Camping in the Jungle: Stories of Scouting i n the Canal Zone | 1

Camping in the Jungle: Stories of Scouting in the Zone

March 2016 – August 2016 Smathers Library, 1st Floor George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Curated by Sarah Marek, with assistance from Jessica Marcetti and Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler

Often heralded as the “gateway to the world”, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, merging water, commerce, and culture. Yet its surrounding area, the , was a world unto itself. Extending five miles on each side of the canal, the Zone was controlled by the United States from 1903 to 1979. During that time, many U.S. citizens and their families, working on the construction and operation of the canal, made their homes there.

Many Canal Zone residents viewed themselves as living a thoroughly American life. An important marker of the American lifestyle in the Canal Zone was scouting. Scouting activities included parades, jamborees, and community-wide fundraisers that brought people together and created a connection to the larger American culture. Perhaps it was also the sense of civic duty, so prevalent in the lives of Canal Zone residents, that fostered a natural connection to the values and activities that scouting embraces.

While some elements of scout life, like the iconic uniforms and patches, are universal, many things made Canal Zone scouting a unique adventure. From carrying a machete to sleeping in jungle hammocks, Canal Zone scouts have fond memories of their exceptional experiences. Those experiences are highlighted by these objects, images, and stories from the Collection.

This exhibition explores the role of scouting in the lives of Canal Zone residents in their own words. Quotes for this purpose were contributed via the PCMC Blog. To participate in future projects like this one, contribute metadata, or view objects from the collection, visit: www.ufpcmcollection.wordpress.com

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Girl scouts stamp and business card 1962 2003.058.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Girl Scout Troop May 8, 1946 2005.021.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Joann Haugen

Girl Scouts, Inc. Membership Card 1943 2005.078.003.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Jo Ann DeLoof

Camp Harriet Morrow for Canal Zone Girl Scouts. July 21-August 3, 1939 2004.026.004 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Alice McGann

Girl Scout 50th Anniversary stamps 2003.058.002.003 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Gayle Tolbert

Girl Scout Merit Badge Sash 1939 1939 2003.048.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Mrs. Donald M. Callahan

1932 - 39 Girl Scout badges 1932-1939 Badges 2003.048.002.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Patricia Callahan

Girl Scout Brownie Troop #25, May 8, 1946, Balboa May 8, 1946 2002.011.002 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Marian Blair Camping in the Jungle: Stories of Scouting i n the Panama Canal Zone | 3

Brownie Troop #98, Curundu, Canal Zone 1963 2002.038.013.002 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Brownie Troops 1946-1947 2002.038.013.003 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Girl Scouts 1956 2002.038.013.005 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Canal Zone Scouts 1932 2002.038.013.006 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Scouts - Camp el Volcan 2002.038.013.008 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Girl scouts Atlantic side 2002.038.013.009 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Girl Scouts December 1956 2002.038.013.010 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Girl Scouts, Village of Vino Pinto December 1956 2002.038.013.011 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

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Gatun Brownie Troop II June 9, 1942 2002.127.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Risberg

50th Anniversary of Girl Scouts, USA Canal Zone Stamps 2003.058.002.002 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Gayle Tolbert

Green Merit Badge Sash with merit badges 2003.066.001.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Mickey Fitzgerald

White Camp Chagres 2001.053.006.002 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Rick Williams

Chiriqui Lodge 391 2003.092.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard A. Fisher

Scarf from Camp El Volcan, Panama 2003.113.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of George Cline

Scouts - Camp el Volcan 2002.038.013.008 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Photos of Gamboa, Canal Zone, Scouts 1941 2002.038.014.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

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Photos of Gamboa, Canal Zone, Scouts 1943 2002.038.014.002 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Photos of Gamboa, Canal Zone, Scouts 2002.038.014.003 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Photos of Gamboa, Canal Zone, Scouts 1942 2002.038.014.004 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Photos of Gamboa, Canal Zone, Scouts 1942 2002.038.014.006 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

Group of Scout Leaders at Campsite 2007.008.003.004 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard and Lila Cheville

Canal Zone Scout Leaders Camp Out 1980s-1990s 2007.008.003.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard and Lila Cheville

6 Scout Leaders At Campsite 1980s-1990s 2007.008.003.003 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard and Lila Cheville

7 Scout Leaders At Campsite 1980s-1990s 2007.008.003.002 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard and Lila Cheville

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Group of Scout Leaders at Campsite 2007.008.003.004 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard and Lila Cheville

Boy Scouts at Isla Naos 2008.050.003.003 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Mike Cunningham

Group of Cub Scouts sitting on luggage cart at Gamboa Train Station 2008.050.003.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Mike Cunningham

Scout Trip to Shimmy Beach April 15, 1919 2001.020.013 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of James “Buster” and Jeanne Burgoon

Boy Scout Camp Chagres Staff 1959 2003.067.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Vaudie Dunning

