1970-1979

The new year was appropriately also a new decade.  Fresh ideas and a different outlook by a band of youthful visionaries.  The elected youth leaders  decided to heed the opportunity to be pro-active with their responsibilities. Officers took more initiative to actively plan meetings, record minutes, write and publish the newsletter, correspond between each other through detailed letters, worked to strengthen chapters, and attempt new ideas, all which collectively helped build positive synergy and increased membership. Lodge Chief Herman Gaskin's fervor would prove years later to be a catalyst for stronger lodge program and motivation for younger arrowmen who made their own contributions in the future including Steve Worsley, Roger Billica, David Goodsell.

During his installation address at the lodge banquet held January 7th, Herman challenged the lodge to take ownership of officer responsibilities, program, and promoting summer camp:
    
   "When I was elected at the Fall Fellowship, I promised you this year that the leadership in the lodge would be returned to the Scouts where it belongs. But also I promised that the responsibility would be returned to the Scouts. We have a great group of lodge officers who have already willingly assumed this responsibility.

    Also, I promised that I would get the Croatan Lodge state of affairs in order. Anyone who is realistic must realize that the only way for us to go is up. We will be doing many new things this year.  Many old things will be done different. I beg of you don't be trapped by tradition into saying "That's wrong, we've never done it that way." It's about time that we tried a few new ways............

    I realize that you individually are the missing link in a chain of success. It's up to you..............Finally, the most important thing that I'll say to you tonight. I want to see every council camp filled to it's capacity every week this summer. As Dr. Goodman said, "Scouting is an outdoor thing." ........The Lodge will be asking much of you this year. But it will be no more that I will be giving it. It'll take work, but I want the Croatan Lodge to not be the best lodge in Area 6A, but the best OA lodge in the nation. It's up to you."

Herman discussed the importance of the chapter and also discussed chapter attendance. He asked the new advisers to meet with him after the meeting. Next, the vice-chiefs reported on their committees. Vice-Chief of Camping Promotions Jimmy Woolard had trouble with his voice, so Herman gave the report. Herman expressed the need for the lodge to have a camp promotion program in every troop in order for the lodge to meet the requirements to be a national standard lodge.

Vice-Chief of Inductions Steve Worsley reported that there would be an equal number of candidates at each ordeal and that order for this to happen, the chapters must elect one-third of their boys into the Order for each ordeal. Vice-Chief of Service and Activities Tom Davis gave his report. Lodge Secretary Arthur King gave the minutes of the last executive meeting and Lodge Treasurer Roger Billica reported $1,168.78 in the treasury.

Danny Pittman, Editor of the Croa-Talk, followed with a summary of the new format and the type of articles that would be included. The new format was conceived at the 1969 NOAC and the name submitted by the Tanugahi chapter at the fall fellowship. The cover was designed by Danny because "the emblem resembles one of the earliest Croatan patches."

The new bulletin was filled with chapter and officers reports, information for the 6-A, national conference, local Indian history, ceremony tips, chapter totems, and patch trading.  An insert in the summer issue had a "food service poll." The Croa-Talk was published four times throughout the year.

The executive committee discussed hosting the area conference at Camp Bonner in 1972. Motions were passed to ask the area congress at a forthcoming meeting. The 1970 area conference was mentioned to cost $6.50 and would be hosted by Tali Tak Taki in Greensboro April 24-26th.

Chapter responsibilities for the March Ordeal at Camp Sam Hatcher were assigned. Tanugahi and Neusiok would perform the pre-Ordeal ceremony and Tanugahi and Coree the Ordeal. The ordeal master was lodge adviser Tom Marr assisted by VC Worsley. The task master was Tom Abell assisted by VC Tom Davis and Ray Higdon. Reverend Hintze was assigned to cook for the weekend assisted by Machapunga and the crackerbarrell by Toisnot.

