The Boy Scouts and Olmsted

Olmsted Manor and the Boy Scouts have a connection that extends back to the days of George Olmsted.  For over 15 years, George Olmsted was active in Boy Scouting.  He designated the second floor of the Olmsted Carriage House as the scout headquarters for the local troop.  In the forest on a hill near Olmsted Manor he constructed "Camp Olmsted" for the scouts and there the boys could take advantage of the site for scouting activities, competitions and campfires.  Every Christmas he and Mrs. Olmsted hosted a party and presented each Ludlow scout with a gift for earning badges.  In 1925, Ludlow scouts were among the first in the country to earn the Eagle Scout award.  At one time it was said there were more Eagle Scouts in the small village of Ludlow, per capita, than anywhere else.

Continuing the Boy Scout connection, Olmsted Manor Retreat Center supports Troop 422 with the Kane United Methodist Church.

Under the guidance of Olmsted's Property Manager Bob Ishman, members of Boy Scouts Troop 422 helped with the construction of the large, 8 circuit labyrinth on the grounds of Olmsted Manor, built canoes in the shop, and planted trees in the lower yards.  The scouts also planned a trail guide for the Olmsted grounds which includes the old Bridle Path which Elizabeth Olmsted rode with her horses, connecting the Olmsted grounds with Wildcat Park.