Nature Trail Map & instructions for Canal Zone BSA troops. 2007.008.015 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Dick Cheville

Tenderfoot Pete Boyscout Skit 2007.008.016 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard and Lila Cheville

Tablespoon & coffee cup with rope attachment - Boy Scouts SE 438. 2007.008.006 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard and Lila Cheville

Outback Steakhouse / BSA Explorers Cloth 2001.053.005.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Rick Williams Camping in the Jungle: Stories of Scouting i n the Panama Canal Zone | 7

Pepsi / BSA Explorers Cloth 2001.053.005.002 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Rick Williams

Pepsi / BSA Explorers Cloth 2001.053.005.003 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Rick Williams

Sea Scouts Sailboat Christening 2003.068.001.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Don Johnson

Sea Scouts Sailboat Christening 2003.068.001.005 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Don Johnson

Sea Scouts & Mariners 2003.068.001.006 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Don Johnson

Sea Scouts & Mariners 2003.068.001.007 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Don Johnson

Sea Scouts & Mariners 2003.068.001.008 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Don Johnson

Sea Scouts & Mariners 2003.068.001.010 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Don Johnson

Christening Sailboats 2003.068.001.011 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Don Johnson

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Mariners (Cristobal) 2003.068.001.012 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Don Johnson

Sea Scouts (Cristobal 1952) 2003.068.001.013 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Don Johnson

Papers relating to "Chief Aptakisic" Sea Scout Schooner 2003.076.001.014 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Alice McGann

Papers relating to "Chief Aptakisic" Sea Scout Schooner 2003.076.001.015 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Alice McGann

Cayuco Race seven Newspaper Clippings 1964-1972 in envelope 1963-1965 2001.053.009 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Rick Wiliams

Ocean-to-Ocean Cayuco Race 1977 2002.154.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Larry and Sue Barca

Boy Scout shirt 2011.999.225 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Boy Scout shorts 2011.999.224 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Boy Scout neckerchief, cubs 2011.999.223 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Boy Scout uniform neckerchief 2011.999.222 Camping in the Jungle: Stories of Scouting i n the Panama Canal Zone | 9

Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Boy Scout uniform shirt, MALLETT inscribed in black ink 2011.999.221 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Boy Scout hat 2011.999.227 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Cub Scout uniform 2002.123.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Larry and Sue Barca

Boy Scout uniform 2002.123.002 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Larry and Sue Barca

Cub Scout Shirt 2001.086.011 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Gladys Rudy

BSA Scarf 2001.053.006.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Rick Williams

Patch 2007.008.004 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard and Lila Cheville

Collection of Canal Zone Scout Badges and Pins 2007.008.011 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard and Lila Cheville

Plaque 1914-1989 2007.008.012 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard and Lila Cheville

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First Day Issue Commemorative of 50th Anniversary of Boy Scouts 2002.010.017 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Charles W. Jr. Hummer

Scouts saluting American Flag 2003.052.054 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of George & Mayno Walker

Program 2007.008.005 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard & Lila Cheville

Boy Scout Leadership Corps. 2007.008.010 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard & Lila Cheville

Dedication Ceremony of Statue of Liberty May 30, 1953 2003.110.002 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Fredrick A. Schrader

50th Anniversary of Boy Scouts of America Stamps 2003.058.002.001 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Gayle Tolbert

Canal Zone Council, Boy Scouts of America. The Order of the Spirit of Good Deeds Award 2007.008.014 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Richard Cheville

Canal Zone Boy Scout Troop #10 2002.038.014.005 Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Gift of Pat Beall

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I loved scouting in the Canal Zone in the late 1950s. We wore complete and correct uniforms and marched in holiday parades, as well as sleeping in jungle hammocks around campfires. - Mimi Stratford Collins

We sold these wonderful calendars with pictures of building at different CZ towns, like the schools. - Doris Monaco

Every scout in the Canal Zone knew about black palm. It was one of the first things you learned before hiking through the jungle, and/or stepping on some. Prickly stuff. A lot of scout masters managed to get their hands on a walking stick made of the stuff. - Robert Dillon

When I was an explorer scout we went out to Barro Colorado Island to cut heavy brush and create trail. The brush was tough, our machetes would not stay sharp. All the nights we spent in jungle hammocks right after cooking our dinners. My hammock overturned, the rains made me wet I found being an explorer scout was not fun. My four days on the on Barro Colorado told me that being an explorer scout was not fun, so I left the explorer scouts and became a sea scout. - Malcolm Stone

I was in troop 17 out of from ’62 through ’66 when we left “The Zone”. Went to 3 summer camps at Camp Chagres next to . Troop 17 was the very first scout troop to hike the “Camino Real” from Pacific to Atlantic by way of the “Las Cruces Trail” through the jungles. A portion was and still is underwater because of the locks and dams. We went that portion by cayuco. I also got to participate in US Military Jungle Survival Training put on for the Canal Zone boy scouts. Finally my highlight was going through my ordeal for BSA’s Order of the Arrow. I did this at Camp Chagres about a month and a half before we left. - Andy Sanchez