The first Chapter Training Conference was held during the afternoon at Camp Bonner in the reception center. Chapter advisers, chiefs, and secretaries were invited to learn their duties and expectations. The adgenda also included an overview of the lodge camping promotions program, elections, inductions, the role of the executive committee, the 6A conference, fall fellowship, national conference, lodge goals, and the chapter program.

Camp Bonner was literally a brand new camp, the first year open was 1969. The lodge played an integral role building and supporting projects all over the camp. One major project was the building and raising $20,000 to pay for the reception center. The lodge executive committee submitted the name "Croatan Lodge Reception Center" to the council executive board. However, concerned that parents of young Scouts would have no concept of the OA and might be puzzled by the name, the council board compromised and added the word "and" between Lodge and Reception. Also, the building would serve as other functions beyond lodge activities. Harold Bowers would be responsible for making the signage.

After dinner the Lodge Secretary Arthur King gave his report. He stated that 83 candidates were inducted at the Hatcher Ordeal, bringing total membership to 497. Camping Promotions VC Jimmy Woolard reported that his committee had a goal to have the "Where To Go Camping" booklet finished in time for the 6A fellowship. Herman stressed the need for camp promotion and stated that a calender of campsite reservations would be sent to each chapter. Steve Worsley gave his report. Tom David was unable to attend but it was reported that he was handling the quest team for the 6A. Roger reported a balance of $1,873.84 in the lodge treasury.

Herman mentioned that in the lodge constitution seven hours of work qualified a member to purchase a lodge patch. He said that in order for a record to be kept, the record cards would be given to each boy and would have to be signed by the chapter chief or adviser and then signed by either the lodge chief or adviser. Cards would be issued in the next Croa-Talk.

Responsibilities for the May Ordeal at Camp Bonner were assigned. The pre-Ordeal was assigned to both Neusiok and Natsihi chapters and the Ordeal to Tanugahi and Machapunga. Coree and Neuseukena volunteered to help set the dining hall and Tearora volunteered to handle the crackerbarrels.

The taskmaster would be Tom Davis advised by Tom Abell and the ordeal master would be Steve Worsley advised by Tom Marr. Projects for the May Ordeal would be to help prepare camp for the summer.

Herman brought up the idea of a summer activity for the lodge. A motion was made that the lodge begin to look into it as a possible event. Forty-five members from the lodge would attend the 6A. Herman mentioned that in the past the lodge had not had a dance team that could win at the 6A or at the national conference. For this reason, a lodge dance team would be organized and to be advised by Mr. Harvey of Kinston.

The executive committee was told that a trophy case was being built for the lodge and the reception center. Danny moved that a blackboard be purchased for use in the reception center. A vote was taken and unanimously passed.

Forty-five lodge members participated at the area fellowship. Neuseukena had an entry for the team dance competition. Roger Billica and Arthur King danced solo, Arthur placed third. The Brotherhood team drew favorable comments performed by Duane Tolan, Jimmy Woolard, Will Sharp, and Howard Lincoln. The lodge led a discussion group for lodge orientation. Danny Pittman coordinated Phil Chabot Jr., the 1969 National Vice-Chief, to speak. Another highlight of the weekend was seeing co-founder Carroll A. Edson and hearing his experiences of the early years of the Order.

Lodge member Willie Long, Jr. from Roanoke Rapids served as the area adviser, a position he held through 1977. The lodge key-three submitted a letter to the area congress to petition to host the 1972 6A at Camp Bonner, which was approved before the conclusion of the weekend. The Croa-Talk mentioned much work will be needed to prepare to host the event. The campfire circle will need vast improvements on the stage and the seating to accommodate 400 people.

Lodge Display

Co-Founder Carrol Edson

Area Chief Installed

Quest Egg Toss

Indian Dancing

Quest Rope Climb

New Chief Wes Morgan

Campaign rules for lodge elections were enacted at the fall fellowship to include specific locations where candidates could place posters and when to remove, encouraged campaigning, each candidate would be introduced at the Friday night campfire and allowed one minute to address the lodge. Nominees for chief included Ray Higdon and Steve Worsley.

