December 19, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 21 Ramsey Boy Scout Troop 31, which is considered the second oldest troop in the nation, has been celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. Originally chartered in 1912, Troop 31 has filed approximately 100 charter renewals since that time. The organization has been sponsored by the Hawthorne Fortitude Lodge #200 Free and Accepted Masons since 1975. In 2011, Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta issued a proclamation declaring 2012 the Centennial Year of Ramsey Boy Scout Troop 31. The Centennial Committee, which was chaired by Ernie Larrat – a former Scoutmaster who has been active with the troop since 1967 -- held a full schedule of events during 2012 to celebrate the group’s longevity. Committee members included Michael Adams, Mary Ellen Endress, Andre Floyd, Jackie Gersht, Alex Ghiz, Scoutmaster Mike McKiever, Jay McMahon, Claudia Perkins, and Diane Sundermann. A Beefsteak Dinner was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in March to usher in the year. In June, a Troop 31 showcase was held at Finch Park. This two-day event, which drew 500 people, included a campout, bonfire, and outdoor style food. Troop 31 also published a special historical journal, and reached out to past Scoutmasters and Boy Scouts to invite them to take part in the special activities. As the troop approached its centennial year, the organization had approximately 100 Boy Scouts and 30 adult leaders, making it the largest troop in the council. Troop 31 has performed countless Eagle Scout projects. The first Eagle Scout from Troop 31 was Harold Gosselfinger, who received that honor in 1925. In 2011, Andrew Lynch became the troop’s 100th Eagle Scout. Naturalist Charles Pollard is credited with having launched Ramsey’s Boy Scout organization. In March of 1912, he and other interested residents formed what was then called Troop 1. The troop’s designation changed to number 31 a few years later. The first Scoutmaster was The Reverend A.S. Van Orden, who was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Ramsey. James Van Benschoten became the first Troop 31 leader to receive the Silver Beaver Award, the Boy Scout Council’s highest honor bestowed upon adult volunteers. During the 1960s, Scoutmaster Art Keys initiated a more intensive camping and canoeing program. The boys visited Floodwood Mountain Reservation in the Adirondacks in 1968, where they participated in an 87-mile canoe trip. In 1969, the Scouts spent a winter weekend at Ten Mile River. Despite the zero-degree temperatures and two feet of snow on the ground, the boys braved their high-adventure activities. The next year, Ramsey sent seven Scouts and three leaders to the Philmont High-Adventure Camp. Ramsey Boy Scout Troop 31: Stronger than ever at 100 Top: Troop 31 at the Finch Park showcase held in June. Inset: A closeup of the troop’s centennial patch designed by Ross Farcas. Above: Another scene from the 2012 showcase. At left: A historical shot of a brave young Scout taking the plunge Tarzan style. Below: Historical shots of the troop at Floodwood. (Photos courtesy of Ernie Larrat.)