About the TWO Tradeorees (23 Jul 10)

After I smile at them, I start in telling them that the Jamboree is that ONE EVENT which brings volunteers and professionals I’ve worked with over the last 40 years (yes, it’s been that long a time period!) back together for a short period. Sure, I could and have traveled to their home or retirement homes, visiting with each person. But the Jamboree brings people together at an event we truly love — and to support a program we enjoy — the Boy Scouts of America.

So this is why I asked to be placed on the Task Force public affairs staff for this LAST EVENT before I retire from the Army. I want to share my experiences as part of the last four Jamboree Task Forces as well as a public affairs commander….but I also wanted to be around for this last major event that I’ll do in an Army uniform.

Then I share with them the stories that bore my personal friends to tears… they “get it” but the way I drone on sometimes about how this person provided me with information to help that guy or gal; of the people I have electronically communicated with for as long as a DECADE before we finally met at the National Scout Jamboree…stuff like that clearly falls in that “you’d had to be there” or “it’s a Scouting thang” catagories.

Friday, I started my day with exercise — to get the rest of the boxes and clothing I needed out of the van. There’s still some items in there…but mainly uniforms to wear to work, for the Parade, and while out on the Jamboree grounds. Then, a dip in the warm pool, doing five laps back and forth across the pool before getting out and returning back to my room to change.

I decided that since I can’t get a press card — they are still not set up and won’t be until Monday — I better try to get around to the two Tradeorees. One of them is at the Ramada Inn where I am staying. I got to visit with Chris Jensen of Streamwood — an old friend from the early 90s. In between sales and barters/trades, we got to catch up a little. There were others, including a daughter of one of the table owners who also came back from Germany — her visit was a couple of weeks compared to my year and couple of months.

Then, someone poked me and asked if “I was Mike Walton, the blackeagle”? I nodded yes, and he reached out his hand and introduced himself.

My photo as a Paraprofessional; this was taken in 1981.

“I have been following you for like, forever…I thought that I would NEVER meet you in person…” Les Brown (not THAT Les Brown…) and I shook hands and we started talking about square knot insignia.

Those small knot “thingys” which resemble military ribbons with their representation of medals and other awards which youth and adult members of the BSA receive — some of those things are WORTH a LOT of money…I was offered at a previous Jamboree three grand(!!!) for the shirt which has (at that time) the four rows of “knot emblems” and the various devices which goes on those awards. No thanks.

Me displaying my “Kool-moe-dee” sunshades and my rows of square knot insignia, representing various awards I have earned or received over a 37-year span.

What makes those things so valuable? The fact that some of the knot emblems, like the actual awards, are restricted or limted to just those people who have earned or received them. Other knot emblems are only available from a particular local Council. And still others are limited in numbers.

Les commented that “the biggest collection of Scouting insignia and awards” are found in our landfills…for many folks will simply discard instead of recycling or donating Scouting items. That makes some of those small pieces of cloth so valuable.

Les and I hung out together as the Ramada Inn trade show continued to set up. After a couple of hours, I was feeling the need for a bathroom and coffee break…so we decided to check out the other Tradeoree across town.

After a potty break (“people have to go potty — NOW!” *grinning*) and grabbing the rest of my coffee, I followed Les through the streets of Fredricksburg to the Eagles Lodge in the northeast side of town…they SERIOUSLY need to do signage or something…. and the other Tradeoree.

Inside, I reunited with several Scouters and memorbillia dealers as I walked around.

One of the reasons why I come to Jambo
Terry Grogan and I traded emails for years…his son was working toward the Hornaday Conservation Award. Terry is a volunteer Scouter with the Greater St. Louis Area Council. This is why I come to Jamborees and other Scouting events!

Then, I smelled coffee — and had some great soup, a fish sandwich, and of course soup. Les and I along with some kid who is joining the Army soon talked “shop” — what makes this knot emblem rarer than others; how many knots are out there…and on and on.

(a webpage with what we were talking about is found at http://www.scoutinsignia.com/tacsegs.htm)

He now has a few more segments, as I divest myself of many of my duplicates and triplicates in exchange for some other patches he was getting rid of.

And it went onward….Richard Shields, another Scouter and memorbilia dealer talked with me as I looked over his tables and tables of Scouting items…not just patches but any and everything Scouting!! Paul Kramer came by to talk and offer some items for Richard to sell…

I finally left at around midnight, with a bag of Scouting items less and some items to send to others who asked for them or needed them. I lost a couple of items…some pins…but I know where I can get more.

I returned back to my room, excited from the day’s events, and after making some phone calls, I finally went to bed. This coming week, I’ll be going back to both tradeorees to get rid of things I brought with me as well as find some items I have been looking for.

Saturday, I need to “recon” the Parade route, where I can take photos before and after the Parade, and to visit with old high school, college and fraternity folks. The note I received from the Parade hosts also strongly recommended that I hyrdate — even though the parade route is one mile and a quarter, the temps will be well over 100 — in my personal case, well over 110 with the dark suit and shoes…