Fort Thomas Scouts

One such group (offered to teenage boys in Fort Thomas) was Explorer Scouting Post 72, which met once a week in the basement of the old Alber’s grocery store, which was located at 11 South Fort Thomas Avenue.  (The building still stands, with a different use, now). The members included about 20 boys from various high school grade levels.  Five or more were from the class of 1958, including: Neal Schwartman, Jim Edwards, Glenn Hardy, Don Arey and Gene Taylor.  One upper classman was Bob Boots.  Our Explorer Scout Master (leader) was Bill Rose, HHS graduate, class of 1933.  

The Explorer Scout programs helped to develop responsible, well-rounded citizens.  In our weekly meetings, we would start with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a short business meeting.  Alber’s had a rifle and pistol range in the basement.  The Ft. Thomas Police would practice target shooting at that range.  Once the Explorer Scouts adjourned the business meeting, scouts would practice shooting with 22 caliber rifles or pistols.  We were taught how to shoot in the various positions and how to handle the rifle or pistol safely.  

On occasion, the Explorers would have a social function in the basement.  One time, we had a dinner followed by a dance.  The Explorers invited dates from among the teenage girls at Highlands.  We decorated the basement and parents, and scouts prepared the meal.  A good time was had by all.   

When an Explorer Scout had time, he would work on earning merit badges for various awards.  The highest award an Explorer Scout could get, after earning 21 or more merit badges, was the Eagle Scout Award.  Two Explorers from HHS Class of 1958 (Jim Edwards and Gene Taylor) earned an Eagle Scout Award.  Some famous Eagle Scouts, not from Fort Thomas were US President Gerald Ford, Sam Walton (founder of Walmart and Sam’s Club), Martin Luther King, Jr. and General William C. Westmoreland, US Army Chief of Staff. 

Scouts of HHS - Putting it all Together

The Highlands High School Scouts of 1933 and the 1950’s had a common and generational bond of 20-25 years; including the Boy Scout Troop that met at the Highland United Methodist Church and the Explorer Scout Post 72, that met in the old Alber’s Grocery store.  Bill Rose, HHS class of 1933, and member of the Highlander Annual (yearbook) Staff, believed in the values/service taught to the Scouts.  When he became an adult, this belief prompted Bill to become Scout Master and leader in the 1950’s.  He had also been a WWII pilot and flight instructor. We are thankful Bill chose to pass the good values and lessons of the Scouts to our younger generation of Bluebirds.  Bill was a wonderful, influential role model to many young men from Highlands High School. 

Fort Thomas Scouts Two Local Adventures

The second unique adventure for this scout troop happened on the Taliaferro property at 1810 North Fort Thomas Avenue, right across the street from St. Catherine of Sienna Church.  The house was built in 1830 and is the oldest house in our city.  In the 1950’s Miss Ernestina Taliaferro lived in the house.  

A small house with a barn were behind the main house.  Ron “Buzz” Weber (HHS class of 1958), and his sister Barbara Weber (class of 1956) lived with their parents in the small house, and were related to Ernestine Taliaferro.  This property, at the time, was one of the largest tracks of undeveloped land in the north end of the city.  It also included Mount Pleasant Gardens, a plant nursery operated by another member of the Taliaferro family. A trail on the side of the property led to a flat area above the top of bluffs or cliffs overlooking the Ohio River and was known as “Lover’s Leap.” 

One sunny winter day, in the mid 1950’s, our scout troop went camping above the cliffs, on the flat area.  That evening, it turned very cold, and we built a campfire to stay warm. We sat around the campfire telling campfire stories, roasting hotdogs, and making s’mores.  That night, while we slept in our WWII mountain tents, it snowed 6”-8” on the ground and on our tents.  When we awoke the next morning to a winter-wonderland, we built a campfire for warmth and for cooking.  The scouts, Scout Master Bill Rose, and “Red” Hardy (dad of Glenn Hardy, HHS class of 1958) fried bacon, scrambled eggs, and fried toast.  It was a welcomed, delicious, and unique breakfast with the backdrop of the Ohio River view and snow-covered land, right in our own town.  Shortly thereafter, the scouts packed up our tents, took our gear, and went home to warm homes, and a never-forgotten adventure.   

Highlands Scouts Assist in Flooded Newport 

Authors: Gene Taylor, HHS Class of 1958 and context by Ronald Carlton, 1933 

Sunday, March 19, 1933, the Ohio River flooded.  Scout leaders were notified at 12:00 of the need for Scouts’ assistance.  The Scouts motto was “Be Prepared,” and within 45 minutes, Highlands High School Scout members were ready for service to the neighboring community of Newport.  That Sunday, Scouts from Fort Thomas and other northern Kentucky communities were pressed into action directing traffic and unsnarling traffic jams.  Monday and Tuesday in rain and cold they continued to direct traffic to ease congestion, as many streets were blocked by the river’s swelling water.  Wednesday, the authorities recognized the service and aid the Scouts were providing.  Thursday, traffic was back to normal.  Though tired and worn out the Scouts continued to do kitchen details, boat details, messenger services, office details, and rescues.  Though the work was hard for all, the Scouts responded willingly and with calmness and courtesy.  The Scouts’ duties and services ended March 29, 1933.  Below, is a page from the Highlands High School yearbook, 1933.