Arthur Boland, Man of many ………….

I had the pleasure of meeting Art Boland in the mid 1960’s when working on the Tomahawk Staff. Art had just finished his tour of duty as the first Camp Read Ranger but always found the time to come visit the “Read Boys”. Art would always have a story of one sort or another, usually about the early days of Camp. He was a great storyteller and would keep us on the edge of our seats from the first words until the last. The endings were usually funny so almost every story ended the same way, with a hearty laugh from his audience.

Squire Boland, as Art was affectionately known (Art had many names), was very much into the “Program” at Camp and would always participate with ideas, stories, songs and skits. I can remember Arthur performing as “The Great Swami” at the fun campfires. Art would be dressed in a robe and turban and sit, blind folded and arms folded, center stage on a stool. He always looked “official” and definitely the part. Jim Smith, who would roam the audience looking for items that Art would have to guess, assisted Arthur. “Oh great Swami, what do I have in my hand?” Jim would chant. Then Arthur would place his hand to his forehead, plant a serious look on his face, and “concentrate” on guessing which article Jim held high for all the audience to see. On occasion, the Great Swami would encounter some difficulty with the “message waves” traveling through the air (it must have been the smoke from the campfire that interfered). Jim would have to provide some helpful hints like “you can see in the dark with this one oh Great Swami” as Jim held up a flashlight. The audience would respond in unison with a groan but the campers and staff always enjoyed the skit. TV had Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon – “Karnak”; Camp Read had Arthur and Jim and somehow the Read version was always better.

In the past twenty years or so, and since the Alumni Association was formed, Arthur would meet with us for the Eager Beaver Work Weekend held each June. He would capture the “work” and other “activities” on video and got another nickname “Cecil B. Boland” for his camera work. These weekends were (are) great since all the old stories would come out with one tale leading to another and reminding us of the great days and adventures of years past. Somehow some of the stories seemed to grow in length and content, and would get taller and taller each year. Many times Arthur was the teller of these tales (not necessarily the “tall” ones), and the stories would be centered on those who were gathered in the group at that time. Whenever Tom Teel was around, we would hear stories about the many adventures, trials and tribulations of the maintenance crew. Many of these tales centered on Camp infrastructure including the old vehicles (Big Red), and especially the water pipes that seemed to need constant care and repair in those days. Arthur had a great knack for turning these adventures into song. Just listen to the words from the “Maintenance Crew”, usually sung at an Alumni event, and you’ll see what I mean.

In July 1999, the “Old Farm House” was officially named “Boland Lodge” and dedicated to Art and his lovely wife Shirley. This was a very fitting dedication to the “pioneers” of Camp Read in the Adirondacks for this house was their first residence at Camp. I can only imagine how challenging it was to live year round, and raise a family in such a rustic dwelling. Art would recount the story of how they invited friends for dinner one snowy Thanksgiving. As their guests arrived, they found out that they were without running water because it was so cold the cistern froze. Art not only maintained camp, but had to “maintain” his humble abode in “traditional Camp Read style” (if you find it, you can use it; or borrow from Peter to keep Paul going).

Arthur was a man of many talents, jobs, names, stories, skits, tales, and great ideas (program and otherwise). He has left us with many fond memories and shown us what love and dedication to family, friends and scouting can do and mean. We will miss Arthur but are comforted with knowing that he will live on with Camp Read and all of us forever.

Tom Dietz