99 years ago today, Unami Lodge, One, and the Order, were founded at Treasure Island Scout Camp by E.Urner Goodman, the Camp Director, and Carroll A. Edson, the Assistant Camp Director, to perpetuate camp traditions and ideals from summer to summer. The organization was to be based on Leni Lenape traditions. Preliminary research on the Delaware Tribes and language was done prior to the start of summer camp by Shorty Rolston, a Philadelphia scouter. At Treasure Island, a natural ravine near the south tip of the island is selected as the new Orders ceremonial ground. Preparatory work in getting this site ready for use is done by Goodman and Harry Yoder of Philadelphia Troop 3. Yoder is soon appointed as the Orders first guide and guardian. A totem decorated with a tortoise was erected at the ceremonial ground. This totem was chosen because it was used by Chingachgook and Uncas (familiar from James Fenimore Coopers Leatherstocking Tale and our own Legend). The tortoise is also the symbol of one of the three major Delaware clans (along with the Turkey and Wolf). Today Unami Lodge, One serves the five great scout camps of The Cradle of Liberty Council: Treasure Island (founded 1913), Resica Falls (founded 1956), and the three camps of Musser Scout Reservation, Camp Delmont (founded 1916), Camp Hart (founded 1930) and Camp Garrison (opening in 1999).
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:53:03 +0000
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