Port Morien in Cape Breton Region, Nova Scotia — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)

First Boy Scout Troop in North America

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 21, 2019

1. First Boy Scout Troop in North America Marker

Inscription. The first Boy Scout Troop in North America was formed in this village in 1908 by William Glover (1874-1949), a bookkeeper at the North Atlantic Colliery. He was master of the local Masonic Lodge and director of the St. Paul's Anglican Church Choir. He later resided in Sydney where he opened an accounting business. In 1907, Lord Baden Powell had formed the Boy Scout Movement in England. It was not until 1910 that the first troop was formed in the USA. In a book published by the national scouting organization in 1982 entitled, 75 Years of Scouting in Canada, there is a picture of the first troop, with the following notation: "The boys are wearing the regulation uniform of that time, purchased from England and donned for this picture. The well remembered broad-brimmed hats had not arrived in time so the lads wore their peak-brimmed caps which were popular at the time." A cairn to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the first troop was erected in Port Morien in 1983.

Erected by Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority, and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 46° 8.346′

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N, 59° 52.248′ W. Marker is in Port Morien, Nova Scotia, in Cape Breton Region. Marker is on Long Beach Road north of Marconi Trail (Route 255), on the right when traveling north. Marker is located within a small, fenced plot on the east side of Long Beach Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Morien NS B1B 1E6, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First Coal Workings in North America (here, next to this marker); L'industrie du Charbon au Canada / Canada's Coal Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); Morien Businesses of the Past (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Morien Institutions (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Morien's Legacy (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Flint Island Light Station (approx. 1.1 kilometers away); Gowrie and North Atlantic Collieries (approx. 1.1 kilometers away); The Fishery in Port Morien (approx. 1.1 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Morien.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Port Morien Interpretive Walking Tour

Also see . . . List of the oldest Scout groups (Wikipedia). The 1st Port Morien Group claims to be the first Scout Group in North America. The Nova Scotia Council of Scouts Canada recognized the centennial of the Port Morien Group by providing a crest to all Nova Scotian Scouts Canada

Marker detail: William Glover, Scoutmaster image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: William Glover, Scoutmaster

members. (Submitted on September 10, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: Dedication of Boy Scout Cairn<br>December, 1983 image. Click for full size.

3. Marker detail: Dedication of Boy Scout Cairn
December, 1983

Left to Right — Reginald Gunn, Provincial Commissioner;
Richard Jerrott, District Commissioner;
Gordon Taylor, The Cape Breton Development Corporation;
Robert Shepherd, District President.

Marker detail: William Glover's home in 1908, when he founded the scout troop image. Click for full size.

4. Marker detail: William Glover's home in 1908, when he founded the scout troop

The first meeting of the troop was held here.

Marker Detail: First Boy Scout Troop in North America • photo Taken in 1910 image. Click for full size.

5. Marker Detail: First Boy Scout Troop in North America • photo Taken in 1910

Back Row — Left to Right: Alex MacLeod, Dave McArel, Charlie MacLeod, Angus MacLeod, Sidney MacLeod, Robert Peach.
Front Row — Left ro Right: Robert Orr, James Meahan, George McArel, Lewis McArel.
Scout Master: William Glover — Rear.
Eugene Smith is missing from the picture. Reuben Macintosh later joined the first troop.

First Boy Scout Troop in North America Marker<br>(<i>wide view • Boy Scout Cairn behind</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 21, 2019

6. First Boy Scout Troop in North America Marker
(wide view • Boy Scout Cairn behind)

First Boy Scout Troop Cairn & Plaque<br>(<i>located a few steps from marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 21, 2019

7. First Boy Scout Troop Cairn & Plaque
(located a few steps from marker)

Home of the First Boy Scout Troop in North America
Scout Master William Glover
Members of Troop
Alex MacLeod • Charles MacLeod • Angus MacLeod
Sidney MacLeod • James Meahah • Louis McArel
Dave McArel • George McArel • Robert Orr • Robert Peach
Eugene Smith

Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 409 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 10, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.