Portage's oldest continuous youth organization will turn 70 years old next year.

Boy Scout Troop 70 has called Portage home since its inception in May 1940. Portage United Methodist Church has been the troop's chartering organization since its beginning. Regular troop meetings are still held at the church every Monday.

Boy Scouting in Portage has existed since the movement was organized in the United States in 1910. Boys Scouts of America will celebrate its 100th anniversary in January 2010.

One of the first Boy Scout units in the country was formed in Portage in 1910. This unit, known as the Kangaroo Patrol, received its charter from the National Boy Scout Headquarters a few months after the nation's Scouting movement began. Portage lawyers H.E. Andrews and H.B. Rogers served as the Kangaroo Patrol's first leaders.

A long history

In 1910, Scouting requirements were simple. A Scout had to demonstrate the proper use of an axe, hatchet and knife. He also had to show he could build fire with two matches, flint and steel or the friction of two sticks.

Members of the Kangaroo Troop in 1911 were Erwin Zastrow, Robert Ebert, William Stegman, Sid Klenert, "Bub" Toal, Edward Kopplin, Alonzo Winn, Harry Berger, Ben Wells, William Mohr, Lloyd Williams, Clarence Cleasby, Blaine Nashold, Roy Williams, Miller Murison and Ken Williams.

During the winter months, the patrol would meet weekly at the homes of the patrol leaders. In the summer, the boys would hold hikes, camping trips and other outdoor events. Activities are similar today.

After Scouting progressed, troops would learn skills such as signaling and observation. Today's Scouts learn these basic skills upon joining. They then advance to learn activities ranging from atomic energy and aviation to whitewater rafting and wilderness survival.

The Kangaroo Patrol later dissolved and formed into two eight-man patrols. One patrol formed Troop 70 and was chartered with the old Portage Presbyterian Church, located in the present-day parking lot across from the Columbia County Courthouse on DeWitt Street. The other patrol, Troop 72, charted with First Methodist Church (known today as Portage United Methodist Church). Two other patrols began charters with St. Mary's Catholic Church and St. John's Lutheran Church around the same time. A fifth troop was chartered with Bethlehem Lutheran Church until the late 1930s.

"Many troops were closely affiliated with other civic groups in the area back then," said Troop 70 Scoutmaster Dave Hankins. "Today, troops have become more community-oriented and are open to anyone who wants to participate."

By the time 1939 rolled around, the last remaining patrol was the one chartered with the Presbyterian Church. This patrol broke away from the Presbyterian Church in 1940 to form present-day Troop 70. The other troops folded.

Troop 70's new charter in 1940 was with Portage United Methodist Church, where it is housed today.

Hankins has brought the troop back to its roots. Hankins also serves as pastor at Portage Presbyterian Church.

"The troop has now come full circle," Van Ness said.

According to the Glacier's Edge Council (formerly known as Four Lakes Council), which oversees all troops in south-central Wisconsin, Portage is thought to be the oldest troop in the state, outside of Dane County, still in operation. Stoughton's Troop 1 began its charter in 1910; Troop 2 based in Madison started in 1911. The Glacier's Edge Council also said six patrols of about 35 boys started in Baraboo in 1911, but soon after disbanded.

Today, there are 14 active Boy Scout troops in Columbia County, including Troop 70. Columbus, Lodi, Pardeeville, Poynette and Rio all have at least one Boy Scout troop and/or one Cub Scout pack still in operation.

Through the years

While membership numbers were not always kept throughout the 70 years of Troop 70's existence, group photos taken by the Daily Register and the troop over time show that membership numbers have averaged about 20 boys every year.

Hankins said the troop today has 23 Boy Scouts. Troop 70 also has a Cub Scout pack that has averaged about 15 members since it started in 1970.

Among other community projects finished over the years, the Portage Boy Scouts have built the park benches at Blue Star and Pauquette parks and constructed the bridge and stairwell at Pauquette Park. Scouts also have done various different cleanup campaigns throughout the city.

The biggest project Troop 70 lays its hat on is its help in completing the Marquette segment of the Ice Age Trail in Portage. The trail is an extensive system of outdoor trails that runs throughout the state, including parts of Columbia and Marquette counties. The trail opened in 1958.

The Marquette Segment has a long history locally and statewide. It began when French explorers Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette were sent to search for the Mississippi River in 1673. The French hoped this would lead them to the Pacific Ocean. Marquette was assigned to follow as a missionary.

The duo traveled through Lake Michigan, into Green Bay and down the Fox River into what is today the city of Portage. Portage's location at that time was the smallest "portage" from the Fox to an accessible body of water to lead to the Mississippi River. After the portage, they canoed the Wisconsin River and reached the Mississippi.

The segment follows the canoe path from Governor's Bend to the Indian Agency House, and the portage path goes from the Agency House to Pauquette Park.

When interest of creating a trail was shown, Troop 70 Scoutmaster Franklin A. Maas and the Scouts soon volunteered. Their ambition paid off: They were among the first to hike the trail.

The future of Troop 70

Although other troops in Wisconsin and the nation have disbanded recently, Scouting has a bright future in Portage, Van Ness said.

"The way it's going right now, nothing is going to stop us from reaching 100 years and more," he said.

Van Ness, a former Boy Scout, said Scouting allows a child to "test himself against the world."

"There are very few places where young boys can experience the outdoors without their parents," he said. "Scouting helps with a boy's social skills, as well as teaches him responsibility."

Robert Carlsen also enjoyed his Scouting experience. He was a former Boy Scout who also served as Scoutmaster for Troop 70 for seven years.

"I like to watch kids grow through the years," he said. "It's neat to say, 'Hey, you had an impact on that kid.'"

Troop 70 anniversary celebration

In honor of its 70-year milestone, Portage's Boy Scout Troop 70 is holding an anniversary celebration from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 8 at Portage United Methodist Church, 1804 New Pinery Road. Portage United Methodist Church has been the troop's chartering organization since its inception in May 1940.

Tentative plans for Troop 70's anniversary celebration include demonstrations of what Scout camp was like in the 1940s, tomahawk throwing and bow-and-arrow lessons. There will be a shuttle available to take current and former Scouts, as well as visitors, to the Scout cabin off Airport Road near Collins Street.

Troop 70's Scout trailer and a climbing wall will be available for public viewing.

However, the biggest reason for the event is to reunite old Scouts, said Randy Van Ness, Troop 70 charter representative.

"We're looking for old Scouts to join us," Van Ness said. "Or people who have old Scout uniforms, awards ... anything."

Van Ness said he has few contacts for former troop members, and many of those are from the last 20 years.

"It's hard to keep track of everyone; people leave the area and move all over," he said.

Former troop members or family members of deceased members are asked to provide Van Ness with their latest contact information. He can be reached at 742-0580.

Troop 70 holds its regular weekly meetings at 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Portage United Methodist Church.

kkirkpatrick@capitalnewspapers.com

745-3509