DEWAYNE'S CORNER: Girl Scouts of Marlow has long local history

Marlow Scout program for girls started a long time ago. Around 1940, a program was started here, first meeting in the basement of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Elsie Howard and other ladies were instrumental in getting a building. She contacted Fort Sill and obtained an old barracks. It was a long building originally in Redbud Park. The Girl Scout Hut (as it was later called) was located by the football field on Sixth Street across from the Elementary School - year unknown.

I texted a classmate who was in scouts for 12 years, Melinda (Scruggs) Johnson. She helped me with some facts. In an article in the Marlow Review dated Feb. 13, 1969, Mrs. Bruce Scruggs (Melinda's mother) of the Marlow neighborhood scout group was recognized for her many years of service - a Scout leader and working on the Sooner Council.

It was reported in that article Marlow had a financial and sentimental stake in the camp at Fuqua Lake, 17 miles east, as the city presented the flag pole and concrete base. Also, another bit of Marlow heritage, the old city hall bell, which called the volunteer firemen since the early 1900s was given to the camp. This bell is still in use today I learned from visiting with the current troop leader for Troop #27, Carina Friedl.

Since 2011 Carina has helped with the Marlow scouts. The bell is rung between classes on weekend camp sessions at camp. Currently, she said they have 66 in-service units. Girls from Marlow and other western Oklahoma towns attend. Formerly called Sooner Council in the 1960's, it was merged in 2008 with Red Land now recognized as Western Oklahoma Camp. (camp.gswestok.org )

Mrs. Friedl said that later this month their Girl Scout cookie sales start. This is the ONLY fundraiser they have, Jan. 29 - March 24.

I questioned her about how many levels in scouts, five levels, (Daisy to Ambassador) from Kindergarten grade to seniors. At each level, the girls earn a pin. As a group, they have a Scout Sunday attending a church service as a group. Other activities include tent camping, building campfires, outdoor cooking, outdoor living, crafts, and older members backpacking and canoeing. A yearly Juliette Lowe Tea party, a more formal affair in honor of the Girl Scout founder is usually held in late October or in the beginning of November.

Sitting with us was her daughter Jesika, a GOLD AWARD winner, the highest award in Scouts. Jesika is a senior this year at Marlow High School. Her positive attitude and intelligent personality make her a leader. Listening to her I see her going far in life from her experience through Scouts. Mrs. Friedl told me the Girl Scouts have met in many locations, currently meeting every Monday at the Marlow Library. Any girls interested in scouts who have questions can reach Friedl at 580-658-0647. Any former Marlow Scouts would be welcome as alumni members. If anyone has a building or house they could use for a meeting would be very grateful. Find them on Facebook: Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma.