December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6

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Non-Profit Organization high countrY check us out! www.philstaff.com ® Mission unites (PSA) Association Staff Philmont The and present— staff—past Philmont the adventure, purpose of serving the the for Ranch Scout Philmont of experience and heritage Boy Scouts of America. and the 17 DEER RUN ROAD CIMARRON NM 87714 Our Mission High Country®—Volume 36, Number 6 Philmont Staff Association® December 2013 Board Of Directors Ed Pease, Editor Mark Dierker, Layout Editor Jim Lynch, President Scott Toney, Vice President, Membership Randy Saunders, Associate Editor Tim Rosseisen, Vice President, Service Dave Kenneke, Staff Contributor John Murphy, Vice President, Development Kevin “Levi” Thomas, Cartoonist Ray Czech, Secretary Jack Person, Treasurer in this issue Contributing Editors Robert Birkby David Caffey National Directors columns Bill Cass Gregory Hobbs Ray Batchelor Warren Smith Mark Stinnett Bill Cass Mary Stuever Stephen Zimmer Ken Davis 4 from the prez Mark Griffin High Country® is the official publication of the Lee Huckstep 5 from th editor Philmont Staff Association® and is published six Steve Rick 12 ranch roundup times per year as a benefit to its members. Steven Zimmer 18 short stuff © 2012, The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. Regional Directors All rights reserved. No copyright claimed for Northeast 38 trail talk previously copyrighted or public material. Adam Fromm Permission granted for non-commercial reprinting Kathleen Seitz or redistribution with proper attribution. articles Central High Country®, Philmont Staff Association®, Catherine Hubbard 6 psa news - regional reunions PSA® and the official PSA logo® Chris Manheim are all registered trademarks of: 8 psa news - waite and genevieve Southern 10 psa news - usafa rangers The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. Bryan Delaney 17 Deer Run Road Mark Leinmiller 20 psr and the chase ranch Cimarron, 87714 575-376-1138 Western 25 ptc news Amy Boyle For membership and subscription information, Michael Waggoner 26 philmont history - porcupine visit our website at: Bill Mckown, Ranch Committee Representative On the cover: Philmont signs an 29 philmont history - loomis WWW.PHILSTAFF.COM Ed Pease, Immediate Past President agreement to manage the historic Mark Anderson, Philmont Staff Advisor 34 philmont history - shutt Chase Ranch, providing educa- Ex Officio Members tional programing for Scouts and other High Country® welcomes articles, photos and Emery Corley, Legal Advisor letters for consideration for future issues. Douglas Fasching, Technology Manager the general public, and preserving Submission does not guarantee publication. this historic place for future genera- 10 bulletin board The editors and publisher reserve the right to . select and edit materials to be published. tions. See story on page 20 Randy Saunders, Executive Director Photo by Anna Fuchs Send submissions, letters or comments to Julia Mcculloch, Office Manager “ High Country” at the above address or e-mail: [email protected] PSA® FELLOWS

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Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 3 from the president Finally, I’d like to thank three people standard to follow—and I could always that have made this six years a great count on him for wise counsel and a adventure for me personally. First, my sounding board. These three folks have Well, after six years of columns, this is cations, annual reports, elections and wife Jane, and her willingness to fit our meant so much to me that my thanks my last one. In the Air Force we had minutes were all handled superbly by life around PSA schedules along with are a small tribute for their dedication a tradition of writing an end of tour Ray and his team! Thanks Amigos. her unfailing support for everything and friendship. report—where you recognized things I always think of the Service VPs the PSA presidency required. Sec- Well, it has been a great tour. as they were for your replacement. In as the “two amigos.” Fred Cribbett ond, thanks to my Executive Director Thanks for all of your support and I place of that I’d like to recognize a few and Tim Rosseisen have juggled many Randy--he anticipates my every idea know that John Murphy will enjoy the folks that made the last six years so projects and tasks to provide great op- and request for the PSA. I have truly same support that I did and the associa- successful for me in my role as Presi- portunities to our members. Reunions, enjoyed working with you the past six tion will continue to grow and prosper. dent. treks, scholarships, service projects, years! And finally, thanks to Ed Pease, First, the VPs for Development— Phil-Amigos—you name it—the service my mentor and friend. He set a high -Jim Lynch, President Denny DuBois, and John Murphy— committee produced and delivered it. you two made it look easy. In the most Thanks for all your hard work. challenging economic period of the Scott Toney and his staff on the last hundred years, the two of you membership committee kept us alive delivered the funds we needed to keep and growing—especially this year. the association alive and offering new Under his leadership, Scott and team from the editor services. Your record speaks for itself. brought us to over 2800 members this Speaking of money, in a time when summer. Thanks for your vision and Thanks to the many members of the comfortable with a digital magazine, financial empires were wracked with your friendship—I have enjoyed get- PSA who responded to our reader- and based on that supposition, present- ethical issues and malfeasance, the ting to spend time with you over the ship survey included in this year’s ed a plan to the Board of Directors last Treasurer and his finance and invest- last six years. election mailing. Nearly 600 members summer on how to make a conversion ment committee stood like Horatius I’d also like to thank Ranch man- responded, a response rate significantly to “total electronic.” When the survey against that tide. IRS filings, accounts, agement. We talk a lot about being higher than in years past, and many results came back nearly identical to budgets, investments, all well executed partners with Philmont Management, took the time to write comments and those of three years ago, the committee the last six years because of Jack Person and in the past 6 years I can say the suggestions in addition to answering promptly withdrew its recommenda- and his merry band of volunteers management has bent over backwards the questions posed. We have already tion, responding to our readers’ desire including Doug Wahl—our investment for us. Keith Gallaway, John Clark, and started implementing some of our to keep the print edition with an elec- skipper. A flawless record of pecuni- Mark Anderson have all gone out of readers’ suggestions, including mov- tronic option for those who chose that ary mastery that upholds the highest their way to help us any way they can. I ing a few of the more time-sensitive format instead. traditions of non-profits and the PSA. have always felt they had an open door columns to the website. Look for other tweaks to the maga- Thanks Jack for your help and your and more importantly an open mind Most significant were those survey zine in the months ahead – and don’t friendship. to our ideas and initiatives. Without questions which dealt with the associa- feel like you have to wait for the next Our secretary Ray Czech has done a a cooperative management, the PSA tion’s continuing debate about “print survey to continue sharing ideas and masterful job. He and his administra- would be severely limited in what we vs. electronic” as the proper format for recommendations with the Publications tion committee also turned in world- could offer our members. Again thanks High Country. The Publications Com- Committee and the PSA Board of Direc- class performances—running largely to all the Philmont team that makes our mittee had expected to see an increase tors. “the back of house” operations of the partnership the shining success it has in the number of our readers who felt Happy Holidays to you and yours. association. Our web presence, publi- become.