Who will ever forget the planes on a “training mission” dropping C-Rations to us or being picked up by an LCM (landing craft – mechanized) from the beach? It truly was an adventure of a lifetime. - John Voelpel

I was also a member of Troop 17. On December 17, 1964 I went on a cross Isthmus hike. It was supposed to be 100 miles but we took a wrong turn and walked 117 miles. I know this because they gave me four patches for completing the hike and the patches say 117 miles. - Bob D. Magic

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Was a Brownie in Margarita then a Girl Scout in Diablo Heights! We met in a small building on stilts near the Diablo Elementary School. The best time I had was when we got to go on Santa’s sled one Christmas to sing Christmas carols in different towns. Los Rios was the town I most remember, as my parents lived there. We had picnics in the jungles near water holes which was fun. I stayed in this troop until I started seventh grade in Balboa High School. Will never forget the good times I had in Girl Scouts. - Diane L. French

Whereas our scouting counterparts in the USA usually camped in tents, CZ Explorer scouts relied on jungle hammocks. Explorer Post # 3 was spending night on the Las Cruces Trail, a 2 day 22 mile trek on that famous trail traversed by Spanish conquistadores, Henry Morgan, and the gold rush 49'ers. I was unprepared for how fast night falls in the jungle and how dark it gets due to the tree canopy blocking any moonlight. Placing my muddy boots on the hammock ropes to keep them dry, I carefully eased myself into the hammock so as not to cause it to flip for a much needed sleep before resuming our hike tomorrow. What a racket! Night in the jungle is not peacefully quiet, rather a noisy cacophony of insect chirps and buzzing, with a chorus of tree frog trills, and occasional neque (rabbit) squeal or gato solo grunt. Night Scouts! - Frank Townsend

Paddling the Ocean-to-Ocean Cayuco Race for three days provides a very personal perspective of the Canal. My realization of the gigantic size of the lock chambers was emphasized as I sat in a 20 ft. long cayuco dugout with my teammates and watched the lock wall grow from 10 ft. high, then 20 ft. and finally 40 ft. high as water silently drained out to lower us to the next level. Also, my appreciation of those ancient engineers was enhanced as I watched those enormous miter gates effortlessly open releasing us to race out to the Pacific. - Frank Townsend

I remember going on a campout half-way down Pipeline Road on Rio Agua Salud at the hydrology station (the weir for measuring flow) that PCC had put on the river. We hiked down the river and I remember the biggest, scariest bugs I’ve ever seen climbing on me. I survived. I remember camping out on “Scout Island” (aka Culebra), just the other side of Naos Island on the causeway. First campout for me. It rained and I had the front of my tent facing a nice hill. Wasn’t long before I had a river flowing in. Good times!

I remember hiking half of the Las Cruces Trail, from Gamboa to the Trans Isthmian highway where the old Spanish cannon was. I took a pass on the 2nd half. It was pure torture for me AND for Ulysses Grant. I remember hiking up to the top a Cerro Cabra, just west of Howard AFB. At the very top (or close to it) there was a huge bolder that looked like a giant golf ball, divots and all. It was covered with daddy longlegs. Our navigators (you know who you are) led us down the back of the Hill. Our parents were waiting at Veracruz, debating if it where time to call “search and rescue”, when we finally came marching in, in the dark. Boy were we glad to get back. Its a long way around the bottom of that hill. I’ll always remember, “Its just over the next hill.” We heard that a lot that day.

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I remember the Scouting Store on the second floor of the Diablo Clubhouse. That is where they sold the Estes Rockets, the Boy Scout Uniforms, pocket knives, patches, eating utensils (camping type stuff), hammocks, cots, handbooks, and anything we needed to get out of mom & dad’s life for a good solid weekend. - Robert Dillon

In the summer of 1963, the Boy Scout Council opened their camp, Camp Chagres, located on the shores of Madden Lake () to the girl scouts of Troop 77. We learned canoeing, jungle survival skills, and enjoyed cooking in the outdoor kitchen. We felt very safe in the screened-in bohios where we slept, in spite of the fact that snakes, very large spiders and noises in the night were prevalent. Camping in the jungle on the shores of the lake that provides the water for the Panama Canal was a unique and memorable experience. - Peggy Huff

Girl Scouts was unique in the Zone. We sold Girl Scout calendars, not cookies. The calendars had great information on them, like the school schedules, local holidays, etc. We camped at the Girl Scout camp in Gatun. We had to lash dowels to our cots, which were surplus army, I believe, and if you didn’t lash them correctly, my mother, the leader, made you do it again. The dowels held up the mosquito netting. - Pat Boyd

Our uniforms were of white Indianhead material. This was by way of special dispensation from Girl Scout Headquarters because the green uniforms were considered to be excessively hot for the tropics. That is why my badge sash is white. - Pat Callahan