ephemera
World of Scouting Museum
Valley Forge, PA
Ticket, 1910
Allied Printing
Los Angeles, CA
Gift of Paul W. Ware
2007.6.5
Just a few months after the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated in 1910, a competing group appeared. Founded by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, the organization strove to prepare boys for the obligations and duties of American citizenship. Unlike the BSA, the ABS did this through armed military style drills for which they were later criticized.
Throughout its brief existence, the ABS underwent several name changes. They were also known as the United States Boy Scouts, American Cadets and United States Junior Military Forces. By the 1920's, with membership peaking at around 17,000, the organization was dissolved.
Tickets, 1964
Boy Scouts of America
New Brunswick, NJ
Gift of William Waxbom
2006.1.418
When boys attended the 1964 National Jamboree, at Valley Forge, PA, they bought items at the Jamboree's Trading Posts with tickets like these. Tickets could be redeemed for souvenirs, film, postcards, ice cream or a bottle of Coca Cola.
The photo postcard at right shows Boy Scouts at one of the many Trading Posts at the 1950 Jamboree which was also held at Valley Forge Park. To see some of the items which could be purchased at Jamborees, visit Jamborees At Valley Forge on our Exhibit page.
Insignia Instructions, c.1970
Girl Scouts of the USA
New York, NY
Gift of Kathleen H. Toth
2013.15.45
Both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts recognize the importance of a Scout's appearance. Uniformity of dress conveys cohesiveness and unity. To aid Girl Scouts in the proper placement of patches, badges and pins, the GSUSA issued instructions sheets like this with their sashes.