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 4 from the prez from the editor 5 psa® news Northeast Regional Reunion The weatherman was wrong. Instead of the chilly, dreary forecast, PSA members Regional Reunions attending the Northeast Regional Reunion enjoyed a beautiful fall day at Camp Wheeler, Allamuchy Scout Reservation in Stanhope NJ. PSA member Dave Setzer and the Patriots’ Path Council have set the gold standard for regional reunions. Dave and a group of 18 Patriots’ Path volunteers provided program and facilities for the participants. The program was based on The Watchu Mountain Adventure, Patriots’ Path Council’s trail to Philmont. Watchu is an 18-month-long program of teenage high adventure leading to a Philmont trek. Activities included a “Philmont rugged” 8 mile hike leading to a beautiful overlook where we enjoyed a genuine Philmont trail lunch, a hike to various areas of Allumuchy Scout Reservation, rock climbing, and fishing. In the afternoon, we visited Historic Waterloo Village, a 19th century Morris Canal Port Town. Following a PSA meeting, we were treated to an elegant “Ranch Committee style” dinner. After dinner, Dave provided an overview of the Watchu program, includ- ing a number of inspiring videos used to prepare crews for Philmont. The program concluded with a campfire. PSA member John Glockner por- trayed , as he does for Philmont-bound crews, and told Waite’s story of humble beginnings to the philanthropist who made such an impact on our lives. We are grateful to Dave Setzer and the Patriots’ Path Council for such a wonder- ful weekend. The attendees were: Lee Huckstep, Kathy Seitz, Jim Wheeler, Dave Setzer, John Glockner, John Nowak, Rick Touchette, Kathi Rice, George Segelken, Raymond Brown, Mark Furey and Reade Furey. A spirited crew of 9 attended the Colorado Springs Regional Reunion. Colorado Springs Regional Reunion Despite the recent heavy rains and flash Planning is already underway for floods, Steve (76-78), Laura, and Carl the 4th Annual Philtoberfest on Sep- (2012-13) Vogt opened the biergarten tember 20, 2014, so reserve the date on for the 3rd Annual Oktoberfest. They your calendars now! were blessed with a beautiful Rocky Mountain afternoon, sunny skies and 3rd Annual Philtoberfest - guest list warm temperatures. Several attendees from past years were present again as 1. Paul May well as first year guests Melissa and 2. Tom Munch Brian McCormick, and Bob Smith. Brats 3. Bob Smith and bier were on the menu again, and 4. Jeff Ritter everyone brought dishes to share. Jeff 5. Dave Jackson Ritter even made Dutch oven cobbler 6. Tracy Jackson for dessert! Tom Munch brought his 7. Melissa McCormick guitar and treated the group to another 8. Brian McCormick 12 PSAers attended the Northeast Regional Reunion in NJ. great musical performance. 9. JJ Stevens

6 psa news Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 psa news 7 ® psa news bound Scouts? crypts, pay respects, take photos, and Our Scouts then thank Waite and leave private notes of appreciation. Celebrating Waite and Genevieve Phillips Genevieve for their Extraordinary Generosity. Our Scouts understand that • 11:30 a.m., self- guided tour of Trail to Philmont Begins in Westwood if it wasn’t for the people who are in Westwood Village Memorial Park – the front of them, they would not be going “Cemetery to the Stars” – where no- to Philmont. tables such as Marilyn Monroe, Natalie By Mark F. Wille graves receives a prize. When our Scouts arrive at Philmont, Wood, Farah Fawcett, Dean Martin, We then take the Scouts to a quiet they brag to their Rangers about how Merv Griffin and many others rest. A Over the years Troop, Crew and Ship part of the cemetery where they find they began their trail to Philmont by special honor will go to those persons 90 of Newport Beach, CA has taken one of the largest private mausole- visiting the mausoleum, and by thank- locating the graves of Frank Zappa and 10 crews to Philmont. Each crew has ums in Westwood, the mausoleum of ing Waite and Genevieve for making it Roy Orbison. begun their Waite and all happen. So far, our crews have yet to trail to Genevieve have a Ranger with the same bragging • 1:00 p.m., gather for celebratory Philmont Phillips. rights. luncheon at nearby restaurant. at the same The Phillips It’s not likely that you, either, have place: the symbols are ever visited the Phillips mausoleum • 3:30 p.m., optional side trip to 10659 mausoleum all over the and thanked these two people who Bellagio Road, the nearby Phillips last of Waite and wrought- changed your life, and the lives of address. Genevieve iron mauso- nearly one million campers. Phillips in leum gates, You can change this when you Unlike our Scouts, your trail to Westwood and our attend the Celebration of the Lives of Philmont probably did not begin at the Memorial Scouts find Waite and Genevieve Phillips January Phillips mausoleum. However, you Park Cem- it hard to 31 and February 1, 2014 in Los Angeles. now have the opportunity to do the etery. believe that, The Celebration begins with a poolside trail in reverse and stand in front of We nev- so close mixer at the W Hotel Los Angeles on Waite and Genevieve and give them a er inform to where Friday night, January 31, at 8 p.m. and mental or written note of appreciation. our Philm- they live, is the really big events happen the next You’ll have the same bragging rights as ont-bound this couple day, Saturday, February 1: our Scouts. Scouts who did so The cost of this event, $55, includes where The entrance to the Phillips’ mausoleum. much for • 10:00 a.m., Celebration Observance your lunch and is a bargain by Los their trail Scouting. in the Westwood Chapel, the very same Angeles standards. to Philmont begins; they just show up We talk about the Phillips story, chapel where the Phillips funerals were For full details and to register, go to and we pack them into cars. We then about Waite’s twin brother Wiate, Okla- held, featuring John Clark, Ed Pease, www.philstaff.com drive to the cemetery. When we arrive, homa oil, the , and how Rod Taylor, Julie Phillips Puckett, Lela Questions? Contact: Randy Saun- our Scouts are quite confused as to why Wiley Post and Will Rogers visited the Puckett and an audio-visual offering by ders at [email protected] or they are at a cemetery. They are given Villa in the last trip of their lives. Doug Fasching. Lee Huckstep at [email protected] a list of celebrities who are interred at We then talk about Extraordinary Westwood, and they set off to see how Generosity: what did this mean in the • 11:00 a.m., visit the Phillips mauso- many celebrity graves they can locate. lives of Waite and Genevieve? What leum, where the doors will be opened The Scout finding the most celebrity does it mean to each of the Philmont- and you will be able to see the Phillips

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 8 psa news psa news 9 psa news

USAFA Ranger Reaches Out to Fellows

John Moore, USAFA Class of 1978 and a USAFA Ranger has taken on the task to reach out to his fellow “Zoomie” Rangers to join our illustrious ranks. The advertisement on the opposite page appeared (at John’s expense) in the As- sociation of Grads newsletter of the Air Force Academy. It has already driven a few memberships--John’s son Sam was a first year Ranger this summer and was in the same training crew as PSA President Jim Lynch’s son, Will (It is in- deed a small world). Because rangers from the various academies are not paid by Philmont, they do not appear on the employee rosters we receive at the end of each season, and from which we solicit people to join the PSA. As a con- sequence, our ability to reach out to the various academy rangers is severely constricted – unless one of them, like John, reaches out through communica- tions channels of the academies themselves. We welcome the newly found USAFA Rangers to the PSA, and we urge you to share this information with other academy rangers you might know. A tip of our hat to John for tackling this membership challenge.

BULLETIN BOARD Upcoming PSA® Events

New Years at Philmont – December 31, 2013-January 2, 2014 PSA Omelet Breakfast on January 1 Contact: Randy Saunders at [email protected]

Celebrating the Lives of Genevieve & Waite Phillips Event – February 1, 2014 Westwood Village, Los Angeles, CA Contact: Lee Huckstep at [email protected]

PSA Florida Regional Reunion – February 1, 2014, 10:00am to 4:00pm Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, near Gainesville, FL Contact: Randall MacDonald at [email protected]

PSA Annual Reunion – July 11-13, 2014 Philmont Training Center

PSA Summer Trek @ Philmont – July 14-20, 2014

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 10 psa news Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 psa news 11 ranch roundup Metcalf Station Project 2014 by David O’Neill Cimarron & Northwestern Railway Philmont Associate Director of Program The Continental Tie & Lumber Metcalf Station is back on track! On Company operated the Cimarron & September 17, 2013, members of Northwestern Railway in the Ponil Philmont’s management team, staff, Canyons from 1907 – 1932, led by its and key volunteers assembled for an president, Thomas A. Schomburg. In official “Spike Driving Ceremony”, thus order to move the harvested lumber putting into motion the newest staffed out of the canyon, the C&Nw RR was camp for Philmont Scout Ranch. Origi- organized using funds from a variety of nally conceived in 2007 by John Van investors, including Charles Springer. Dreese, Associate Director of Program, The railroad eventually stretched 30 the project was brought back to life in miles all the way to Bonito Canyon and 2011 and will be an operational camp was constructed in standard gauge at during the summer of 2014. a maximum grade of 2 percent with a The project is currently under the maximum curvature of 12º. The rail- direction of David O’Neill, Associate way primarily transported timber used Director of Program, and Sid Coving- throughout the west for mine shoring ton, the Volunteer Chairman for the and railroad ties and connected with project. the St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Railway in Cimarron.

