Guide to the George I. Williams Boy Scouts of America collection
Shaun D. Strobridge
Center for Sacramento History
551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd.
Sacramento, California 95811-0229
Phone: (916) 808-7072
Fax: (916) 264-7582
Email: csh@cityofsacramento.org
URL: http://www.centerforsacramentohistory.org/
© 2013
Center for Sacramento History. All rights reserved.
Guide to the George I. Williams Boy Scouts of America collection
Collection number: MS0033
Center for Sacramento History
Sacramento, CA
- Processed by:
- Shaun D. Strobridge
- Date Completed:
- 2009
- Encoded by:
- Sean Heyliger
© 2013 Center for Sacramento History. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: George I. Williams Boy Scouts of America collection
Dates: 1910-2004
Bulk Dates: 1993-2004
Collection number: MS0033
Creator:
Williams (George I.)
Collection Size:
9 linear feet
(9 boxes + 1 oversized map drawer)
Repository:
Center for Sacramento History
Sacramento, California 95811-0229
Abstract: The George I. Williams Boy Scouts of America collection is a collection assembled by George I. Williams, an eagle scout and
a life-long member of the Boy Scouts of America. The collection ranges from 1910 to 2004 with a concentration of records ranging
from 1993-2004. The first box contains five logbooks ranging from 1942-1966. These large, bound books contain a wealth of
information about the Boy Scouts in the Sacramento region. The second distinct group is the handbooks and manuals ranging
from 1910-1995. The scouting manuals were distributed nationally and are vital to understanding to continuous development
and refinement of the Boy Scouts of America. The final distinct group is the annual collections ranging from 1993-2004. Each
year is contained within the own folder and contains both local and national materials related to the Boy Scouts of America.
Physical location: 50I1, 50I4-5, 50H9, 55C1
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Access
Collection is open for research use.
Publication Rights
All requests to publish or quote from private collections held by the Center for Sacramento History (CSH) must be submitted
in writing to csh@cityofsacramento.org. Permission for publication is given on behalf of CSH as the owner of the physical
items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the patron.
No permission is necessary to publish or quote from public records.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item and/or item number], [box and folder number], George I. Williams Boy Scouts of America collection,
MS0033, Center for Sacramento History.
Acquisition Information
Collection donated by Alan O’ Connor, a friend of George I. Williams, to the Center for Sacramento History in 2005.
Processing Information
George I. Williams Boy Scouts of America Collection processed by Shaun D. Strobridge, 2009. Finding Aid was prepared by Shaun
D. Strobridge, 2009.
Biography / Administrative History
George I. Williams was a life-long member of the Boys Scouts of America. Williams earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He served
on multiple ships that sailed under the Golden Empire Council. He even served as the skipper of the S.S.S. Sacto in 1946.
Williams also served in the military. George I Williams was the first member of the Golden Empire Council to receive the Sea
Scout Quartermaster Award and the George Meany Award.
George I. Williams took on multiple roles through his years in the Boys Scouts. Moving from Eagle Scout, to Skipper, and
finally to the position of Council Historian. He was part of a ten member Council History Committee and helped to develop
and publish a seventy-five year history of the Golden Empire Council which is part of his collection.
As a Council historian George I. Williams worked to gather all records pertaining to the history of the Golden Empire Council
and Scouting nationwide. He collected manuals, magazines, letters, ephemera, patches, pins, logbooks, and other materials
that recorded the Boy Scouts’ existence in the Sacramento Region. George I. Williams created displays of Scout patches that
were put on display at scouting functions. In addition to collecting on a local level, Williams was also an active participant
in the Scout memorabilia trade. He used this system to acquire materials not just for himself, but for others who also wished
to collect and preserve the history of the Boy Scout of America.
In 1916 Troop 1 was organized by W. George Spillman in Sacramento. By 1919, twenty-one troops existed in the Sacramento region.
In 1920 a formal council was created to develop and promote scouting in Sacramento and the surrounding areas. The first annual
scouting demonstration, now known as the Scout-o-Rama, was held in 1921. Cortex Monete Kitchen became the council’s first
Eagle Scout.
In 1922 the Sacramento Lions’ Club donated land along the American River for scouts to use it later becomes Camp Pollock.
