Girl Scout Troop 7 receives badges and stars

This item, now almost 60 years old, appeared in the Mt. Morris Index probably in 1951 and Lynne uncovered the clipping recently.

"Fourteen members of Girl Scout Troop No. 7 and their leaders, Mrs. Lawrence Lamm, with her assistants, Mrs. Dan Fishman and Mrs. William Folgate, enjoyed an overnight hike to the Ross farm last week. A potluck supper for all the parents and families was a feature of the evening after which the girls were presented their badges and stars showing they have been girl scouts for the year. During the badge presentation ceremony, the investiture was held for Norma Corbett who has recently joined this troop. The Scout girls who participated in this overnight recreation were Sharon Rothermel, Sara Yoder, Barbara Emmert, Diane Bechtold, Darlene Holverson, Dorothy Raney, Marion Duncan, Kay Alter, Salley Olsen, Francine Kitzmiller, Lynne Fleming, Deborah Plum, Nancy Lamm and Priscilla Drummond.

Thanks for sending this Lynne--I remember Ross Farm, but don't remember this particular event. Also, I don't remember Mrs. Fishman being our assistant leader--I used to babysit for them. It's a good thing the class of 1957 was such a busy group--what would the paper have been without us?

Just girls hanging out--May 1953

From the left standing: Nancy L., Salley O., Norma C., Francine K., Sara Y.

Kneeling: Doree D. (class of 58) Marion D., Kay A.

This was probably lunch time based on the sun angle.

Photo from Carol S. (class of 58)

Party time 56 years ago

From the Mt. Morris Index--important social news!

Friday night January 22, ". . . a few of Priscilla D's friends gave a little surprise party in honor of her birthday in the home of Lynne F. Guests included Marion D, Tina K, Kay A, Salley O, Sara Y, Norma C, Nancy G, Nancy L and Fran K. After enjoying ice cream and cake, the honoree opened her lovely gifts."

The lost birthday party

Here's a really fun photo of Nancy S.'s birthday party in 1952. She sent it to me in April and I'd forgotten it, but it's too cute not to post.




And I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind losing a few birthdays!

Proud to be Girl Scouts

Every store I've been in this week has a table set aside for the Scouts selling cookies. My neighbor came by with her granddaughter to pick up the donation I'd promised instead of purchasing cookies. So here's a wonderful memory written by Lynne F. with photos submitted by Nancy L., whose mom was our leader.

Our class had a large, very active Girl Scout troop in the 50s. We hiked, biked, had camping trips, rolled back the sod, cooked our hobo stew and made S'mores. We also had one memorable trip to Chicago on the train and two nights at the Palmer House--the hotel was never the same! We girls thrived on this and we were blessed with two leaders who were very good sports, Mildred Lamm and Velda Plum. Some girls stayed on and were Senior Girl Scouts through high school. My personal motivation may have come from that Hollywood movie magazine of the 50s which said Debbie Reynolds had been a Senior Girl Scout. I like to think it was the fresh air, exercise and friendship. To this day I buy Girl Scout cookies.

Left to right: Barb E., Norma C., Sara Y. and Nancy L. ca. 1951. Photo submitted by Nancy L. Verso says: "Ready to leave on our 2 day camping trip." Norma says: All I remember of G.S. camping is the cows coming to our tents and scaring us. I think this street is Emily.

Left to right at a Girl Scout play day, Robin Hood theme, April 1952: Carolyn M., Darlene H., Sharon R., Norma C., Donna B., Sara Y., Deb P. Salley O., Fran K., unidentified, Diane B., Marion D., Kay A. Back row, left to right: Nancy L., Lynne F., Mrs. Lamm, leader, unidentified.

Lynne remembers: This photo brings back a flood of memories. One hike we all took was the back way to the White Pines State Park. The roads were gravel then and it was a hot and dusty hike. Our leader, Mrs. L. had us take interval breaks in the shade. On one such break we all flopped down but soon. Fran K. was up jumping and gyrating like nothing we'd ever seen before. She had landed on a hugh ant hill and they took exception to it! Mrs. L. had us form a semi-circle while first-aid was applied to Fran's back side. Years later while watching the 60's program Laugh In and realiized that was Fran's dance they were doing--a cross between the Funky Chicken and the Watusi. Fran survived and so did the story. Fran K ever the good sport and joy to this day.

Slumber Parties in the 1950s

We girls had some great slumber parties in the 1950s. The one that most vividly sticks in my mind was a "French-fry Slumber Party" at Fran's house. We each brought a few potatoes, someone had a deep fryer, and we ate all night. Lots of screaming and yelling of course, and we played music. I don't think anyone knew how to dance, but if they did, we did that too. This photo seems to be a morning after shot, but was taken at my house in 1956--before Mom redecorated to more neutral tones. Left to right is Francine K., Marian D., Sara Y., Kay A., Mary Lou S. (deceased), and Diane B.; Lynne F. in the front.

There are items in this photo that just scream 1950s: pin curls tied up with a scarf (no one had hair dryers); bermuda shorts with knee socks; hard sided over night cases; scarves tied under the collar of a neatly pressed white blouse; big print wall paper in the living room; book club novels in the bookcase; hair cuts by Mom; and home permanents we gave each other.