Members of the Philmont management team participate in the Spike Driving Ceremony.

Program communication. Small sheds at each end of the line will house the telegraph Scouts visiting the camp will partici- equipment. Crews will be able to con- pate in the following programs: tact staff at Metcalf Station to practice Morse Code and to request a hand car • The history of the Cimarron & North- and trailer to be sent to their location. western Railway and its importance to • Allow crews to ride handcars along a the economic development of the area. 2.5 mile section of track. They will be A Continental Tie and Lumber Company photo of the rail line and a sawmill in Bonito, NM.. • Operating a telegraph line and gain- used by crews to transport themselves ing an understanding of the history of and their equipment in and out of Met-

12 ranch roundup Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 ranch roundup 13 is donating the loading and transporta- Tie and Lumber Company, Cimarron tion of these materials from West Texas & Northwestern Railway, and other as- to Philmont. More donations for rail, sociated lines in order to be able to tell tools, artifacts, and funding are being their story in the station museum. sought as the project continues to build If you have any railroadiana from momentum. the late 1800s, any information or photographs related to railroading in Future Vision New Mexico during that period (and especially if you have anything about Metcalf Station will be a multiyear the Cimarron & Northwestern Railway A Cimarron and Northwestern Railway engine. project. Philmont anticipates con- or the St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & struction of the station to begin for Pacific Railway), and if you have access calf Station and to construction sites. ance of an old “railroad town” coming 2015 and for at least ½ mile of track to railroad cars (like a caboose or a • Involve crews in initial track con- to life as the railroad was being devel- to be laid over each of four summers boxcar) which could be donated for this struction. Later, there will be a demon- oped. Staff will be housed in interpre- to complete the 2.5 miles of currently project, please contact David O’Neill at stration area where crews will replace tive tents on platforms, and a rail office planned track. The Ranch Committee [email protected]. ties and rail, as well as perform mainte- and company store will be in place as will also be seeking some rolling stock nance on the 2.5 miles of track in place. gathering points for campers and for to have on site for display purposes. A (Maintenance would include roadbed program delivery. The office and store caboose, tender, boxcars, etc. will look improvement, replacing cross ties, rail will be platforms with false store fronts great on site and will serve as part of alignment, etc.) and canvas backs, much like the tem- the museum aspect of the program. • Evening campfire programs using porary structures that would pop up in The boxcars could even be outfitted so railroad songs, stories, and slang. the Old West as these rail towns moved that crews could use them for sleeping, • Eventually allow crews to “over- from point to point. much like the Adirondacks at Cypher’s night” in old cattle cars, a caboose, etc. Campsites already exist, and the mine. We will also be seeking materials • Display artifacts, historic photos, water system is already in place. Work and artifacts related to the Continental A Cimarron and Northwestern Railway pass. posters/display boards showing the will take place to prepare new red roof parts of a steam locomotive, maps of locations, new campsites, and a pedes- the C&Nw RR, and connecting rail- trian bridge, but since Old Camp has ways. many of the needs already installed, • Pueblano and Crater Lake camps will these projects are greatly simplified. be “tied” into the program by having Program for the campers will consist participants build hand-hewn railroad of building the railroad on the existing ties that will be used in the construction road bed from the original Cimarron and maintenance of the line at Metcalf & Northwestern Railway. (Some dirt Station. work will be required to repair dam- aged road bed, but it will be minimal.) 2014 Vision To date, ½ mile of rail has been do- nated to Philmont for the project, along Metcalf Station will be an operation- with all associated “jewelry” to put the al backcountry camp for the summer of track together. An old line in Texas is 2014. The camp will have the appear- being repaired this fall and a company

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 14 ranch roundup ranch roundup 15 ranch roundup ment Program and the New Mexico years of service. Other veterans in- A Bucket O’ Nuggets from the Fall Department of Forestry to suppress clude Gene Schnell (29), Julie Vigil (29), invasive and noxious weeds in the Rock Rohrbacher (21) and Father Don Ranch Committee Meeting Heck and Greenwood Tracts and the Hummell (20). Barker Wildlife Area. To date, Philmont has treated 1759 acres. Targets are The staff was 74.2% male and 25.8% In 2013, there were 21,712 trekkers in vironmental impact on campsites, and Leafy Spurge, Yellow Toadflax, Canada female. Of the male staff, 81.3% were the backcountry – the most ever in providing participants an experience Thistle, Musk Thistle, Bull Thistle, and Eagle Scouts. a Jamboree year. A total of 987,375 much closer to the wilderness adven- Houndstongue. States with the most Philmont 2013 participants have hiked the Philmont ture of Philmont’s early days. staff: backcountry in the 75 years since Mr. A lightning fire on the Express UU Phillips’s first gift. We expect to see our The 2013 Top Ten councils and num- Bar Ranch in June threatened Philm- Texas (143) one millionth participant sometime in ber of participants from them: ont’s South Country. On the evening New Mexico (79) the middle of July, 2014. of June 13, Philmont evacuated 660 Kansas (64) Sam Houston Area (TX): 1241 participants, and staff from 11 staffed Missouri (58) The Waite Phillips Fund provided National Capitol Area (MD): 1081 camps and 24 trail camps, and closed Colorado (51) $261,951 to 605 Scouts with financial Circle Ten (TX): 945 44,000 acres to hiking and camping. Illinois (49) need so they could come to Philmont. Longhorn (TX): 779 Crews enroute to the closed area were California (47) Greater St. Louis Area (MO): 732 met and diverted. All crews and staff North Carolina (40) 7,680 Scouts took trail rides through Northern Star (MN): 614 were relocated and back on the trail by Arizona (34) the Horse Department; another 298 Heart of America (MO): 542 the next morning. Ohio (34) participated in Cavalcades. Capitol Area (TX): 491 Pennsylvania (34) Atlanta Area (GA): 464 The first six months of 2013 were Bear sightings were down dramati- Grand Canyon (AZ): 346 the driest six months since Waite Phil- The Philmont Museum/Seton cally. lips began keeping records in 1926. Memorial Library is working coopera- The Order of the Arrow Trail Crew tively with the Smithsonian Institution The Hardesty Casa Central (replace- completed the Flume Canyon Trail over July and August of 2013 were to produce a book of Seton’s caribou ment building for the old advisors’ Wilson Mesa. In 2014, they will begin among the wettest months on record. drawings. And the BBC has asked meeting room) opened on schedule work on a new trail between Clear As a consequence, the North Ponil and to use Seton’s photos and sketches – thanks to a generous gift from the Creek and Mt. Phillips, completely on Indian Writings experienced 10 flood of wolves for a series in production Hardesty family and $100,000 provided Philmont property (the current trail events during that time. entitled Wolfblood Uncovered. by the PSA’s current capital campaign – crosses the Tolby Wildlife Management the Campaign4Philmont. Area). In the 2013 season, more than 90,000 As part of the Museum’s digital factory rounds of various calibers were archive program, 32,222 crew photos NAYLE moved into its new $1M Trail Crew Trek completed several shot at Philmont’s 6 shooting camps. (1988-1991) were scanned and loaded facility on Rayado Ridge. new trails and a new mountain bike into electronic files. trail at Whiteman Vega. 2013 seasonal staff included 1091 Philmont continues to modify positions. Of that number, 50.4% were Summer attendance at the Villa was itineraries to spread participants more Philmont continues its work with first year staff and 49.6% were return- the highest in history: 17,661. evenly across the Ranch – reducing en- the Colfax Cooperative Weed Manage- ing staff. The longest tenured seasonal staff member is Lucy Brazil with 34

