[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DANIEL CARTER BEARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 1998

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Daniel Carter 
Beard, the founder of the Boy Scouts of America, for his contributions 
to the young people of our country. I wish to call to the attention of 
our colleagues the outstanding achievements of Daniel Carter Beard, who 
made his home in my Congressional District in Suffern, which is located 
in Rockland County, New York. This year Rockland County, as part of its 
celebrations of its bicentennial, is honoring this distinguished former 
resident of our county.
  On June 14th, the Hudson Valley Boy Scout Council/Rockland District 
of the Boy Scouts of America will be honoring Daniel Carter Beard with 
the dedication of a new bronze plaque. This dedication coincides with 
the Rockland County Bicentennial Celebration.
  Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1850, Daniel Carter Beard enjoyed camping 
and exploring the wilderness as a child. This early interest sowed the 
seeds of a later passion for the outdoors and a career as an 
illustrator. Beard studied engineering at Covington, Kentucky and art 
at the Art Students League in New York City. By 1900, Beard had 
received national recognition for his illustrations in many wildlife 
and outdoor magazines.
  In 1905, Beard became the editor of Recreation, a sportsmen magazine, 
which under his direction became a voice in wildlife conservation. 
Daniel Carter Beard also founded the Sons of Daniel Boone; a group 
dedicated to conservation, to the outdoor life, and the pioneer spirit. 
By 1909, he founded the Boy Pioneers of America. This group, like the 
Sons of Daniel Boone, was a way to improve the lives of urban youths, 
according to Beard.
  Following the success of a youth movement in England, Beard worked to 
start the Boy Scouts of America which were chartered in 1910. As 
founder of the BSA, Beard designed the hat, shirt, and neckerchief to 
be worn as a symbol of the American frontier.
  Beard appreciated the importance of preserving the dwindling frontier 
and felt it was important to stop the deterioration of the wilderness. 
He recognized that the frontier way of life was rapidly disappearing 
forever, and recognized the importance of preserving this rich heritage 
for future generations. He taught our young people how to camp, hunt, 
fish, and to appreciate their environment. The Boy Scouts of America 
continue to instruct these ideals and to preserve the teachings of 
Daniel Carter Beard.
  Subsequently, Beard's personality made him a folk hero to many young 
men who attended his camp in Pennsylvania and read his articles in Boys 
Life. He became known as ``Uncle Dan,'' with his public appearances 
wearing a buck skin suit, and his monthly columns describing his 
experiences in the wilderness.
  Daniel Carter Beard died at the ripe age of 90, after living a life 
full of many experiences and accomplishments. His legacy lives on 
through his books, illustrations, and stories. Board was laid to rest 
at the Brick Church Cemetery, not far from his home, Brooklands, in 
Suffern. He has continued to touch the lives of America's youth with 
his contributions to scouting and wildlife conservation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Daniel 
Carter Beard. The Boy Scouts of America has been an important part of 
my of my life since my youth, and I recognize that it is an important 
outlet for young men to learn to appreciate their natural surroundings 
and to value all that nature has given us, and to hold character as 
they learn the importance of integrity, hard work, and brotherhood.

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