174Totem History

Troop 174

History of the Totem Poles
July 2001 - Sept. 2003

Overview

The poles were carved at Dale's and then placed at the entrance to Clear Lake Scout Reservation.

This monument is dedicated to the former World Trade Center Towers in New York City. Our first intentions were for these to be part of our dedication to Clear Lake. But then, after the attack, we saw 110 rings, the same as the number of World Trade Center Tower floors.

Thank you to all who came to carve and to participate.

Carving

Clear Lake provided two oak logs, which we are carved into the poles diagrammed above. Scouts, fathers, mothers, and daughters signed up to hammer and carve or hang out at the Troop 174 totem pole carving at the patrol meetings. Oak is tough, so parents were welcome. There was room on the poles for several people to work at once, and there was heat in the winter.

The logs were under tarps, so carving went on rain or shine:

First timers called Dale S. to come over and work. Then, after 10-minute training they came back on their own, even on weekends and nights. Adults had to be present. Participants brought work gloves, and, if they had flat chisels and mallets and could be responsible for them, they could bring them too.

Newspaper Articles

March 9, 2002 - Yorktown Boy Scouts make Sept. 11 memorial. The Journal News.
Mar. 28, 2002 - Totem poles will stand tall in memory of Sept. 11. The Patent Trader, p. B7.
Sept. 28, 2003 - Boy Scouts raise memorial to Sept. 11 victims. The Journal News.
Oct. 2, 2003 - Boy Scouts' memorial stands tall, The Patent Trader, p. A1.