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 16 ranch roundup ranch roundup 17 short stuff beautiful reality of the New Mexican again. It became reverent and quiet wilderness. I was hoping for a chat. He and dear. As the last note faded, I very was having none of it. quietly said what we always said at As always, Taos was perfect in its the end of a day - “Goodnight, Scouts.” own crazy way. It’s changed some since Long pause. And we all burst into the days of the Rexall Drug slumped laughter. on the corner of the Plaza, but not by The next day found the original much. We were sitting on a bench, threesome heading down the Can- taking a break. I looked up from my yon road - that twisty, breath-taking ice cream and watched four young highway which may be one of the most outdoorsy-looking guys wrestling with glorious stretches of asphalt in the what I later learned was a bouldering Southwest. The Palisades. Cimarron mat. One mentioned in passing that next, looking almost as I left it. And they worked at Philmont. Philmont! then the right turn, with hope the bison The energy in the restaurant all over were down from the hills, but being again, but these guys were the real deal. more than satisfied with prong-horned I told them I’d worked there, too, back antelope instead. Driving through when God was a child. (I was trying to memories flashing as fast as foxes. Up be casual, but it was very hard.) past the Villa and Camping. A swing- When they realized we shared a ing left curve and stop. “I just need to history, the entire tenor of the conversa- look at the stock pond for a sec,” I said. tion shifted. I was no longer a curious Don’t know if it happens any more, but tourist making polite conversation, many a swim there washed off the dust but a person of interest. Eyes looked of a hard day. Colleen (Coleman) Lester visitng familiar places in Taos with new friends. photo by Chris Lester deeper, inside remarks started flying. Philmont. Three months of a sum- Snippets of stories. Smiles at memo- mer in 1972 changed the course of my ries. Questions about this new thing. life. I fell in love with the silence of the A Northern NM Birthday Surprise Answers about that backcountry camp. wilderness and its constant demand to A warmth and camaraderie came over be better and stronger and more honest. by Colleen (Coleman) Lester boisterous men. And through some- us all. Instant friends. More real. Philmont brought me seri- one’s belt loops, Chris caught the word With a tad bit of sarcasm as the ous challenges. I grappled with them. I Taos. This year’s birthday surprise. I “Philmont” and pointed to me. I sud- conversation paused, I murmured stumbled a lot. But I also won. hadn’t been back to northeastern New denly got energized and popped over “Silver on the sage.” The guy next to I’m still winning “out in God’s Mexico in several years and my hus- and asked him if he’d been to Philmont me stopped messing with the mat, sud- country tonight.” band, Chris, thought we both deserved and that I had been a staffer years ago denly stood tall and sang full-voiced, some time in the Sangre de Christos. It and was he a staffer and he…cut me off “starlit skies above.” Then, all of us Colleen (Coleman) Lester (1972) worked took no arm-twisting. at the knees with his sullen “Not yet. were singing “aspen covered hills” and with professional Scouter wives and their A close friend was pleased to join The belt’s my brother’s.” the rest of the Philmont Hymn, chuck- oldest children at the Training Center. us and we waited at an airport restau- Ah. A nervous one. Not a staffer at ling at ourselves as our voices rang rant for her flight into Albuquerque. all. A member of a troop on his way across the Plaza. The dining area was filled with young, to test himself against the harsh and And then the tone of it all changed

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 18 short stuff short stuff 19 Philmont Enters Historic Agreement with Chase Ranch by Mark Stinnett tive November 1, 2013. Among other things, it provides that Philmont will Philmont and the Chase Ranch Founda- assume full responsibility for opera- tion, owner of the historic Chase Ranch tion and management of the Chase near Cimarron, have announced their Ranch, protection and preservation of joint signing of a long-term lease and its historic structures, and development

The historic ranch house at the Chase Ranch. photo by Anna Fuchs tendent of the Cimarron Public Schools Founded in 1867 by Manly and Theresa and one of the foundation’s directors. Chase, who crossed the Raton Pass in a “Gretchen was a fourth-generation wagon loaded with all of their worldly rancher, a teacher and educator, a goods to establish a new home in New conservator, a lover of young people Mexico, the Chase Ranch remained and of the land, a community member continuously owned by their descen- who delighted in sharing Chase Ranch dants until the death of their great- with others and helping them appreci- One of the entrance gates to the Chase Ranch. granddaughter, Gretchen Sammis, in ate its history, beauty, and generational photo by Anna Fuchs August 2012. Subsequent to Gretchen’s worth. She wanted Chase Ranch to death, ownership of the ranch trans- operating agreement to preserve the of educational programs for both its continue for generations as a historic ferred to the Chase Ranch Foundation, Chase Ranch’s 146-year heritage and to own youth participants and the general model cattle ranch, and she wanted her which she had created for the purpose fulfill the last wishes of its late owner, public. The parties envision that the family’s history to be preserved.” of preserving the 11,000-acre property legendary cattlewoman Gretchen Sam- historic ranch house and surrounding Former PSA President Ed Pease, and her family’s heritage in perpetuity. mis. area will become a museum through president of the Chase Ranch Founda- “Long before she died, Gretchen The agreement, approved by the which the rich history of the Chase tion, says that “Gretchen’s old fash- mapped the future for Chase Ranch Ranch Committee at its fall meeting family and their western cattle ranch- ioned common sense and pragmatism and facilitated this lasting legacy,” ac- and by the Chase Foundation Board of ing way of life will be displayed for led her to create a structure (the Chase cording to Thelma Coker, past Superin- Directors on October 2, became effec- generations to come. Ranch Foundation) which she gave