1923 the first Sea Scout ship for the council was registered with eighteen sea scouts. In 1923 the council embarked on a
vast expansion and annexed Amador, southern Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties
into the new Sacramento Council District. This was done because in 1922 the council expanded to include all of Sacramento
County which succeeded in improving services. In 1924 Eagle Scout Robert Harkness attended the world jamboree in Denmark,
one of only 56 nationwide. The 1922 expansion ran into problems and in 1924 Sacramento District Council divided into four
councils: Sacramento Council, Buttes Area Council, Tahoe District Council and Kit Carson Council.
In 1937 the Sacramento Council changed its name to the Golden Empire Council. In 1940 troop 32 sets a record for the most
Eagle Scout promotions in one ceremony relative to troop size; 9 boys became Eagle Scouts. In 1946 the Golden Empire Council
incorporated. In 1963 local troops participated in the American River Clean-up Week. In 1965 scouts participated in distributing
100,000 charity “good turn” bags as a community service project. In 1966 troop 372 cleaned Taylor Creek, a salmon spawning
ground.
The Golden Empire Council merged with the Tahoe Area Council in 1971. During the 1970’s boy scouts again came under fire because
their uniforms were similar to military uniforms. In 1991 Golden Empire Council began to receive support from the local community
for its in-school scouting program. This program focused on less privileged children in inner cities. Major donors include
the Purple Heart Veterans Association, UNOCAL, and the law firm of Weintraub, Genshlea, and Sproul. In 1992 Mt Lassen Area
Council and the Buttes Area Council merged with Golden Empire Council in another attempt to consolidate and improve services.
Scope and Content of Collection
The George I. Williams Collection contains six distinct series ranging from 1910-2004. Series #1 focuses on logbooks, a total
of five ranging from 1942-1966. These are perhaps the most valuable and informative of all the series in the collection because
it tracks the daily/weekly operations aboard the vessel and the scout troop that operated it. The focus is strictly on scouting
in the Sacramento region. In addition to acting as a log book for the vessel they also served as a scrapbook tracking the
troop’s history. Materials contained within include rosters with required dues, newspaper clippings, photographs, permits,
charters, maps, diagrams, letters, invoices, ephemera, and letters. A high percentage of these logbooks were created during
World War II. This series would be useful for researching the history of Boy Scouts in the Sacramento region during World
War II. When received the logbooks appeared to have no apparent order thus they were arranged in chronological order.
The scrapbook series includes six scrapbooks documenting the activities of George I. Williams as a member of the Golden Empire
Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The scrapbooks contain photographs, newsletters, programs, badges, membership cards,
and newspaper clippings documenting the Boy Scouts in the Sacramento region.
The third series in the collection focuses on handbooks and manuals used by the Boy Scouts which ranges from 1910-1995. The
series is further divided into 5 sub-series; each was arranged in chronological order since no clear organization was apparent
when the collection was received. The series was subdivided because the manuals were distinct enough that such an arrangement
was warranted because it highlights the different aspects and branches of the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scout handbook
sub-series range from 1910-1979. The Sea Scout handbook sub-series range from 1936-1966. The Air Scout handbook sub-series
range from 1943-1958. The adult/troop leader handbook sub-series range from 1925-1971. The final sub-series, group histories
and yearbooks, ranges from 1931-1995. This series does not focus specifically on the Sacramento region since these manuals
were produced and distributed nationwide. The series is useful however for studying the development and refinement of the
Boy Scouting program through these manuals.
The fourth series focuses on oversized objects and contains one box of boy scout badges and 1 certificate. A Silver Beaver
certificate awarded to George I. Williams in 1971. This record would be useful for developing a biography of George I. Williams
or as part of a study focusing on Boy Scout awards.
The fifth series is photographic negatives and contains one item. A negative taken on May 23, 1959; was taken during the
Scout-O-Rama gathering. This record would be useful for developing a biography of George I. Williams or development of a
history on the Scout-O-Rama gathering which occurs annually.
Annual collections are sixth and final series in the George I. Williams Collection. This series ranges from 1993-2004 and
is divided into eleven separate folders which contain records for a specific year. When the collection was received the records
were separated by year but no organization existed with the folders. Each folder was individually arranged by group specific
records together in chronological order. The original filing structure has been maintained but is now much easier to navigate.
