Scout Lodge

Another building I remember from my childhood that is no longer a part of the Murfreesboro landscape is the old Scout Lodge.

In the mid-thirties as part of the New Deal work program, the National Youth Administration (NYA) was established. It allotted funds for Youth enrichment, leaving program initation and management to state control. Early on, Murfreesboro negotiated a commitment to build a “Scout Hut”. for the youth of the community as part of this program.

All this I learned later. By my childhood the building—a rustic two-story log house with a full basement and wrap-around porch, was in full and active use as a Scout headquarters.

I was a Brownie and later a Girl Scout but I really don’t remember much from our weekly meetings except running around the building chasing other little scouts and the strong, pungent smell of cedar from which the hut was built.

One incident is clear in my memory however and that is of the annual Easter egg hunt held on the Scout property.

My sister, Gloria and I attended with our baskets, lovingly decorated by my Aunt Edith, an ardent Scout supporter. When the signal was given we began running around the property looking for eggs. I found a few and Gloria came in second but no prize.

This did not please my competitive older sister. So the next year she had a plan. Located on the property was a Civil War cannon. Gloria told me to gather as many eggs as I could find and just before the contest was over to meet her under the cannon.

I did as I was told. Then Gloria dumped all my eggs into her already full basket. That year we both won a prize. Gloria for finding the most eggs and me, for finding the least.