Parks, George 1972-05-05

George Parks relates the history of the Roscoe Boys Club, its change form the Boy Scout organization, its activities, community and area programs, methods of financing and national publicity.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: George Parks

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: May 05, 1972

Location: Roscoe, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 1 hour 50 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Reviews family background and early life, Explains education and origin of interest in Boy Scouts in 1932, Recalls members of boys groups, Field trip to Carlsbad Caverns described, Discussion of Boys Club membership, Boy Scouts become Boys Club, Scouts received honors at Big Spring Jamboree, Recalls more boys who were members, Many have served in the military, Summer camps named, Took many field trips to Oklahoma Indian reservation, Indian folklore retold.

Tape 1, Side 2: Indian folktale (continued), Boys participated in Indian dances, Organized field trip to Red River, New Mexico, Financing field trips explained, Lodging secured at universities, Boy Scout organization threatened to withdraw charter, Comments on local approval to change Roscoe organization from Boy Scouts to Boys Clubs, Description of Boys club philosophy and facilities, Stresses importance of cooperation with athletics, Mentions Gordon Woods, former Roscoe coach, Archery contests a form of entertainment, Finance activities by gathering green cotton bolls, Expansion of the program outlined, Made money printing and selling Roscoe doctor’s memoirs, Selling Boys Club Columbia record another source of income.

Tape 2, Side 1: Facsimile of historical documents sold for revenue, Fireworks display sponsored every year by the Boys Club, Describes Roscoe community museum, Organization of Boys Club traced, Reports made to national club headquarters annually, Reviews national publicity received by the club, Boys Club contributions to charity and organizations named, Discusses contribution policy and public relations, Contributions to rehabilitation for individuals cited, Examines area Boys Clubs programs, Community recreation provided by Boys Club, Proposed field trip mentioned.

Tape 2, Side 2: Arrangements for field trips made by former members, Notes attempts to appear on Ed Sullivan Show.

Range Dates: 1932-1972

Bulk Dates: 1932-1972

Access Information

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