The contents of each folder will vary slightly from year to year but most contain the following types of records which focuses
on both nationals and regional boy scout history: Boy Scouts of America magazine, Boy Scout catalog, Boy Scout memorabilia
catalog, letters received, letters sent, ephemera, newspaper clippings, invoices, local scout newsletters, photographs, and
artifacts in the form of patches and pins. This series multiple uses including the study of the scout memorabilia trade, Boy
Scout award ceremonies and social functions in Sacramento, and drafting a biography of George I. Williams.
Arrangement
Series 1. Logbooks
Series 2. Scrapbooks
Series 3. Handbooks and manuals
Series 4. Silver Beaver certificate and badges
Series 5. Photographic negative
Series 6. Annual collections
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Boy Scouts of America. Troop 1 (Davis, Calif.)
Boy Scouts of America--History.
Boy Scouts of America--Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Series 1. Logbooks
Physical Description: 1 box
Series Scope and Content Summary
The logbooks series includes ledgers that document the daily/weekly operations aboard the vessel and the scout troop that
operated it. The focus is strictly on scouting in the Sacramento region. In addition to acting as a log book for the vessel
they also served as a scrapbook tracking the troop’s history. Materials contained within include rosters with required dues,
newspaper clippings, photographs, permits, charters, maps, diagrams, letters, invoices, ephemera, and letters. A high percentage
of these logbooks were created during World War II.
Box 1
Sea Explorer No.3 “Sacrament” Log, Edwin C. Cole, Skipper
1942-1944
Box 1
S.S.S. Sacto Log 5003
1948
Box 1
S.S.S. Blue Fin 144, B.T. Williams, Skipper
1966
Series 2. Scrapbooks
Physical Description: 6 scrapbooks
Series Scope and Content Summary
Series includes six scrapbooks documenting the activities of George Williams as a member of the Golden Empire Council of the
Boy Scouts of America between 1931-1974. The scrapbooks contain photographs, newsletters, programs, badges, membership cards,
and newspaper clippings documenting the Boy Scouts in the Sacramento region.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically
Series 3. Handbooks and manuals
Physical Description: 1 box
Series Scope and Content Summary
The handbooks and manuals series focuses on handbooks and manuals used by the Boy Scouts which ranges from 1910-1995. The
series is further divided into 5 sub-series; each was arranged in chronological order since no clear organization was apparent
when the collection was received. The series was subdivided because the manuals were distinct enough that such an arrangement
was warranted because it highlights the different aspects and branches of the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scout handbook
sub-series range from 1910-1979. The Sea Scout handbook sub-series range from 1936-1966. The Air Scout handbook sub-series
range from 1943-1958. The adult/troop leader handbook sub-series range from 1925-1971. The final sub-series, group histories
and yearbooks, ranges from 1931-1995.
Box 2
Subseries 3.1 Boy Scout handbooks
1910-1979
Box 2
Subseries 3.2 Sea Scout handbooks
1936-1966
Box 2
Subseries 3.3 Air Scout handbooks
1943-1958
Box 2
Subseries 3.4 Adult handbooks
1925-1971
Box 2
Subseries 3.5 Yearbooks and group histories
1931-1995
Box MS 3:1, 4
Series 4. Silver Bear certificate and badges
1971
Physical Description: 1 box + 1 certificate
Series Scope and Content Summary
Certificate was issued in 1971 to George I. Williams for “distinguished service to boyhood.” 1 box of assorted Boy Scout badges.
Box 3
Series 5. Photographic negatives
Physical Description: 1 negative
Series Scope and Content Summary
One negative dated May 23, 1959. The image is from the Scout-o-Rama gathering
Series 6. Annual collections
Physical Description: 1 box
Series Scope and Content Summary
The annual collections series ranges from 1993-2004 and is divided into eleven separate folders which contain records for
a specific year. When the collection was received the records were separated by year but no organization existed with the
folders. Each folder was individually arranged by group specific records together in chronological order. The original filing
structure has been maintained but is now much easier to navigate. The contents of each folder will vary slightly from year
to year but most contain the following types of records which focuses on both nationals and regional boy scout history: Boy
Scouts of America magazine, Boy Scout catalog, Boy Scout memorabilia catalog, letters received, letters sent, ephemera, newspaper
clippings, invoices, local scout newsletters, photographs, and artifacts in the form of patches and pins. This series multiple
uses including the study of the scout memorabilia trade, Boy Scout award ceremonies and social functions in Sacramento, and
drafting a biography of George I. Williams.
