Since 1944, Madockawanda Lodge has been committed to cheerful service across central and southern Maine. Over the years, the lodge, as well as many individuals, have contributed to this valiant mission. Our full history can be found in the lodge history book in our lodge store at many lodge events.
Our lodge came into existence on July 10, 1944, at Camp Hinds, when the first seven members were inducted into the Order of the Arrow. These charter members of our lodge were Howard Butler (the Camp Director from 1944 to 1947), Frank W.P. Bailey, Fred Foster, Lee Weeks, Phil Foss, Jordan Prouty and Arthur Berry. The induction team included Pine Tree Scout Executive Percy Dunne, Hinds Waterfront Director George Anderson (who was from Pamola Lodge) and Senior Camp (Tenny) Director Dr. Nickles.
As a part of their ordeal, these candidates were directed to prepare a ceremonial area on the hill just south of the present Cadigan lodge and to construct an alter fireplace and ceremonial alter.
At that time we took the name Madockawanda, based upon a story told by Uncle Frank Bailey about the great Indian Chief Madockawanda who unified the Penobscot Nation.
Frank Bailey, one of the founders of Camp Hinds and a 30-year staff member, became our first Lodge adviser. He served in that capacity until 1957. Fred Foster was the ranger at Camp Hinds through the mid-1960s and was responsible for the remodeling of Berry Farm, which we know today as the training center. Lee Weeks has remained active in Scouting, serving as Council Activities Chairman in past years.
The snapping turtle was taken as the totem of our Lodge, and the clap 1, 1-2 as our lodge clap. Our founders were unaware at the time that the turtle was also the totem of Unami Lodge #1. Frank Bailey drew up a set of bylaws for the Lodge, which were later found to be remarkably similar to the National Rules.
During that early period, the Order of the Arrow was almost entirely a summertime program. Elections and inductions were held every two weeks during the summer season. Since most Scouts came to camp as provisional campers at that time, the elections were held in the six provisional units: MacArthur, Boone, Byrd, Peary, Pershing, and MacMillan, and at the “Senior Camp” across the river. The occasional troop camping as a unit could also hold elections. Following National policy, no elections were held outside of the summer camp season.
Camp Bomazeen opened in the summer of 1946 and the Bomazeen chapter of the Lodge was started in 1949. Jaro Konecny of Salem, Maine, one of the camp’s founders, served as an OA adviser at Bomazeen.
The two council camps operated as two chapters of the Lodge. This was expanded to three chapters in 1950 when Camp Nutter was open as a full-time council camp and a chapter was established there. Camp Nutter dates back to the 1930s when York County was a separate council operating its own camp. At that time the OA was not the only organization in Scouting for recognizing honor campers.
Since York District had previously adopted the “Nikiwigi,” another Scouting National Honor Society, as their program for honor Scouts and Scouters, there was a period of negotiation required before the Camp Nutter Chapter of the Lodge replaced the Nikiwigi tribe. The chapter was active, however, for only a few years before full-time summer operation of Camp Nutter ceased to be practical.
The separate chapters met as a Lodge once a year, during the Christmas school vacation, when it held its annual meeting for fellowship and election of Lodge officers. We do not have complete records of who our Lodge officers were during those years, since an overzealous assistant scout executive cleaned out the Lodge file at the Council office in the early 1970s. While efforts to gain historical records have been moderately successful recently, there is still much left in question.
In 1952, the Lodge sent a team to Camp Sachem in Antrim, New Hampshire, to induct their candidates into the Order. While this new Lodge did not immediately replace the Nikiwigi Tribe at Camp Sachem, it would by 1963. The team members were Frank Bailey, Clyde Nason, Jr., Al Elliot, and Wayne McDuffie. All were staff members at Camp Hinds.