Vice-Chief candidates included Dennis Abell, Joe Hatem, Arthur King, Glenn Pittman, and Mitchell Riley. Paul Bauer and Steve Formo ran for secretary. Steve Feldhaus and David Goodsell ran for treasurer. Roger Billica was nominated for 6A Chief.

During the Sunday lodge meeting, Chief Gaskins recognized and presented awards to all new Vigil members. Then he gave Tanugahi chapter the Quest for the Silver Arrow Award, which they won. Next, Arthur King recognized the lodge dance team and Herman announced the winners of the Indian dance competition. The meeting was wrapped-up calling out the newly elected lodge officers .

Steve Worsley was elected lodge chief at the fall fellowship. Under his guidance, the second LOTC was held December 19th in Greenville. Each lodge position was reviewed with the new respective officer and adviser. The forthcoming calendar of events was reviewed and approved. This is the meeting that became a template for future lodge planning. Dates for 1972 events were designated as well.

The executive committee decided on the following lodge goals:

1) Earn the Outstanding Lodge of 6A at the area fellowship.
2) Earn National Standard Lodge status.
3) Earn the E. Urner Goodman National Camping Award.

At the LOTC there was discussion to amend the lodge constitution that lodge officer elections would be held in the summer so officer duties could start by the first of October. The idea was to get the lodge year to parallel the school year. However, the vote was not approved.

Don Young became the new lodge adviser. He was from Kinston and worked at the Lenoir County Mental Health Clinic.

The culmination of 1970 ended with the annual banquet, though it was held on January 2nd, 1971 in Kinston at the Westminster Methodist Church. Wiley Long led everyone in songs, Danny Pittman recognized the new Vigil members, Roger talked briefly about activities in the Area 6A. Trophies were awarded to Coree for Banquet Attendance, Tanugahi for winning the Silver Arrow, and Arthur King for the Solo Indian Dance Competition. Roger Billica came in second place.

Lodge advisor Tom Marr presented Herman with a plaque for his outstanding job as chief. Herman then gave a summary for his term and challenged chapters to promote summer camp. Incoming Lodge Chief Worsley addressed members urging chapters to “Get everyone registered, get active, and to earn the Best Lodge Trophy for the 6A.”

Lodge Chief Steve Worsley

 Sketch for Lodge Planbook Cover
Steve Worsley's Papers

At the first executive committee of the year VC Camping Promotions Glenn Pittman encouraged camp promotions to be conducted twice a year with the new slide show produced by the lodge. Arrowmen were expected to wear their full uniform with sash and to initially contact every troop in their district starting with the units that did not camp.

VC Inductions Arthur King explained how-to conduct elections. VC Service and Activities Joe Pat Hatem gave his report and Secretary Paul Bauer discussed changes with the chapter trophy contest form.

The March Ordeal would be held at Camp Sam Hatcher March 12th-14th with the following assignments. Ordeal master Arthur King advised by Don Young, task master Joe Pat Hatem advised by Tom Abell. The pre-Ordeal ceremony by Natsihi and Tanugahi, the Ordeal by Tau and Machapunga. Food service handled by Coree followed by the crackerbarrels by Tarhunta and Tearoroa.

Herman Gaskins was called upon for a report on the trophies. He said that all new trophies would remain in the trophy case in the reception center. There was discussion as to whether the old trophies would be placed in the trophy case. Since no vote was taken, this would be decided by the lodge chief. Toisnot chapter said that it would consider donating a trophy listing past lodge chiefs. It was announced that the lodge chief would appoint a history committee to trace past winners of the trophies.

1971 NOAC Chairman Herman Gaskins gave a brief report regarding tentative travel plans and costs. At this time five deposits had been made. Herman strongly urged all executive committee members to attend.