20 psr and chase Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 psr and chase 21 wide latitude to work with others to opportunity to preserve, protect, and accomplish her goals. Philmont has enhance the dream of one the great decades of experience doing exactly the women in New Mexico ranching his- things she wanted done – preserving tory. Certainly it adds to the program historic structures, managing high- capacity of Philmont and we are hon- quality museum collections, creating ored and delighted to have this solemn educational programs through living obligation.” history presentations of New Mexico Sammis, herself an almost mythical and the American Southwest, and figure in New Mexico ranching history, running a working cattle ranch with owned and operated the ranch for some her favorite breed – Herefords. Such 58 years before her death. A member of programs require high quality staff the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and The Chase Ranch House. commit- 2007 New photo by Anna Fuchs ted to their Mexico was a cowgirl, beautiful on a horse, Ranch Committee for many years and mission, Cattleman at home in the saddle and with her has given guidance and support for our and the of the year, dog. Fiercely independent, she and her Ranch and Conservation Task Force. funds to her lifetime long-time companion, Ruby Gobble (49 Together we have made the dreams of make the of commit- years), prided themselves on being self- thousands of participants come true. whole thing ment to the sufficient.” Now we have an opportunity to make happen. land and Those values and traits will be her dreams come true.” The answer sound con- reflected in Philmont’s use of the Those dreams have actually been in to both servation Chase Ranch property for years to the Chase family for almost a cen- Gretchen’s practices come, according to Philmont Direc- tury, as it turns out. Coincidentally, dreams led to her tor of Program Mark Anderson. In Philmont museum staffers recently and the appoint- addition to operating the main ranch discovered a previously unknown Chase Ranch metal sign. resources photo by Anna Fuchs ments to house and surrounding area as a public brochure for “The Camp,” necessary the New museum, he sees potential use of an old operated on the Chase Ranch by Ma- to make them happen was a manage- Mexico Soil and Water Conservation cow camp on the property as another son and Stanley Chase, sons of ranch ment contract with Philmont.” Commission, the agriculture advisory of Philmont’s many “living history” founders Manly and Theresa. From Philmont also serves as an “edu- committee to the state land office, and camps. “What a wonderful opportu- information in the brochure, it appears cational laboratory” (as described in the New Mexico Resource Advisory nity this gives us to offer young people to have been printed around 1925, and the lease agreement) with programs Council. coming to Philmont a chance to experi- invites guests to come to the camp for offering accurate historical portrayal “She was a model of community ence life as it actually was many years “a real ranch vacation.” of early pioneering and ranching life service and integrity, hard work and ago on a historic working cattle ranch,” “The aim of the camp is to provide along the Santa Fe Trail. gracious hospitality, a stalwart protector he says. a happy and interesting summer place “Priceless!” replied John H. Green, of her ranch and her friends, a gener- “Working with the Chase Ranch for those who want to see the west,” the Boy Scouts of America’s National ous benefactor, a woman whose words Foundation to help promote the wishes the brochure states. “Here they will Group Director for Outdoor Adven- and blue-eyed gaze were direct and and dreams of Gretchen Sammis is be met by guides with gentle saddle tures, when asked about the signifi- discerning,” says Coker. “She abhorred one of the greatest things that has been horses and taken to one of our moun- cance of the agreement. Green, himself liars, phonies, and selfish people but asked of Philmont Scout Ranch,” said tain camps where they can fish and a native of northeastern New Mexico, never stinted on praise and support for John Clark, Philmont’s general manag- hunt and explore the mountain trails added, “This is just an unbelievable honest effort and determination. She er. “Gretchen served on the Philmont in all directions through beautifully

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 22 psr and chase psr and chase 23 timbered country, watered by crystal the Chase property to gain better access ptc news streams, and where they can thor- to the Heck-Vermejo tract, owned by oughly enjoy the outdoor life.” That Vermejo Park Ranch and currently used description almost exactly mirrors the by Philmont. Crews will be able to drop Become a Philmont Training Center Ambassador! vision of Waite Phillips, who donated off at the main Chase Ranch house and his Philmont Ranch to the Boy Scouts of hike directly through Dean Canyon The Philmont Training Center Ambas- America in 1938 and 1941 with the idea instead of having to unload at Highway sador program is designed to help that it would become a “university of 64 and make a long hot hike northward promote training center conferences the outdoors” for young people. to the canyon. Anderson also envisions “Gretchen wanted Chase Ranch to an expanded “Ranch Hands” program within the local council. Approved by educate young people in the ranch- that would have participants coming the Scout Executive, the ambassador ing experience and lifestyle, inspiring to the Chase for a two or three-week promotes PTC opportunities to unit, them to love and care for the land and working ranch experience. district, and council volunteers and pro- to appreciate its history,” says Coker. Under the agreement, Philmont will fessionals, utilizing resources provided “When she spoke of the ranch, she said, maintain all Chase Ranch structures to the local council for this marketing ‘It will always be here.’ This agreement and facilities, run its cattle and hunt- effort. between the Chase Ranch Foundation ing operations, and generally manage and Philmont Scout Ranch is an effort all aspects of the ranch and the pro- Role of the Ambassador to assure that truth.” grams it develops on it. Philmont will Philmont will also have access to prepare an operating plan each year • Work with PTC to promote PTC Resources for the Ambassador the entire Chase Ranch for its regular for the foundation’s approval. Ander- training opportunities within the coun- hiking and camping programs, includ- son reports that the first step will be cil. • PTC will provided resources for ing likely establishment of one or more undertaking a lengthy inventory of the • Recruit unit, district, and council both print media as well as the web, trail camps and at least one staffed historic objects, antiques and papers volunteers and professionals to attend including social media. Up to date pro- camp. Anderson says that Philmont located at the ranch. the conference that will benefit their motional materials will be sent to each will be able to make immediate use of leadership role within the council. ambassador. • Conduct presentations using • Monthly updates will be sent to the resources provided by PTC at unit, dis- ambassadors providing information One Hundred Years Ago in Northeast trict and council events such as Univer- about PTC marketing efforts and sup- sity of Scouting, Pow Wow, Roundtable, port materials as needed. New Mexico History program kick off events, training meet- • PTC will communicate and work ings, and district and council meetings directly with each ambassador to en- by Emery Corley etc. sure that each council has the resources • Communicate with PTC concerns needed to promote PTC effectively to At 3 p.m. on October 22, 1913, a great explosion occurred underground at the and feedback you receive from Scouters volunteers and professionals. Stag Canyon Mine No. 2 at Dawson, New Mexico killing 263 men including two who have attended PTC, with ideas on rescuers. There were 23 survivors. Dawson was at one time a vibrant coal min- how we can enhance their experience in To find out how you can serve as ing community owned by the Phelps Dodge Corporation located about halfway the future or topics they would like to your council’s PTC ambassador, please between Cimarron and Raton. Nearly 10 years later, on February 8, 1923, a mine see in the future. contact Andrea Watson at Andrea. explosion at Stag Canyon Mine No. 1 would take the lives of 120 miners with • Promote the PTC the Master’s Track [email protected] or (575) 376-2281. only 2 survivors. Not much remains of Dawson today; however, the cemetery at Knot program. Dawson is still visible and the rows of graves give silent witness to the memory of these historic and tragic events

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 24 dawson explosion ptc news 25 philmont history small log structure was built at the base This partially completed project was of the shelf for tool storage. largely forgotten after ’67. Any work In the spring of 2013, I became curi- performed in subsequent years would ous about the results of this long-ago have been minimal. At the time, a log conservation project. What would the was kept of the man-hours expended. area look like now? Would I even be If any such record exists today, it would able to find it? The 1967 intrigue had likely be in the archived files at the resurfaced, and I began a journey into Seton Memorial Library/Philmont my past at Philmont. My only connec- Museum. I have not had the opportu- tion with Scouting since my Philmont nity to research the archives. However, days had been as an adult Scouter in I preferred not to steal the spirit of the Dallas area (Circle Ten Council), this article by turning it into a formal and that was at least twenty years ago. report. Only recently did I join the Philmont I contacted Philmont General Man- Staff Association. ager John Clark regarding the possibil-

For Sale Cimarron Art Gallery

Photo taken from south facing slope after cleanup had commenced. The 1967 Porcupine Windfall

Want to be near Philmont Scout Ranch? by Mike Thomas and aspens in a heavily forested region. Follow your dream - Live near the BEST! Not only was this unsightly, it was Art Gallery • Gift Shop • 1937 Soda Fountain While assigned at Porcupine during the impenetrable. A general cleanup of the In business for 22 years 1967 Philmont season, I was involved location seemed an excellent opportu- Price Drop - Now Only $150,000 building in a large and unusual conservation nity for “campers” (a term still in use?) (Building price includes soda collection) “cleanup” effort. A windfall devastated to earn required conservation hours. I Website included! - Retail inventory sold separately an area west of the camp, extending developed a particular interest in this 1875 sq. ft + office + storage + outside storage building (attached) from the Rayado River valley floor to undertaking and spent as much time as Turn-key Business -Enjoy an independent lifestyle a mountain shelf on the north facing possible on the “shelf.” Children? We’ve got 4 day school weeks slope. An inventory of two-man crosscut Great school system - Cimarron Municipal Schools High winds had cut an irregularly- saws, bow saws, and axes was secured shaped swath, probably exceeding one from Headquarters. Drawing on the Please contact Tim O’Neill@ O’Neill Land LLC (575) 376-2341 hundred acres, uprooting large conifers abundant supply of downed timber, a