By the mid-1950s, the ordeals had been expanded to include June and September work parties at each camp, as well as ordeals every two weeks during the summer season. Each chapter had a well-trained ceremonial team consisting largely of camp staff members. Early tapout ceremonies (now calling-out ceremonies) at Camp Hinds were held at the parade ground. The chief came by canoe from Chipmunk point, climbed the bank to the assembled troops, and tapped out those who had been elected. By the early 1950s, the tapout had become part of an elaborate Indian campfire.
These ordeals at both Hinds and Bomazeen were held every two weeks because, in those days of provisional camping, most Scouts attended camp for two weeks at a time and the elections were held during the second week of the cycle.
By 1955, the move was on nationally to get more Scout troops to come to camp as units under their own leadership. Hinds and Bomazeen gradually moved from camps with 90% provisional campers to 90% troop camping in the mid-1960s. With this change came major revision in the procedures used by the Lodge, too. National rules dictated that elections must be held in the home troop, not at summer camp, although for many years some troops still came to camp expecting to have an OA elections there. Some ideas die hard!
The chapters of our Lodge then had to subdivide to provide for election and camp promotion teams in every district, of which the council then had eight. (Do you remember the Sebago or Quabacook Districts?) For several years we had both “Camp” chapters and “District” chapters functioning together, with two Lodge Vice Chiefs each supervising the districts closest to his camp. From 1975 through 1979 there were two Lodge Vice Chiefs elected each year, one to supervise the Camp Hinds sector of the Lodge, the other to supervise the Bomazeen chapters. Meetings were held at district roundtables to inform Scoutmasters of the new procedures and we began to hold OA elections only at troop meetings within the districts.
Since all the candidates had already been elected before going to summer camp, most of them began coming to the June ordeal weekends instead of waiting until their troop went to camp. The need for summertime ceremonies were gradually eliminated. There have been several attempts in recent years to hold midsummer ordeals, but the difficulty in fitting that program into an already crowded camp schedule has proven hard to overcome.
Year-by-year, these are the highlights of our storied history.
1944
Original induction of Madockwanda Lodge. Inducted 7 original members. Frank Bailey appointed as first Lodge Adviser.
1947
First Brotherhood Members inducted.
1949
Camp Bomazeen chapter established.
1950
Camp Nutter chapter established.
1952
Our first Vigil member, Frank Bailey, was inducted.
1953
Clyde Nason, Jr. was inducted as our second Vigil member. He designed the round flap that became standard for our lodge flap.
1955
Camp Nutter ceased summer camp operations and the OA chapter was disbanded.
1956
Madockawanda hosts its first Conclave at Camp Hinds.
1957
Frank Bailey retires as lodge adviser and is replaced by Stan McCurdy.
1960
Frank Maguire replaces Mr. McCurdy as adviser.
1962
Chapters are established in each of the council districts, replacing camp oriented chapters.
1963
Lodge host to the Section Conclave.
1965
Lodge delegation attends National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) at Indiana University. Theme: “Mindful of our Traditions.”
1967
Lodge attends NOAC at University of Nebraska. Theme: “With Hearts and Wills United.” Lodge is host to Conclave at Camp Hinds.
1969
Lodge attends NOAC at Indiana University. Theme: “Pathways to Service.”
1971
Lodge attends NOAC at University of Illinois. Theme: “Aim High, Serve All.”
1973
Lodge hosts Conclave at Camp Hinds.
1978
Lodge hosts Conclave at Camp Hinds.
1982
Frank Maguire retires after 22 years as Lodge Adviser and is replaced by Bruce Young.
1985
Lodge hosts Conclave at Camp Hinds.
1986
Lodge attends NOAC at Central Michigan University. Theme: “Kindle the Flame from Within.”
1987
Bruce Young retires as Lodge Adviser and is replaced by Paul Conley.
1988
Lodge attends NOAC at Colorado State University. Theme: “Inspired to Lead, Dedicated to Serve.”
1989
Lodge attends National OA Trek at Philmont Scout Reservation. Theme: “These High Places are Within You.”
