The Boy Scouts and a trip of a lifetime through the Midwest

In the summer of 1920, the Boy Scouts of Mansfield, Ohio made and unprecedented cycling trip through three states: Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.  They traveled 959 miles during the trip and were entertained by other scout troops along the way.  The trip was also highlighted by a visit with then Senator and future President, Warren G. Harding, and a stay on Paul Tappan’s Yacht on Sandusky Bay.

The Boy Scouts started in Mansfield in 1911 when the First Congregational Church and First Presbyterian Churches organized troops.  W. H. Tappan was scout master of the Congregational troop and Fred Kelly headed the Presbyterian group.  Interest at the time was low and after two years, the program was almost non-existent.  In 1917 the program was revived when a troop was organized at the YMCA under the leadership of Carl Warne.  Interest in the Scouts was heightening because of World War I and the troops began selling war bonds, stamps and working in Victory Gardens.

It was in February of 1920 that preparations began for the cycling trip.  Carl Warne organized the trip and led the boys.  Short three or four day trips were made in the past, but no trip of this distance had ever been attempted.  By March, twelve out of thirteen boys had passed physical examinations and had been approved to complete the trip.  Dr. Edward Remy and Dr. Leopold Adams were the examiners.  Beginning June 1^st, training began for the trip, which involved daily bicycle trips and exercises.  Those who completed training would be able to go on the trip.  The boys who passed the physical examinations were Lee Manuel, Harold Bruce, Russell Phipps, Clarence Hassinger, Ralph Schad, Harlow Salter, Carlton Starkey, Earl Oelhoff, Alfred Davis, Milton Spratt, Robert Forsyth and Paul Nolin.

Eight Scouts began their trip at 7:30pm on Saturday, August 7^th.  They began with a parade through the main streets of the business section of Mansfield before starting on their course out North Main Street.  They camped a few miles outside of town and resumed their trip the following morning.  When the boys made it to Sandusky Bay, they were greeted by Paul Tappan, who made sure to take care of them.  The Scouts spent the night on the Tappan yacht and swam in the bay.  Next they made their way to Port Clinton where they were greeted by the Port Clinton Boy Scouts.  Then they visited the Ford Factory in Detroit, Michigan.  The roads in Michigan were rough and they had to walk much of the way, as their bikes could not get through the soft sand.

The final stop of the trip may have been the most memorable, when the boys were received at the home of Warren G. Harding.  When they first stopped, Senator Harding was not home, but Mrs. Harding insisted they stay and wait for him.  She greeted each one and procured a two-pound box of candy.  When Senator Harding arrived, they posed for pictures and left the residence “very happy.”

That night, they camped near Galion and arrived home in Mansfield on the morning of September 2, 1920.  All but one boy completed the journey.  On the return trip home, Russell Phipps had to be sent back on a train as he had gotten seriously sick.  Harold Bruce, Lee Manuel, Ralph Schad, Henry Carr, Harlow Salter Clarence Hassinger and, leader, Carle Warne were happy to be home.  One boy remarked “It was a great trip, but we are glad to get back to little old Mansfield.”