The 6A Fellowship in April was discussed. Glenn would lead a discussion group on camping promotions, Herman would lead a discussion group on lodge bureaucracy, Joe Pat Hatem would organize the quest team, Danny Pittman the Vigil session, Arthur would handle the Brotherhood team. The Brotherhood team consisted of Stan Worth, Glenn Pittman, Dennis Abell, and David Goodsell.  Roger and Arthur would participate in the solo dance competition and Arthur and Ray Higdon would handle the dance team. The lodge quota was 55 delegates. Members of the executive committee were given first priority.

Lodge Dance Team Adviser Chick Harvey announced there would be a training session at Camp Charles for team members. At this session members would be helped with costumes and beadwork. He also reported that team jackets were not ready.  Chick suggested Dance Team Chief Ray Higdon should be present at executive committee meetings to make team reports. Steve Worsley immediately appointed Ray as chairman of this new committee, thus giving him a seat on the lodge executive committee.

Neusiok Chapter Chief Gary Hemby reported 131 tickets had been sold to the upcoming lodge banquet. Presentation of the attendance award for the banquet was discussed. A motion was made to have the award presented to the chapter whose attendance times the distance traveled by their members was greatest. The motion died for lack of a second. Roger moved that the award be presented to the chapter with the largest precentage of its membership in attendance. The motion was seconded. Roger then moved to amend the motion to make the host chapter ineligible to receive the award. The ammendment was seconded. The ammendment was discussed and passed. The original motion was discussed and passed as well.

There was a motion to discuss lodge policy on the neckerchief which was  "A member may exchange an old lodge neckerchief for a new one upon payment of the full price of a new one at the cost of $3.” This change was approved.

There was a motion and seconded that the April 17th ECM be held in Wilson. The motion was defeated. It was moved and seconded that the next ECM be held in Greenville, which passed. A motion to adjourn was passed at 8:45pm. The meeting was closed with the singing of the OA song.

Paul Bauer, Secretary

VC Camping Promotions Glenn stressed the importance of covering every troop. The VC of Inductions did not report. VC of Service Hatem discussed the quest events for the area fellowship and said he wanted the lodge to win. Chapters were expected to donate $15 by May 1st to collectively purchase a sailboat for summer camp.  Chick Harvey reported new costume material was recently acquired by the dance team.

Herman provided more information about NOAC which would be held in August. He gave a fervid pep talk to the committee how he wanted the lodge to not only be the best at the 6A but also send a large delegation to the national conference. Roger introduced a motion to invite all seven area lodge chiefs to the May Ordeal, which was passed unanimously.

The Bonner May Ordeal assignments were made with pre-Ordeal by Natsihi and Tearora, Ordeal by Toisnot and Tanugahi, Tarhunta volunteered to supply torches and bearers, food service by Arapahoe, the crackerbarrels by Neusiok and Tarhunta. Glen would make arrangements for the Brotherhood ceremony. The ordeal master would be Arthur King advised by Don Younge, task master Hatem advised by Tom Marr, and Gene Newberry as quartermaster.

The main project at the ordeal would be building a new OA circle to be used for the 6A Conference. David Goodsell was appointed chairman of a newly formed history committee.

There were a series of motions introduced by Steve Feldhaus to change the ruling on the lodge flap patch. The first motion was suggested to provide a flap to arrowmen that transferred into the lodge from some where else after three months active service. The motion died for lack of a second.

Another motion was introduced to include summer camp promotion programs be counted as service hours towards the flap. After wide discussion the motion failed by a vote 1 for and 8 against. Twenty-One members attended.

Area 6A Vice-Chief Roger Billica started a new section newsletter called the “Apensuwi” interpreted at “Useful One.” The first issue was April 1971. The Apensuwi is still the name for the current section newsletter which is now SR-7B.

First Issue of Section Newsletter
April 1971

Welcome Sign to the 1971 6A

To the Colors

"Croatan Power" Display

Solo Dance Competition

Solo Dance Competition

Croatan Dance Team

Occoneechee Dance Team

Kellock Hale Installs Newly Elected 6A Chief Roger Billica

Steve Worsley with the Cro Boat

Herman organized the travel arrangments and provided a delegate handbook. Thirty-four members departed the area in a chartered bus to Portsmouth, Ohio for the night and the next day they arrived in Champaign. The lodge delegation was expected to wear their blue neckerchiefs. Flap were made available for purchase at $2 for members with completed service cards. The cost of the trip was $115. At the conference Tearora chapter adviser William Hudson served as a discussion leader for an "Innovative Forum.”  