1990
Paul Conley retires as Lodge Adviser and is replaced by Roger Gagnon. 42 brothers attend NOAC at Indiana University. Theme: “Seek the Knowledge, Share the Spirit.” Lodge presents its first Founders’ Award to past Lodge Chief Scott Valcourt.
1991
Lodge earns its first “National Honor Lodge” Certificate: under the guidance of Lodge Chief William W. Walker and Lodge Adviser Roger Gagnon.
1992
Lodge delegation of 28 attend NOAC at University of Tennessee. Theme: “Many Fires, One Great Light.” Lodge Dance team earns honorable mention rating in NOAC competition. Founders’ award presented to Chris Maraghy and Roger Gagnon.
1993
Founders’ Award presented to Laverne Burt and Paul Rioux. Lodge conducts OA week at camp and conducts its 50th Anniversary Personal Achievement Award.
1994
50th Anniversary of the Lodge. Lodge hosts Section Conclave at Camp Hinds. Lodge delegation attends NOAC at Purdue University. Theme: “A Journey for One an Adventure for Many.” Founders’ Award presented to Richard Burt and Gerry Maraghy.
1995
Madockawanda Lodge represents section at the OA retreat at Philmont. Founders’ Award presented to Robert Sherwood, Jr. and Michael Maraghy.
1996
Lodge attends NOAC as part of Section NE-1A contingent. Theme: “See the Dream Live The Adventure.” Founders’ Award presented to Craig Howitt and Richard Valcourt. Lodge Ceremony Team earns Honor Lodge award in Pre-Ordeal Ceremony and Craig Howitt earns Honor distinction for the Vigil ceremony competition at NOAC. Turtle Soup wins Honor Lodge recognition in the publication competition. Roger Gagnon retires as lodge adviser and is replaced by Gerry Maraghy.
1997
Richard Burt elected Section NE-1A Chief at Conclave. Founders’ Award presented to Chad Poitras and Mark Bevan. Roger Gagnon appointed Section NE-1A adviser.
1998
Lodge contingent attends NOAC at Iowa State University. Theme: “Memories of the Past – A Vision For The Future.” Lodge Ceremony Team earns Honor Lodge rating at NOAC for Pre-Ordeal competition. Paul Hallee elected Section NE-1A Vice-Chief. Gerry Maraghy steps down as Lodge Adviser and is replaced by Carl Gagnon. Founders’ Award presented to Carl Gagnon and Matt Dubois.
1999
Lodge sends Lodge Chief Matt Dubois and Lodge Vice-Chief Joe Niman to the first OA National Leadership Summit at Colorado State University. Lodge completes the new Council Ring at Camp Bomazeen for its 55th anniversary, and begins the reconstruction of the Waterfront at Camp Hinds. Joshua Gagnon elected Section NE-1A Secretary. Lodge also publishes “Turtle Treks”, its first “where to go camping guide.” The Lodge also begins the “OA Service Hour” program during summer camp. Honor Chapter award begun. Founders’ award presented to Shawn Stearns and Jim Keene.
2000
Lodge attends NOAC at University of Tennessee. Theme: “Bound In Brotherhood, Led By Spirit.” Lodge one of eight to receive first ever National Service Award, for its service to council camps. Joshua Gagnon elected Section NE-1A Chief and Joe Niman elected Section NE-1A Secretary. Founders’ Award presented to Joshua Gagnon and Tom Thornton. Wayne Holden Becomes Lodge Adviser.
2001
Josh Gagnon elected to second term as Section NE-1A Chief. Founders’ Award presented to Joe Niman and Geoff Howitt.
2002
Lodge attends NOAC at Indiana University. Theme: “Test Yourself and So Discover!” The Lodge website earns “honor lodge” distinction at NOAC and is also ranked #1 in the Nation! Mike Price elected as Section NE-1A Secretary. Founders’ Award presented to Adrian Caron and Wayne Holden.