26 philmont history Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 philmont history 27 ity of a visit to the Porcupine area. To philmont history say that he was accommodating would be underplaying what really took place. John and his wife, Janice, person- Remembering Doc Loomis ally escorted my wife, Jody, and me on an all day excursion. We parked at Abridged from the book, The Life and on how to fight forest fires. Experts what I had known as Porkyado Junc- Times of Jack L. Rhea such as Russ Vliet, a former guide tion (they call it Phillips Junction - PJ himself, and an authority on wilderness - now) and hiked the short distance The quality of Philmont staff training survival, became part of the training to the site of the old Porcupine staffed improved during the late 1940s from function. Jack Rhea was also involved camp. The only remnant of the former what was little more than a fast hike in training Philmont guides beginning camp is the small log cabin known as over the major trails for guides to the in 1950 as part of his duties as assistant the “Quill.” Surprisingly, the building use of more and more specialists as the national director of volunteer training. is in better condition now than it was in George Bullock era neared its end in One of Jack’s responsibilities involved the ‘sixties, new metal roof and all. The 1954. For example, outsiders from the National Camping Schools from main building, demolished years ago, U.S. Forest Service coordinated training which the Scoutcraft skills portion was had housed a small commissary and Typical log piles on mountain shelf with un- worked windfall area in background kitchen in ’67. I was concerned before and during feet from the trail! Though the view the trip that I would be unable to locate was slightly obstructed by forty-six the windfall area. John took us to a years of growth, other log stacks were location that he believed was part of it. visible on the slope above. Here was It was littered with large sawn logs that the other end of the windfall cleanup, had been cut many years ago. There the point where the original work had was no other reason for the timber to begun in ’67. It’s a bit embarrassing be on the ground. From all indications, to admit I walked past a stack of logs this was never a logging area. What twice and never noticed exactly what I John had discovered may have been came to find. the outermost edge of the ’67 wind- At this point, I had to rate the return fall. More than four decades of rotting trip to the windfall area a success. logs combined with new tree growth Perhaps one “can’t go home again” changed the look of the forest dramati- and it’s impossible to step in the same cally. While I was prepared for that, stream twice, but it’s within the bounds I expected to see at least something I of reality to get so close that it’s hard to recognized. tell the difference. After a “trail lunch” at Crooked Creek Camp, we began a return hike I wish to extend my thanks to the following to PJ. Well into the walk, with John PSA members for assistance in the prepara- leading, I looked back toward Jody and tion of this article: John & Janice Clark, Janice. They were standing next to a Terry Johnson, Greg McEwen, Joe Parker, cross-stacked pile of rotting logs two Marcus Rautman, and Dave Werhane. The legendary Doc Loomis demonstrating the finer points of Dutch oven cooking. Courtesy of the Philmont Museum

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 28 philmont history philmont history 29 adapted for Philmont guide training. that embarrassment with an oven of der of the German High Fleet in 1918. the 1948 season and was a participant If there was a man as closely the aluminum variety. It can safely be Loomis had every reason to be proud of in the Wood Badge course held at involved with Philmont guides and assumed that Doc preferred cast iron the “Arky,” a Wyoming Class battle- Cimarroncito that year. He subsequent- their training as Clarence Dunn, it was ovens anyway. ship, which was substantially updated ly served on many Wood Badge and Raymond “Doc” Loomis who had It must be noted that Loomis prac- for service in World War II when it JLT courses throughout the 1950s. been a key member of the staff since ticed a trade that was in demand in a participated, with sister battleship USS On Tuesday 21 June 1955, PX-1 1948 when he was brought on board day when backpacking stoves were Texas, in all three invasions of France (Philmont Experimental Expedition by George Bullock as an instructor in years away, hence the need for expert (Normandy, Cherbourg, and Southern Number One) consisting of three adult campcraft. He became much more than knowledge with an axe, the ability to France), the Philippines liberation, Iwo leaders with thirty-one youth arrived an instructor. He was the Scouting skills start a cooking fire (perhaps right after Jima, and Okinawa. at Philmont. The expedition was aware guru, and over his nearly twelve year a downpour), and the many uses of a Loomis was called “Doc” be- that it was going on an experimen- association with Philmont he became a Dutch oven. It was also an era when cause he was a chiropractor who had tal trek, and Ned Cooper Gold, the legend with campers through his lively the Dutch oven was a very popular practiced Back East. Unfortunately, he younger, was the first off the bus. Ned cooking and campcraft demonstrations. item at Philmont where dozens of them developed arthritis to the extent that was greeted by a young Eagle Scout His services were also very much in were available at large camps and an he decided to trade the damp, dismal headquarters guide from Santa Barbara, demand on many JLT and Wood Badge adequate number could be had at all winters of the mid-Atlantic for the dry California. The guide’s name was Dave staffs. smaller camps. Dutch oven cooking warmth of the Southwest. He had some Jung and he was in his first of many In over more than a decade, Loomis was a rarity in council camps in those involvement with Scouting and camp years on the Philmont staff. The expedi- attained iconic status in a variety of days. That combined with ravenous ap- schools before leaving Pennsylvania tion was also greeted by Jack Rhea. Philmont jobs: Director (and resident petites generated on the trail created a and continued the association when Very shortly, Ned the elder and the ranger) at Ponil through 1955, Direc- strong and immediate interest in Doc’s he arrived in Texas where he became three senior crew leaders, Lewis Flint, tor of Campcraft Skills, and Director Dutch oven presentations and all of the acquainted with both Minor Huffman Friend Wilkinson, and William Hoerter, of Program. His teaching skills were delights baked therein. and George Bullock. Through Bullock, were in Jack’s office confirming their essential to Philmont as well as the Loomis presentations were long by Doc Loomis joined the staff in time for itinerary. Ned Senior, who already had National Office which produced lit- contemporary ranger standards. What erature and a film on his fire building, would otherwise be down time while cooking, and campcraft presentations. cobblers or biscuits were baking was The little pamphlet, “On the Trail with devoted to the finer points of campcraft Your Knife, Axe & Dutch Oven,” was skills. The Plumb three-quarter axe was reprinted many times over and could a key part of that presentation, and Doc be found in every council office in had files, whetstones, sandpaper, fence the country. Doc covered it all in that staples, and linseed oil ready for his little gem, including the two ways to listeners to get some hands-on experi- break a Dutch oven. The easiest way ence before enjoying what was about to was letting one side become far too emerge from the Dutch ovens. hot in which case the cold side would Doc’s origins might not suggest he crack. The other was rushing to make would become an authority on west- gravy by pouring very cold water into ern camping. He was born in Vermont a very hot oven. Melting and subse- on 23 November 1894, and in World quently deforming a Dutch oven was War I he served on the USS Arkansas, unheard of until Doc’s last year on staff a dreadnought commissioned in 1912 when a young ranger demonstrated that participated in taking the surren-

