Wooster’s Troop 61 honors long tradition at annual dinner
Troops 61 Boy Scout leaders John Veney, left, Thomas Tannhof, Jim Taggart and Craig Reynolds pose for a photo during the annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser, which was held at First Presbyterian Church in Wooster on Oct. 8. At age 90, Taggart has been involved in Troop 61 for 80 of the troop’s 111 years after starting as a grade schooler in the 1940s.
The annual Troop 61 Boy Scouts spaghetti dinner, held at First Presbyterian Church on Oct. 8, wasn’t just another fundraiser. This year’s event was marked by a special appearance from a local legend — 90-year-old Jim Taggart, who has been involved with Troop 61 for a remarkable 80 years.
Taggart, a retired lawyer who earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1949, exchanged “hellos,” reminisced and posed for photos throughout the evening, which was filled with memories and a sense of tradition that has carried on through the years.
“Jim Taggart has a long history with Troop 61,” said Craig Reynolds, a Wooster lawyer and Troop 61 volunteer since 2006. “Jim’s been a mentor to many, many scouts and scout leaders during that time.”
A 1951 graduate of Wooster High School, Taggart has been a part of Troop 61 for 80 of its 111 years. Troop 61, founded in 1913, holds the distinction of being Ohio’s sixth oldest troop. Taggart’s deep connection to the troop started when he joined as a grade schooler in the 1940s, becoming the seventh member of Troop 61 to earn the rank of Eagle Scout in 1949. His brother, David, followed suit in 1952.
In its 111-year history, a total of 148 Troop 61 members have reached the Eagle Scout rank, which is the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts organization. Earning this rank is a challenging journey that involves mastering skills, leading projects and upholding the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
“I haven’t done much helping for a number of years,” Taggart said with a chuckle, acknowledging his reduced role in recent years.
However, his presence at events like the spaghetti dinner still carries weight, and the respect and admiration from the community are palpable.
Asked what keeps him coming back to troop events, Taggart pointed to the friendships he’s built over the years.
“There have been so many good people involved with Troop 61,” Taggart reflected. “My first campout was in the winter of 1946.”
Taggart has countless memories, from camping in Ohio’s winters to serving on the staff at the 1973 National Scout Jamboree. He fondly recalls peers from the 1940s and 50s, including Jack Perkins, Scott Craig, and his Explorers leader, Ted Danner.
Reynolds, who became involved in Troop 61 as an assistant scoutmaster in 2006 when his sons joined, served as Scoutmaster from 2012-2015 and now holds the position of Troop Committee Chair. He deeply appreciates Taggart’s contributions to the troop.
“Jim served in a number of adult roles for Troop 61, including Scoutmaster, Committee Chair and Chartered Organization Representative,” Reynolds said. “He was very active as an adult leader in the 1960s and 1970s, during the era of the troop’s famous canoe trips and high adventure trips to places like West Virginia, Colorado, and Canada.”
For decades, Taggart has allowed Troop 61 to use his property on East Bowman Street for meetings and equipment storage. He’s also served as a merit badge counselor, guiding scouts in their journies toward Eagle rank.
Taggart’s influence extends beyond Troop 61. He’s served on several committees within the Killbuck District and the Buckeye Council and has a special connection to Pee Wee Hollow, a campsite in Wayne County used by scouts across the region. Taggart has attended events there for 80 of its 101 years.
“Jim is the unofficial historian of all things at Pee Wee,” Reynolds said.
Current Troop 61 Scoutmaster Thomas Tannhof, who earned his Eagle Scout rank in 2001, spoke about the impact of the program.
“It sets up the kids as young men,” said Tannhof, a Wooster deputy fire marshal whose ninth-grade son, Nick, is working toward his Eagle rank. “They go through adulthood and continue serving the community in many ways, be it professionally or in other civic-minded organizations.”
For Tannhof, Scouting is about more than just earning badges.
“I’m still learning from the guys that have done this before, like Jim Taggart, Craig Reynolds and John Veney,” Tannhof said. “Their kids have moved on, but they’re still coming back to help me.”
Troop 61 currently has 14 members, ranging in age from 11 to 17. Scouts can join the organization starting in kindergarten, working their way through the ranks from Tigers up to Webelos before crossing over into Boy Scouts in fifth grade.
“Scouts is a lot of fun and helps kids get more prepared for life,” said Nick Tannhof. “Not many kids like going out in the woods in December while it’s snowing, but we learn to do things like that.”
This winter, the troop is looking forward to trips to Washington D.C. and a ski trip to Peek’n Peak.
In a time when screen time and technology often dominate kids’ attention, Tannhof believes that the Boy Scouts program is more valuable than ever.
“Scouts gives them opportunities to experience and learn about the outdoors,” he said.
With dedicated mentors like Taggart, Reynolds and Tannhof guiding the way, Troop 61 is well-positioned to continue shaping young lives for years to come.
Aaron Dorksen can be reached at aarondorksen24@gmail.com.