2003
Mike Price elected to second term as Section NE-1A Secretary. Founders’ Award presented to Josh Shean and Mike Mirisola. Purple Arrow Awards presented to Hussey Seating Company, and Jacques Hobbs and the Unity Community.
2004
60th Anniversary of the Lodge. Members complete 60th Anniversary Personal Achievement Award. Members complete 60th Anniversary project of rebuidling the Camp Hinds Council Ring fire pit and reconstructed a replica of the Original Ceremony Site from 1944. Mike Price elected Section NE-1A Chief. Founders’ Award presented to Mike Price and Phil Taschereau.
2005
Bruce Rueger appointed Lodge Adviser. Members attend 90th Anniversary of the Order at Treasure Island Camp. Paul Froman elected Section NE-1A Chief. Founders’ Award presented to Andrew Buckley and Henry Zwetsloot.
2006
Lodge wins second National Service Award, for 2005 service. Lodge attends NOAC at Michigan State University. Theme: “The Legend Lives On!” Founders’ Award presented to Tracy Wiggin and Tom Kester. Paul Froman elected to second term as Section NE-1A Chief.
2007
Founder’s Award presented to Ian Hanley and Arthur Price.
2008
Lodge wins third National Service Award, for 2007 service.
2009
Lodge wins forth National Service Award, for 2008 service, and is the first Lodge in the region to win three. Lodge attends NOAC at Indiana State University. Theme: .The Power of One.
2010
100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Lodge wins fifth National Service Award, for 2009 Service.
2011
Lodge attends the SummitCorps at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in New Hope, West Virginia.
2012
Lodge wins sixth National Service Award, for 2011 service. Lodge attends NOAC at Michigan State University. Theme: United we Leave A Legacy.
2013
Lodge wins seventh National Service Award, for 2012 service. Lodge joins the newly merged Section NE-1. Lodge Arrowmen, Erin Donlon, Ryan Donlon, Shane Marshall, and Gregory Valcourt serve on OA Staff at the National Scout Jamboree hosted at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in New Hope, West Virginia. Lodge decides to participate in the Centennial Challenge put on by National.
2014
70th Anniversary of the Lodge. Lodge Arrowmen, Scott Valcourt gets appointed to serve on the National OA Committee. Lodge sends contingent to the first Section NE-1 Conclave. Lodge hosts 70th Anniversary Dinner at Camp William Hinds on July 9th, 2014.
2015
Centennial Anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. Camp Hinds is a stop on ArrowTour, the traveling centennial celebration. Lodge hosts evening history campfire, performing many historical songs and legends of the early days of Madockawanda Lodge.
2016
Lodge hosts NE-1 Conclave at Camp Hinds. Contingent attends NEXT, the national gathering of lodge officers and advisers at Indiana University to help plan the next century of the Order of the Arrow.
2017
2018
2019
Lodge celebrates 75th anniversary with celebration event at Camp Hinds.
2020
Lodge develops nationally recognized virtual unit elections and training in response to the COVID pandemic. Despite pandemic related restrictions, the lodge hosts 2 induction weekends.
2021
2022
Turtle News! The lodge's first video news and information platform is launched. A contingent is sent to the Section's New England Fellowship and is awarded the Spirit Award. Lodge sends a contingent to NOAC at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
2023
Turtle Academy, an online training portal, is launched. Lodge develops a program for Life Scouts to request assistance with carrying out their Eagle projects. Cameron Dalton is elected at the National Planning Meeting to be the 2024 Eastern Region Chief, becoming Madockawanda's first national officer.
2024
80th Anniversary of Madockawanda Lodge. The Lodge hosts E-19 New England Fellowship at Camp Hinds. A contingent from Madockawanda and Pamola attend NOAC at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Throughout the storied history of the lodge, the valuable pocket flap has taken on many iterations through the seventy-five-plus years of its existence. Can you collect them all?
