One of Wayne County’s oldest traditions is celebrating 100 years of service—Troop One of the Boy Scouts of America.

The troop is perhaps the oldest scout organization, if not in America, at least in Pennsylvania and is the longest continually operating Boy Scout troop.

Chartered in 1911, just one year after the birth of the organization, Troop One lists as one of its alumni General Lyman Lemnitzer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1960 to 1962.

Proudly, the troop boasts of 76 Eagle Scouts in its long history and is a member of the Dan Beard Boy Scout District in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The troop has had 19 scoutmasters, including Edward Garfield Jenkins, its founder in 1911. Its current scout master is Mike Jurkowski.

“Through their leadership and guidance, hundreds of boys have become leaders in their own right,” Jurkowski said. “Many distinguished members of our community—business owners, teachers, judges, mayors, city council members and many others—have been part of the history of the troop.”

Troop One has been sponsored by many community organizations, such as the Lion’s Club, the Jaycees, Grace Episcopal Church and the current sponsor, the First Presbyterian Church of Honesdale. “Troop One has been an integral part of the Honesdale community and continues to provide opportunities for scouts to take pride in the community and its rich heritage,” Jurkowski said.

“The troop has been called upon in its history to help with many community projects, from search and rescue to community cleanup days, fighting fires and the numerous Eagle Scout projects,” he said.

A recognition and reunion dinner will be celebrated on November 19 at Camp Ladore in Waymart, PA. Awards will be given to several supporters of the troop and past members are invited to attend. The dinner is also open to the public.

A display of troop highlights and past achievements is currently installed at the Wayne County Historical Society, located on Main Street in Honesdale. The display is open until December 31.