At the conference lodge members dispersed copies of the lodge planbook and newsletters to share ideas with other lodges. An idea taken from this conference, which is still used, are Vigil “emblems” presented to candidates for the honor. The national committee introduced a new inductions sequence called the “Sprit of the Arrow” designed to help arrowmen better understand the ordeal experience. This program was first implemented at the next October Ordeal. Chief Worsley received letters from arrowmen in Virginia and South Dakota exchanging program ideas.

Area Chief Wes Morgan from Wahissa was selected to serve as the Director of Personnel Services for the conference. Chief Morgan asked Roger and Steve to assist him as crew leaders. A few other lodge members volunteered as administrative aides for Morgan too. The following year, Morgan was selected as a youth member to help revise the OA Handbook.

 Croa-Talk, August 1971
NOAC Issue

After officer reports, October Ordeal assignments were made:

Ordeal Master Pratt, Task Master Wiley Long, pre-Ordeal Tearora and Natsihi, Ordeal Tau, Crackerbarrels Toisnot and Tarhunta, food service Tanugahi, distribution of tools by Machapunga, cleanup by Natsihi. There was a proposal at this meeting to establish a lodge patch collection and a new national program called "Operation Help A Scout” was discussed.

The lodge chief sent a memo to each chapter requesting chapter totems to be painted on a plywood disk to be hung in the reception center. These totems still hang in the reception center.

The first meeting of the committee chairmen and advisors for the 6A conference was held in Greenville on September 15th. According to the February Croa-Talk "Much was accomplished in the way of preliminary preparation for the coming conference." The committee structure at the moment is as follows:

Lodge officer candidates for lodge chief were Joe Pat Hatem and Glenn Pittman, vice-chief were Bruce Anderson, Jim Dever, Mac Godfrey, David Goodsell, and John Watts. Secretary were Ray Franks and Joe Garner. Treasurer were Gary Hemby, Ricky Mann, Russell Morris, Scott Worth.

At this time in the lodge there was much discussion about lodge lodge flap. One idea was to create an entirely new flap with a high restriction such as one per honor. Or retain the present flap and also make a special trading flap.  Tanugahi won the Quest for the Silver Arrow. Tom Butts designed the patch case.  

Jim Dever, 1972
Camp Bonner Waterfront Staff

Area Chief Roger Billica repeated the work schedule preparing the 6A Fellowship. Remaining workdays were in February, March, and two dates in April. Roger introduced the following way to help fulfill the 3 our of 4 attendance requirement - "Each Chapter may have a work day. The projects and date must be approved by the council and the area chief. There must be at least 10 members in attendance to count."

The adult nominations were received and approved unanimously. Twenty-One brothers were in attendance represented by 7 chapters. The meeting was closed with the singing of the OA song.

Ray Franks, Secretary

The lodge diligently prepared for the forthcoming area fellowship under the leadership of Roger Billica. A letter was sent to lodge members, "Croatan has a great opportunity for its members to attend this fellowship, which is always one of the major highlights of the year for any lodge. It provides many important training sessions, inter-lodge competition, fabulous displays, Indian dancing, patch trading and most of all fun."

For lodge members to attend several requirements must be met. First of all, he must be willing to contribute to the success of the fellowship, as well as reap the rewards. Each members will be on the service crew and will take some part in the running of the fellowship. The second requirement is that he participate in three specified work weekends which are aimed at the preparation.

One hundred and eighty members attended the March Ordeal along with 130 candidates. Specific work projects were to complete the bridge behind the reception center, the bridge behind the swimming pool was partially prepared, a drainage system was installed around the pool.

