People often ask why the papers don’t print the good things that happen in the community (or they did when they still read newspapers). Well, here we have an excellent example of the paper printing good news, and the story it tells is excruciatingly dull. From the July 3, 1915 Schenectady Gazette, a detailed description of the three-day outing that awaited Boy Scouts of Schenectady County at Glenotia Park, the entertainment complex located on an island in the Mohawk River directly below Riverside Avenue back in the early part of the 20th century.
“The Boy Scouts of Schenectady County will start from the Sanders’ mansion, Scotia at 1 o’clock this afternoon, for a three days’ outing at Glenotia Park. After the hike to the park,” which in no circumstance could have exceeded a thousand feet, by the way, “the afternoon will be spent in making camp, after which supper will be cooked. During the early part of the night games of woodcraft will be played. All will gather about the council fire at 8:30 o’clock, and taps will be sounded at 9 o’clock.
“Reveille will be sounded at 5:45 o’clock Sunday morning, and the whole party will go for a swim. Following the assemble, and the salute to the colors, breakfast will be served. Camp inspection will take place at 8 o’clock, followed by drill which will include lasso throwing for patrol leaders, and a water boiling contest by one scout by each patrol. The church period will commence at 10 o’clock and at 11:30 the scouts who do not attend church will prepare dinner for themselves and the churchgoers.” In other words, the godless get KP duty. “During the afternoon visitors will be received at the camp. A feature of the afternoon will be the signalling by patrols, using the Morse and semaphore systems.
“The program for Monday evening will include track events, swimming contests, and games. Immediately after dinner tents will be struck and packs made for those who wish to attend the Edison Club regatta. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent by the other scouts in activities decided upon at the Sunday night council fire.”
Related articles
- Mohawk Swimming School, Glenotia Park (hoxsie.org)
- For sale: an island (alloveralbany.com)
