Synopsis
"Men of Schiff: A History of the Professional Scouters Who Built the Boy Scouts of America" by Winston R. Davis delves into the lives and contributions of the early professional leaders who were instrumental in shaping the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) during the first half of the twentieth century. These men, often facing personal challenges and internal conflicts, dedicated themselves to transforming a nascent organization into the world's largest Scouting body and one of history's most significant youth movements. Through detailed narratives, the book sheds light on their individual stories and the profound impact their collective efforts have had on American society.
The title references the Mortimer L. Schiff Scout Reservation, located near Mendham, New Jersey, which served as the BSA's National Training Center from 1932 to 1979. This site was pivotal in training many of the professionals highlighted in the book. Notably, it was home to William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt's troop, where he developed and tested many of the methods and ideas that would become foundational to Scouting literature, including "The Patrol Leader's Handbook," "The Scout Handbook," and "The Scout Field Book."
Author Winston R. Davis brings a unique perspective to this historical account. With over sixty years of involvement in Scouting—as an Eagle Scout, professional Scouter, and personal acquaintance of several figures featured in the book—Davis offers an insider's view enriched by extensive research. His firsthand experiences and dedication to uncovering lesser-known stories provide readers with an intimate look at the individuals who laid the groundwork for the BSA's enduring legacy.
Through "Men of Schiff," readers gain insight into the dedication, challenges, and triumphs of the professional Scouters whose vision and hard work have left an indelible mark on the Boy Scouts of America and the nation it serves.