Roger Schustereit posted a question on Patch-L regarding a Scout uniform shirt he saw on eBay. The shirt carried a community strip from Endicott, NY. For those of you that don’t know, that is near Binghamton, NY and within the area covered by Otahnagon Lodge #172.
Ray Gould thought
I believe it could possibly be an early Camp Tuscarora or Lodge #172 item….since the patch depicts the pine tree. Consulting OA images/Blue Book, I learned that Otahnagon means “Camp in the Pines” which I assume refers to Camp Tuscarora. It is located on the temporary position of the uniform (certainly legitimate for a camp patch and not unheard of for early OA pieces). It has me intrigued. Perhaps a #172 “old timer” could lend some authority. I’m not sure which era the uniform dates to (removable buttons)….I assume somewhere between the 1930’s and 1940’s…..any other thoughts.
I added the note that the totem for #172 is the Pine Tree, but had no other information at the time.
The Lodge history has the following information.
Otahnagon Lodge History in Susquenango Council
Otahnagon Lodge had a full history for almost 65 years. Founded in 1939, the Lodge has served Susquenango Council faithfully and has sought to preserve the traditions of the Order of the Arrow heerfully and respectfully. The lodge’s totem is the pine tree, and the name Otahnagon means “camp in the pines.†The lodge flap has remained similar in design since it’s first issue.
Since the founding of Susquenango Council’s scout reservation, Camp Tuscarora in 1953, our lodge has provided the skills and manpower for both the construction of several facilities at camp and for the general maintenance necessary to open and close the camp each year.
If the Camp was founded in 1953, I suspect the uniform and felt patch pre-dates the founding of Camp Tuscarora. The Camp Book by Minnihan and Sherman show two earlier camps for Susquenango Council; Camp Kiamesha and Camp Spaulding which are confirmed on the council website.
Can anyone shed any light on the patch below?
[phpbay]Otahnagon Lodge,10[/phpbay]
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“During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.†– George Orwell
I had a lead on an individual that may have the ability to shed further light but have not heard anything from him (as conveyed by a mutual friend). It is also quite possibly an early Kiamesha Lodge #172 piece (predating Otahnagon #172 with no known issues…it also recognized the pine tree as its totem as per the Blue Book). I am doubtful of the OA connection with this piece (since it displays no obvious heraldry of the OA but having none is not unheard of). I will continue to pursue its possible origin (Roy More of TSPA was high bidder).
-Ray Gould
Ray,
Any info would obviously be great.
Like you I suspect this is most likely a camp patch; probably from Camp Kiamesha. Since that would seem to fit the timeframe better.
Now it could be an OA Patch or even a pre-OA honor society. Although that too is a bit suspect since there is no mention of it any camp honor society the Otahnagon Lodge history.