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 30 philmont history philmont history 31 a working knowledge of Philmont’s excelled, but the “Campcraft” brochure While the Dutch oven and three- Council (Albuquerque) in 1962, only a Back Country, had worked up a tenta- covered everything from foot care to quarter axe were Loomis’ stock in few months before dying at age sixty- tive itinerary before leaving Virginia. garbage disposal. The very first part of trade, he was well known for another seven on 13 May 1962. He and his wife The route selected was southbound, the “Campcraft” brochure was devoted trademark item: his black 1935 Chevro- Edna were especially missed in Cimar- starting at Ponil where Doc Loomis and to effective teaching; it later became a let coupe. The rear trunk opened up to ron where they were particularly active Terry French gave them intense Scout- full twenty-page section in the nearly serve as a base for his chuck box, and a members of the community. After Doc’s ing skills demonstrations, with Loomis 200-page Ranger Fieldbook that arrived large canvas dining fly provided shelter death, Edna moved to Carlsbad where noting that the expedition was “…at about twenty years later. from the elements. In this setting, the she died in 1985. Both are buried in the beginning of something big.” Using Loomis’ flip-chart, the new apron-clad Doc Loomis became an Cimarron’s Mountain View Cemetery. The “something big” evolved into rangers gave presentations to each enduring Philmont image for hundreds Seven years after his death, there is the twelve-day expedition, introduced other on axemanship. When the pre- of staff and thousands of campers over every reason to believe that Doc Loo- in 1956, and the Philmont Ranger sentations were over the balance of the the years. mis turned over in his grave – in 1969 Program which was launched in 1957. day was spent removing the deep red, Doc Loomis kept a close eye on Philmont stopped issuing three-quarter In introducing those landmark pro- varnished finish on the axe handles his boys that summer of ’57 and knew axes to rangers and in a few more years grams, Mister Clarence Dunn became and treating them with raw linseed oil. what was going through young minds stopped issuing the bow saws which the first Chief Ranger and Doc Loomis After scraping and successive sanding, in early August when the end of the replaced the axes. The worst was yet was the central figure in ranger training oiling, and drying, the handles became season was in sight. He also knew that to come. The use of Dutch ovens was which was held at Ponil in the early so smooth that a blister-free perfor- some aspects of the ranger’s job could eventually scaled back to the point years. To facilitate rangers instructing mance was assured. Loomis taught result in mediocrity which he warned where they became a program spe- their “groups” (as expeditions or crews rangers the finer points of sharpening about in this little note, personally cialty; no longer could campers find were called in those days), Doc Loomis their axes with a six-mill file. The first signed, which went out to each ranger the ovens even at small trail camps. Yet had developed a very small flip-chart rangers and those during the following at the end of July. Doc Loomis’ legend still reaches out presentation that fit into a ranger’s decade were well-versed in the proper and overshadows those little, high-tech back pocket. That little flip-chart pre- nomenclature for all thirteen parts of Dear Rangers, backpacking stoves which eventu- sentation recognized the importance the three-quarter axe and how to create We have not seen the need for a warning of ally terminated the need for the bow of effective teaching and also was the a very useful fourteenth part as well. this nature before, but about this time of the saws that replaced the ranger axe. He direct ancestor of two critical compo- That final touch was converting the summer, I have always found it difficult not remains as one of the leading figures nents of the future program: the little single-surfaced “doe’s foot” at the end to slack off some in my instruction. Very from Philmont’s golden age. “Campcraft” spiral-bound notebook of the grip to an angled, two-surface often, I was not aware of doing so, but my which followed in 1958 and the com- part by sawing off the point, leaving a watch told the story. It is just being human Editor’s Note: The Life and Times of prehensive Ranger Fieldbook which flat area of about one square inch called to grow tired of repetition and want to get Jack L. Rhea, by PSA Board Member Bill was introduced in the late 1970s. the “fawn’s foot.” The fawn’s foot it over with. It sure would be a shame to Cass, is one of the titles in the growing If rangers were the world’s leading prevented the end of the handle from let a most enviable record of instruction Philmont bookshelf. This excerpt about authorities on map and compass, they splitting when the grip end was tapped taper off in this way. Please be aware of this Doc Loomis is an abridgement of the por- were of no value to Jack Rhea if they with a hammer or the butt of another tendency and double check yourselves. tion about this significant Director of Pro- could not effectively teach outdoor axe to re-seat a loose axe head. A wedge Sincerely, gram from Philmont’s early days. Stories skills to teenage boys. For that reason would then be pounded into the eye Your friend “Doc” of other important early Philmont figures, 1957 ranger training involved a lot of to secure the handle, although Doc also abridged from the Cass book, will ap- “Show an’ Do” followed by practice Loomis preferred using a fence staple Doc’s last year on the Philmont pear in future issues of High Country as teaching on everything learned from instead of a wedge so it could easily staff was 1959; his health was start- well. sanitation to first aid. Loomis’ flip-chart be removed when resetting a loose axe ing to become a problem. He received This and other PSA books may be pur- was limited to the subjects in which he head. the Silver Beaver from the Kit Carson chased at philstaff.com.

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 32 philmont history philmont history 33 philmont history for a planned invasion and his unit was blessing the PSA would not have hap- a forerunner of the Navy Seals. He pened. Approval was required of both had become an underwater demolition Joe Davis and John. Chief Scout Execu- Born at the Confluence - The Missing Link expert. tive Alden Barber had also given his Sometime in 1944 or 1945 he re- blessing to the formation of the PSA. Confluence were introduced. The two turned to the United States and became But it took all three to make the “Meet- deceased are Joe Davis and Jerry Traut. engaged to Margaret. But then he was ing at the Confluence,” the birth of the At the time of the “Confluence shipped to the Pacific. Finally he was PSA, happen. Meeting”, John was General Manager discharged as a lieutenant in 1946 and It would be unfortunate if this bit of at Philmont and had been for nearly returned as the Scout Executive in Bra- PSA history had been lost. I am very three years. He retired from Scouting denton, later holding similar positions grateful that on a Saturday morning just a few months after the Confluence in Scouting in Orlando, Florida and after the 40th Reunion I found myself Meeting because of family issues in his St. Petersburg, Florida. He then went perusing the membership directory home area of Fayetteville, Tennessee to the Southeast Region (now part of and ran across the name “John Shutt.” that required both him and Margaret to the Southern Region) in Atlanta where That led me to John and Margaret, and return and take care of elderly parents. he served as an area director. Before this recollection of one of the great men Their only child, John (“Jack”) who going to Philmont as General Manager of Philmont, and one whose support also lives in Fayetteville along with (beginning January 1, 1971), he served helped make the PSA a reality. his wife, his married daughter and in the National Office which at that two grandchildren (great grandchil- time was still in New Brunswick, New John and Margaret would be pleased to John Shutt dren to John and Margaret), worked at Jersey, first as Director of School Rela- hear from you via email: [email protected]. Philmont one year and is a member of by Ned Gold tions and then in other positions. He They both wish they could return to the the PSA. rounded out his professional career as Ranch they love so much, as we all do, but He was born and raised in Nash- To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of General Manager of Philmont. their health now dictates otherwise. ville, Tennessee and attended Peabody his death are greatly exaggerated. John It is fair to say that without John’s College for Teachers which is now Shutt, one of the Confluence conferees, a part of Vanderbilt University. His is alive and well at the age of 96 in recollection is a little dim on this but he Fayetteville, Tennessee. I owe him and Where are YOU showing your 87714 Pride? believes he became Scout Executive in his wife, Margaret, a great apology for Bradenton, Florida immediately after As our readers are aware, High Country publishes occasional photos of the world having repeated misinformation that I travels of various Phil-gear, usually accompanied by a brief explanation – and a leaving college. But very soon there- received some time back and failed to shameless promotion for you to buy Phil-stuff from the PSA. This photo was re- after he joined the Navy as an officer cently taken in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah check. At the reunion I announced that and became a World War II hero with there are only four living members of two Bronze Stars. Those who under- the group that met at the Confluence in stand the military know that even a 1973: Greg Hobbs, Phil Yunker, Dave 87714 water bottle was shot by Life single Bronze Star marks one as a hero. member Joe “Bear” Farrell in Bryce Bates and yours truly. In fact, there are First he went to the European/Africa Canyon. five, John Shutt being the fifth. Marga- theaters where he trained in North ret is 97 and as John says he “married Africa. He somehow got hunkered an older woman.” down for a number of days on Sicily I apologize profusely to John and Share your 87714 sightings with us for future use on the website, in High Country or and then Salerno. Shortly thereafter he Margaret for the faux paus I made in both­! E-mail [email protected] with your sightings, and if for some inexpli- found himself off the shores of south- cable reason you don't have your 87714 sticker yet, contact the PSA to purchase some my comments during the reunion as ern France clearing underwater mines at eminently reasonable prices. Shop for T-Shirts (and other cool 87714 gear) at the rest of the living conferees at the www.philstaff.com.