The last scheduled work weekend was April 15th-16th. Projects to be completed included to clear dead brush, level the dance arbor and construct a fence, install at P.A. system, install electricity in campfire circle, put up tents and cots, clean swimming pool, take boats out of the dining hall and nature lodge, install new shower curtains in the reception center.

The meal started promptly at 7pm according to the recorded minutes. The meeting was called to order by the chief after Jim Dever finished his chicken and Steve Feldhaus finished his salads. The January ECM minutes were read by Secretary Ray Franks and approved.

Glenn, who served as the 1971 VC of Camping Promotions, informed each chapter to carry out its own camping promotions program and to send a record of the promotions held to VC David Goodsell. All camperships should be in the office by May 1st. VC of Inductions Mac Godfrey stated that the deadline for reporting the names of candidates for the May Hatcher Ordeal was May 1st. Secretary Ray Franks reported the chapter secretaries had a meeting at the March Ordeal. He reported that many chapters were not sending in their reports. Due to the absence of the lodge treasurer, Glen reported the lodge balance at $1,915.83.

Area Chief Roger reported that everything was running smoothly preparing for the 6A Fellowship. He reminded members of the upcoming work day. Everyone was asked to quickly send in the money for the work weekend. Roger assured everyone that he knew exactly who had been to the work events. He stressed that "No one will sneak by David Goodsell's registration committee." The $6.50 registration fee will be paid at the gate the Friday of the fellowship.

The lodge chief announced three appointments:  Vigil Committee - Roger Billica, Nominating Committee - Norwood White, Publicity Committee - Roger Billica. Glen asked that after the 6A, each chapter put stress on the National Standard Lodge Award and the E. Urner Goodman Camping Award. He also reported that the Croa-Talk and Lodge Planbook will be published soon. Eleven adult nominations were unanimously approved.

Three amendments were submitted to the Lodge Executive Committee. The amendments will be voted on at the Hatcher Ordeal by the youth membership.

 6-A Fellowship April 21-23rd
 Camp Bonner, Fourth Hosted Section Event

Roger Billica served as Area Chief. At this time on the national level, national officers were elected every two years and only planned the national conference. The year Roger served as chief was an “off year” – meaning he did have the opportunity to participate in a national planning conference as an area chief.

Training Session

Camp Promotions

Wiley Long Leads a Song

Roger Leads an Open Forum

Saturday Evening Campfire

Indian Pageant Opening

Uwharrie Team Dance

Uwharrie Places First

Fire Hoop Dance

Lodge Chief Glenn Pittman 

 May Ordeal

The Executive Committee discussed, voted, and amendmened a change to the rules of the lodge “Each member shall be allowed to purchase only one official neckerchief.”

 September 13th, Executive Committee Meeting
 Three Steers Restaurant, Greenville

The minutes from the April ECM were read by Ray Franks and approved. VC David Goodsell reported that the council office guaranteed the camping promotions packets would be distributed next year and they would be on time. VC Jim Dever reported there had been another work weekend recently construct the new lodge ceremony circle. He stated the work was practically finished. The lodge chief reported the lodge had received its quota for the next NOAC - 5 youth and 2 adults. This may change when the lodge asked for a larger quota. If not, the lodge officers would have first priority.

Lodge Secretary Ray Franks reported on the chapter trophy contest. Next, the results of the lodge rules amendments were distributed. The amendment to Article I, Section E was the only amendment to be approved by the lodge membership. The active membership was stated as being 514 members. Chapters were asked to send in all of their reports on the trophy contest. Ray reported the printing press that the lodge appropriated funds to buy for the council office was now in operation.

The October Ordeal was discussed and assignments made. The ordeal will be held at Camp Charles. The ordeal master would be David Goodsell advised by Paul Godfrey, task master Jim Dever advised by Harvey Vaughn. Natsihi and Arapahoe would perform the pre-Ordeal, Tau the Ordeal. Toisnot would handle food service, the crackerbarrels by Tanugahi, Tarhunta, and Tearora.

