilities, is the perfect Ranch, too. venue for our reunion. Tents are large The Rabbi Zeke Palnick Porch two-person wall canvas on wooden or Talk and ice cream social will be on concrete floors with electricity, lighting, Friday evening, and the annual busi- THE HISTORY OF PHILMONT AS SEEN a wardrobe, and two twin beds. Each ness meeting will be on Saturday. The tent city has restrooms, family shower Philmont Training Center staff will THROUGH THE EYES OF ITS STAFF. houses, and a laundromat. Bring the offer programs for children as part of family to the reunion as part of your the reunion. There will be pony rides, Bound annual editions of High Country magazine are now available. summer vacation. shooting sports, crafts, games, and As part of this reunion, the PSA more for our future Philstaffers to do The PSA has begun printing books, one year at a time, will celebrate the arrival of the one- while adults participate in other activi- which include all the issues of High Country (print and electronic) issued that year. millionth camper to Philmont Scout ties. Ranch. Some of the activities for the Registration fees for the reunion are: Each volume comprises “a year in the life” of the place we love and the weekend include: day hikes (including $100 per adult and youth ages 12 and people who made it what it is – a “yearbook” containing news, the Tooth of Time), conservation service older, and $30 per child up to age 12. photos, history, tales and much more, of “all things Philmont” that year. projects, campfire programs, tours of This is the best value available to expe- High Country the Villa Philmonte, talks from experts rience Philmont, our HOmE. Check-in Collect them all, access the online index of content about Philmont topics, and the Silent begins Friday at 1:00pm, with all activi- back to the first issue in 1974, and you have a living history of the Ranch Auction. The Philmont Museum will ties available all afternoon. for the past forty years. also be open and a “must see” on your Registration for the Summer Re- weekend agenda. union is now available on our website, Each book retails for $12.95 – a bargain. But – as an introductory offer In addition, we will be introduced www.philstaff.com. to get you started on your collection, purchases made before June 1, 2014 to the Chase Ranch, now a program will be “BOGO”: buy one, get one free. Your free book can be a second copy of the book you purchase, or a different year in the series. Years currently avail- able are 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. We anticipate publishing the remaining years (all the way back to the first issue) at the rate of three or four books per year.

This collection is destined to become the definitive history of the Ranch as seen through the eyes of the staff.

Start your collection TODAY!

Order online at philstaff.com or call the PSA office: 575-376-1138.