Blue Book: X1a
| Description: This patch was our first lodge insignia. It is commonly
referred to as "The Shield", and is highly prized by former members even
today. While a sizable number were probably produced, they are now hard to find
in any condition. Older versions tend to have yellowed background, but all were
originally White twill. This variant is most easily identified by the zig-zag
or very uneven
stitch appearance of the Red bead line above the first W. The Red arrow appears
to point to the wearers left, instead of right. This characteristic carried
into our first flaps as well, and is due to the reportedly common use of the
patch on a white neckerchief. When worn, the arrow pointed to the wearers
right, but from behind!
Our basic totem was designed by our founding members including Jack Roy and Don Hearn. Legend has it that they were at old Cedar Valley while a heavy summer storm was approaching and the group is supposed to have commented about the sound of the thunder as the storm approached through the cedars - hence our name "Thunder in the Cedars". Another unverified element, is that of the five small cedar trees in all our early designs. One theory is that they represent five key individuals in the creation of our early lodge. The shield patch may date to our foundation in 1949. However it more likely appeared around 1953. Newspaper pictures of that period began to appear with scouts wearing the shield as a pocket patch during that period at least. |
| Period of Issue: Apx 1949 to 1959.
Restrictions: None. Quantity Issued: Unknown. Characteristics: Twill; Zig-zag stitch to Red bead line around "WWW", most noticable above the first "W"; Apx 96x75mm. |
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