There was discussion regarding the fall fellowship as to whether or not hold the Indian dance competition. Chapters were asked if they were going to have dance teams, four replied yes. Thus, assignments were made for the Indian events. Jim Dever would chair all Indian affairs, as well as, the auest for the silver arrow. Other fall fellowship responsibilties included Ray Franks for registration, discussion groups beyond Indian affairs, and chapter officer training. Mac Godfrey would handle chapter displays, Ricky Mann the trading post, David Goodsell would oversee all aspects of the Brotherhood questioning and ceremony.

Next, the subject of three new lodge flaps was discussed. The executive committee voted wisely to present the subject to lodge membership at the October Ordeal. It was noted that Richard Kelly was transferring the council to Tuscarora Council based in Goldsboro. The lodge approved a motion to appropriate no more than $10 towards a plaque of appreciation. Twenty-nine brothers were present representing eight chapters, as well as, the council staff.

Ray Franks, Secretary 

One hundred members attended with 50 candidates. At the ECM motions were passed for two more flaps with borders designated to distinguish Brotherhood (gold) and Vigil members (silver). The thought behind adding borders was to stimulate advancement from Ordeal to Brotherhood membership which would help earn the National Standard Lodge status. The 7 hour service restriction would remain. The new patches were available at the fall fellowship and sold for $2.

One hundred and fifty Arrowmen attended and 29 Brotherhoods were conferred. Natsihi won the chapter display, Tearora won the quest, Natsihi won the team dance dompetition followed by Roger who won the solo dance. The chapter display was won by Natsihi, the lodge trophy contest by Tanugahi, and the attendance award by Coree.

A special open forum was held as a training session with council president Dr. Harry Billica as a panel representative. Approximately 75 participants learned about the lodge’s responsibility to the council.  

A brand new lodge ceremony circle was christened with the Brotherhood ceremony.

Tucked in the woods near the Pamlico River in the form of a natural amphitheatre provided mystique. The location had been selected in the summer of 1970 by Herman and Danny. Construction for the new site had begun in May of 1971 but a switch in priorities halted the project until January of 1972. A series of workdays largely spearheaded by Jim Deaver and Tanugahi, Tarhunta, and Tau chapters completed most of the work. This site was used until 1999 when the area was flooded due to Hurricane Floyd.

The lodge banquet was held Wednesday, December 27th at D.H. Conley High School near Greenville. After the invocation by Reverend Donald Young, according to the Croa-Talk, "The lodge sat down to a delicious meal of fried chicken and other delicacies, topped off by a generous helping of "mom's apple pie."  Settling down for the program, Wiley Long led members in a songfest. Lodge Chief Glenn Pittman welcomed everybody, Roger recognized the new Vigil members, then a presentation of awards was made. Tanugahi was selected as the outstanding chapter. The new officers were duly installed. A special presentation was made to Glenn for service rendered to the lodge while serving as chief. Following the presentations, incoming Chief David Goodsell addressed the lodge concerning aims and objectives of the year.

Scout Executive O.B. Roberts then introduced Dick Auger who gave the keynote address. Auger was the Scout Executive in Goldsboro and had been an important Croatan lodge adviser from 1960-1964. He entertained the lodge with amusing comments and personal experiences while speaking about the qualitites of leadership. As a token of appreciation Mr. Roberts presented Mr. Auger with a lodge mug and three lodge flaps. Natishi chapter closed the meeting with an excerpt from the Ordeal ceremony. Attendance was 135 people.

Roger Billica, Arnie Formo,
and David Goodsell

 1973 Lodge Officers
Left to Right:
Steve Feldhaus, Chip Pearsall, Roger Billica,
Jim Dever, Butch Harris, David Goodsell.

Scout Executive O.B. Roberts
 

The first event for this year was the LOTC held December 23rd in Rocky Mount under the leadership of Lodge Chief David Goodsell. The lodge calendar was reviewed and the 1974 calendar approved. Arnie Formo was introduced as the new lodge adviser.

