Berlin Pack 350 Cub Scouts honor Revolutionary War hero
There are times when being a Cub Scout means having fun. There are other times when it means hard work, and sometimes it encompasses a valuable learning experience.On Saturday, May 8, the members of Cub Scout Troop 350 of Berlin got to experience all three aspects of Scout life rolled up into one, when the group traveled to near Clark to spruce up the grave site of John Palmer, a local Holmes countian who fought in the Revolutionary War.
About a dozen troop members participated in the cleanup project, which saw them cut weeds, take down a tree, remove debris, fix up the headstone of the six family members of Palmer buried at the site and erect a fence around the cemetery.
Despite blustery, cold weather with rain threatening throughout the day, the Scouts, as well as a number of adult volunteers, got to work about 11 a.m., traversing through a wooded area and scaling the steep incline to reach the tiny cemetery. Once there, the Scouts set forth helping wherever they could to beautify the site.
According to David Engstrom, Pack 350 Scoutmaster, there are a dozen gravesites throughout Holmes County of local men who fought in the Revolutionary War. Jeff Schrock, who has placed a flag at Palmer's gravesite each year in his honor, told Engstrom about the cemetery, and how it was in need of being cleaned up. Engstrom thought it would be a perfect opportunity for his Scouts to learn a little bit about the nation's past, as well as creating a fine opportunity for them to participate in a service project honoring an American hero.
"When we found out about this site, we felt it would give the kids a chance to take part in something that was meaningful and had a purpose," said Engstrom. "We knew it was going to mean some hard work, but we knew it would be worth it."
Battling the inclement weather, the first thing the Scouts did was to erect a large tarp among several trees, which would serve as protection should it really rain hard. "You know the Scout motto," said Engstrom, "always be prepared."
The troop purchased 10 posts and fence from Maple Valley Fencing, enough to cover a 16-foot-by-24-foot area around the gravesite. After cutting down a large tree and clearing a great deal of debris from the area, they set about building the fence, putting post hole diggers to work in the secluded area on the farm of Levi Yoder.
Pack 350 worked in conjunction with the Millersburg American Legion, which often works hand-in-hand with local troops to fix up gravesites of area veterans.
John Palmer, who was born in 1757 and died in 1848, actually owned the land on which he is now buried. Yoder's wife is a descendant of Palmer, with the land being handed down throughout the generations.
Engstrom, who actually has Palmers in his ancestry (he doesn't know if they are related or not, but now wants to find out), said of the land, "This plot of land was John Palmer's pay for his service in the Revolutionary War. He later purchased additional land around it, and unlike many soldiers who sold their land to get some money, he actually held on to his."
As the day rolled along, the Scouts ordered pizza for lunch, and the group worked diligently throughout the day, with the rain holding off long enough for them to do their job.
"It's a lot more work than we had originally anticipated, but it's a great experience for the kids," said Mike Schrock, one of the numerous adult leaders doing some of the more intensive labor-type of work.
Engstrom said that they are currently seeking donations from anyone who would like to help cover the expense of the fencing. Financial donors can contact Engstrom at 330-407-8069, or send donations to: Dave Engstrom, c/o Pack 350, P.O. Box 63, Baltic 43804.