Box 3:3
Boy Scouts of America Magazine
1926-1960
Box 3:3
Local Boy Scout Newsletters: The SE-KAH-KE and the Trailmarker
1993
Box 3:3
Artifacts, 3 scout patches
1993
Box 3:3
Boy Scout memorabilia: invoices
1993
Box 3:4
Boy Scouts of America Magazine
1994
Box 3:4
Local Newsletters: The SE-KAH-KE and the Trailmarker
1994
Box 3:4
Artifacts, 1 scout patch
1994
Box 3:4
Boy Scout memorabilia invoices
1994
Box 3:5
Boy Scouts of America magazine
1995
Box 3:5
Local Newsletters: The Trailmarker, On My Honor, and the Trading Post
1995
Box 3:5
Artifacts, 1 scout patch
1995
Box 3:5
Boy Scout memorabilia: invoices
1995
Box 3:5
Boy Scout museum pamphlets and membership solicitations
1995
Box 3:6
Boy Scouts of America Magazine
1996
Box 3:6
Local Newsletters: The Trailmarker, A Scout Is, and Se-Kah-Ke
1996
Box 3:6
Order forms and related letters
1996
Box 3:6
Boy Scout memorabilia: invoices and correspondence
1996
Box 3:7
Boy Scouts of America Magazine
1997
Box 3:7
Boy Scouts of America Catalog
1997
Box 3:7
Local newsletters: The Trailmarker, Scouting in the News, Character Counts, Pathfinder Press, and the Se-Kah-Ke
1997
Box 3:7
Boy Scout memorabilia: invoices and correspondence
1997
Box 3:7
Artifacts, 5 patches
1997
Box 3:8
Boy Scouts of America Magazine
1998
Box 3:8
Local newsletter: The Trailmarker
1998
Box 3:8
Boy Scout memorabilia: invoices and correspondence
1998
Box 3:8
Golden Counsel Calendar
1998
Box 3:8
Artifacts, 3 patches
1998
Box 3:9
Boy Scouts of America Magazine
1999
Box 3:9
Boy Scouts of America Catalog
1999
Box 3:9
Local newsletters: The Trailmarker, Golden Bear District Newsletter, Pack 94 newsletter
1999
Box 3:9
Boy Scout memorabilia: invoices and correspondence
1999
Box 3:9
Artifacts, 2 patches
1999
Box 3:10
Boy Scouts of America Magazine
2000
Box 3:10
Boy Scouts of America Catalog
2000
Box 3:10
Local newsletter: The Trailmarker
2000
Box 3:10
Artifacts, 3 patches
2000
Box 3:11
Boy Scouts of America Magazine
2001
Box 3:11
Local newsletter: The Trailmarker
2001
Box 3:11
Merit badge requirements
2001
Box 3:11
Pamphlets and advertisements
2001
Box 3:11
Artifacts, 3 patches
2001
Box 3:12
Boy Scouts of America Magazine
2002
Box 3:12
Boy Scouts of America Catalog
2002
Box 3:12
Boy Scout Strategic Plan Guide
2002
Box 3:12
Local newsletter: The Trailmarker
2002
Box 3:12
River City District Calendar
2002
Box 3:12
Artifacts, 7 patches and 1 pin
2002
Box 3:13
Boy Scouts of America Magazine
2003
Box 3:13
Boy Scouts of America Catalog
2003
Box 3:13
Boy Scout donation sheet
2003
Box 3:13
George I. Williams personal card
2003
Box 3:13
Artifacts, 5 patches and 1 pin
2003
Box 3:14
Boy Scouts of America Magazine
2004
Box 3:14
Local newsletter: The Trailmarker
2004
Box 3:14
Carolina Trader catalog
2004
Box 3:14
Unoccupied envelopes
2004