The ECM decided on the following goals:

1) Outstanding lodge for Area 6A.
2) To have at least 50% eligible membership qualify for Brotherhood.
3) To conduct OA elections and camping promotion programs in every council troop.

Lodge Chief David Goodsell opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. The first item of business was a report on camp promotion. According to the lodge minutes, "This year, the lodge will use the tracking, stomping, and stalking approach for promoting camp." David said all the material has been put together with the exception of the summer camp and JLT brochures. The campership program for needy Scouts will also be used again, which was determined to be $28.

Next, VC of Inductions Roger reported that the deadline for sending canidates for the March Ordeal would be March 1st. He mentioned the Spirit of the Arrow Program would be used, volunteers for Kichkinets were already secured. Lodge Secretary Chip Pearsal reported on changes in the chapter trophy contest concerning points alloted for different items on the contest sheets. Roger vehemently plead to chapters to submit articles for the Croa-Talk.

Chapter assignments for the March Ordeal at Camp Hatcher were planned. Lodge Chief Goodsell announced a proposal for the lodge to furnish funds to have a concrete floor put in the handicraft lodge at Hatcher at a cost of $250. The floor would have to be in place before the ordeal so the plywood sidings could be erected, which was estimated to cost an additional $100. A motion was made that the lodge allocate funds in the amount of $350 for both projects. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved. A suggestion was made by Mr. Higdon that the lodge allow a professional concrete finisher to do the job properly. The suggestion was approved. March Ordeal assigments were ordeal master Roger advised by Don Younge, task master Jim Dever advised by Luther Hardy. Natsihi would perform the pre-Ordeal, Neuseukena the Ordeal ceremony. Toisnot volunteered to handle food service, crackerbarrels by Machapunga and Tarhunta, with final cleanup by Machapunga.

The 6A planning conference was held December 9th. The lodge quota was 65 delegates to be held at Camp Cherokee hosted by Tslagi Lodge. Croatan was responsible for a discussion group on publications, plus a display on how the honor lodge conducts a service weekend. The lodge was also responsible to conduct both the Brotherhood and Vigil ceremonies at the fellowship. Regarding the dance competition, the lodge were allowed two entries in the solo category and as many as wanted for the war drum category.  The price of the fellowship was $10. This was the last year of the 6A designation.

The national conference would be in Santa Barbara, California and therefore too far to feasibly drive. The NOAC chairman was looking into airfare options. Adult nominations for the March Ordeal were submitted and approved. Mr. Formo reminded the lay advisers that in order to be able to register in the OA, they must first be registered in some capacity in Scouting. David closed the meeting. Twenty-six brothers attended.

Chip Pearsall, Secretary

  The Origin of Chapter Names
  from the Croa-Talk, February 1973

An article posted in the Croa-Talk was about the origins of chapter names. "While recently looking through some research material on the local Indian tribes I came across some names that seemed familiar. After some deep thought, I realized that they were the names of a few of the chapters in our lodge. Perhaps some of the chapters that are not listed would find it interesting to locate the origin of their chapter name."

Coree - A tribe in the Tuscarora Confederation located on the lower Neuse River and Coree Sound. It was a very war-like tribe numbering around 1000 in the year 1600.

Neusiok - A Tuscarora tribe very similar to the Coree. They were both in the same general area.

Woocon (Wiccacon?) - A tribe of Souian origin, it was located on the Neuse River southeast of the Tuscaroras. (There is also another possibility - Wocokon was the Indian name for Ocracoke.)

Machpunga (Matchapungo) - An Algonquin tribe of very small popluations. Early enemies of the Tuscarora, they later allied themselves with their former enemies to fight the white settlers. For some reason (unknown to me), they were also called the "Bad Dust" Indians. They were located on the north side of the Pamlico River and Sound.

NOTE: In the Fall 1973 Croa-Talk, Butch Harris wrote to the editor to correct the information printed about the Machapunga Indians.

Lodge Chief David Goodsell called the business meeting to order. The first report was by VC of Camping Promotions Butch Harris. He reported the camping booklets wer