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 34 philmont history philmont history 35 2014 PSA Calendar Supports Staff Scholarships

by Scott Toney all over as well. A partial (and kind of random) list I received the other day $40,000 included places like Georgia, Califor- That’s how much the PSA gave to nia, New Mexico, Maryland, North current staff members who are attend- Carolina, and Tennessee. ing college and commit to coming back For $25, you can purchase a 12 to the Ranch for another year. month, 2014 calendar with fantastic That is a lot of books, late night piz- photos of Philmont. The photos span all zas, and spiral notebooks. The money seasons and they were taken by current we provide helps students justify pass- and past staff members. You will be ing up a higher paying job back home proud to display them in your home or for another summer changing lives in your office (or both). These calendars the mountains of New Mexico. We are will make wonderful gifts. Order by proud to help Philmont on this project December 5 for Christmas delivery! and we want you to help. Last year the calendar sales raised The staff at Philmont comes from over $500 for scholarships for current all over to work at the Ranch. The ones Philmont staff members. Let’s try and that receive scholarships come from raise even more this year!

“Sparks Flying” a photo by 2013 NPS Staff member Kaitlyn Chaballa will appear in the 2014 PSA Calendar.

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 36 2014 calendar 37 trail talk The Officers, Directors, and Staff of the 1950s 1970s Philmont Staff Association

Curtis Stanley Hunter (59, 61) retired Chuck Slaughter (74) worked for the from the US Navy in 1983, then worked BSA as a paraprofessional and then as and the Staff of High Country magazine as a contractor doing acquisition a District Executive from 1974-1983 be- logistics from 1983-2010. He has been fore going to law school at Texas Tech. wish for you and yours heavily engaged with the VFW/Scout- He has been practicing law since 1987, ing partnership, organizing the VFW currently serving as Assistant District PEACE AT THE HOLIDAYS national Scouting team as a result of Attorney with the 47th District Attor- AND a course he took at PTC in 1999. That ney’s Office in Amarillo, TX. Since 2001 team now has 84 members, recognizing he has served as the volunteer Fenc- HAPPINESS IN THE YEAR AHEAD Eagle Scouts and otherwise support- ing Coach at Amarillo College, being ing Scouting across the country. He named Volunteer Coach of the Year by serves as the VFW’s Lead Advisor to the United States Fencing Association the Scouting team. Contact: 7544 Mill in 2006. Contact: 6215 Jameson Road, Pond Court, Warrenton, VA 20187. 540- Amarillo, TX 79106. 806-674-9782. 347-1093. [email protected]. [email protected]. Ridgethorne Court, Rancho Palos (00) and the US Army War College (02) 1960s 2000s Verdes, CA 90275. 810-579-7735. kkev- and currently serves as Assistant Scout- [email protected]. master with Troop 407 in Chippewa, Robert Bingham (63-64) after Philmont Steve Hickle ( 04, 10), after 37 years as PA. Contact: 116 Walnut Ridge Drive, completed his BA in economics and a United Methodist pastor, joined the Mark A. Smith (13) is a graduate of Beaver Falls, PA 15010. 678-378-8289. his MBA, married (1968-2004 when staff at Stop Hunger Now (stophun- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University [email protected]. his wife died of cancer), and raised gernow.org) as Faith Outreach Direc- two children. He served active duty in tor. He represented them at the 2013 the US Navy 1966-72, then transferred National Scout Jamboree and the 2013 to the reserves where he retired with World Methodist Council in London, the rank of Commander in 1988. He UK. Contact: 712 Mordecai Towne worked in management for a Fortune Place, Raleigh, NC 27604. 919-412-3548. 1000 company (1973-1983), owned his [email protected]. own business (1984-2001) and taught high school science (2002-2007). He 2010s served in Scouting as an adult volun- teer (1988-2002) and remains a Ham Kevin Sato (13) currently serves as Radio operator (call sign: W4ROB). Junior Assistant Scoutmaster to Troop Contact: 1301 Buckingham Avenue, 257 in Los Angeles and is involved with Norfolk, VA 23508. 757-438-4314. Eagle Scout projects. He has staffed [email protected]. at Camp Escapades. Contact: 28131

Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 Volume 36, Number 6— December 2013 38 trail talk trail talk 39 New Years at the Ranch 2013-14 NEW FOR THE HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING SEASON… Philmont and the Philmont Staff Association are teaming up to welcome former staffers back to the Ranch to celebrate the incoming new year. Come out to Making an encore appearance… Philmont and join your Phil-friends for fellowship at this special time. The Philmont Staff Association’s best-selling book has been revised and

updated. Lodging: Available at Philmont December 31 through January 2: Get your copy of I Wanna Go Back now. In fact, this book is a great idea • Roofed housing at PTC (duplexes, multiplex rooms, etc.): $30.00 per as a gift for all of your Philmont friends. person per night. Copies are available now. Cost is $16.00. Meals: Order online at www.philstaff.com, or • Dinner on December 31 is being provided free of charge by Philmont. contact the PSA office at (575) 376-1138. • Build-your-own Omelet Breakfast on January 1 is being provided free of Order by December 12 to ensure delivery charge by the Philmont Staff Association. by Christmas. **These are the only meals that will be available at Philmont.** In August of 2007, hundreds of former New Year’s Eve Events: Philmont Rangers converged on the • “What’s going on at Philmont” remarks by Ranch Management. Ranch for a rendezvous celebrating the • Satellite television, games, karaoke, billiards tournament, and fellowship 50th anniversary of the Ranger Depart- at Silver Sage Staff Activity Center. ment. Stories of the people, the place, • Bring your musical instruments for a jam session. and the program that make Philmont so special tumbled over themselves faster than anyone could record them. So, the New Year’s Day Events: PSA determined that someone should, • Football games on TV in the Silver Sage Staff Activity Center. and persuaded Warren Smith, himself a • Philmont 5K run/walk and day hikes to be determined by weather former Ranger and published author, to conditions. pull it all together. I Wanna Go Back is a • Activities and events in the area, including skiing at: collection of these stories. o Angel Fire www.angelfireresort.com/winter/ o Red River www.redriverskiarea.com Looking for Gifts Ideas for your Philfriends? o Taos Ski Valley www.skitaos.org The Philmont Staff Association has several excellent items to help you Roofed housing is expected to fill up quickly. Get your registration and money in with your list! And, your purchases help support our mission to serve the today to reserve a room. Philmont adventure. Be sure to visit our website www.philstaff.com to see all of our merchandise.

Are you staying nearby and just want to join us for the New Years Eve celebration? Gift Membership for your Philstaff Friends! Please let us know so we can make sure we cook enough dinner for everyone! Buy an annual membership in the PSA for one or more of your Philstaff To make reservations: friends. Membership includes subscription to High Country, and access to Contact DeeDee Sanchez at (575) 376-2281 ext. 1135 or PSA treks and reunions at Philmont. Give your friends a link to Philmont [email protected]. this holiday season. Visit our website www.philstaff.com.