About Us

History

On June 1, 1921, just eleven years after the founding of the Boy Scouts of America, a charter was issued to Troop 76, Simsbury, Connecticut. The First Church of Christ was the Chartering Organization.

From a modest beginning of nine boys, Scoutmaster Thomas Desmond began the lllustrious history of one of the first Troops in Simsbury and in Connecticut. Mr. Desmond, the father of five boys and a landscape architect by trade, consolidated several existing Troops in town to form the original Troop 76. Over the next 90 years, 26 Scoutmasters have guided over 1,000 young men through the Scouting experience. Of these, 154 have achieved the rank of Eagle (and counting). Eric Hellwig deserves special mention for his service as Scoutmaster for eleven years, giving him the distinction of being the longest tenured leader. He was also the first Scout in the Troop to later become its Scoutmaster.

In the early days, the Troop met in the Ensign Bickford Gymnasium and later the old Town Hall, which we now know as Scout Hall. It was not until 1961 that the Troop received permission from the Church to move from Scout Hall into Fellowship (now Palmer) Hall. In requesting permission to use the newly dedicated Fellowship Hall, the Troop Committee advised the Trustees that “holding a meeting,at Scout Hall is like being inside a large wooden box because of the wooden ceiling and floors. Patrol comers sound like a veritable din because of the reverberation of sound.” Those of us that have used Scout Hall for the one meeting a year when Palmer Hall is otherwise occupied, can appreciate those words.

During the 1920’s and 1930’s, we generally had about twenty Scouts and in addition to the usual hiking and camping activities, performed a lot of community service. In those days, service projects consisted of “helping needy families with food and clothing at Christmas, forest fire patrol, color guard in High School and ushers at American Legion meetings and special occasions.”

Troop 76 has always been an active participant in national and council affairs. They have been represented at most national Jamborees (including 7 scouts in 2010) and have sent Scouts to all National High Adventure bases, including Philmont and Florida Sea Base. We are also active in Matianuck District affairs and have won Best Troop in the District numerous times over the years. Due to the generosity of the many families involved in the Troop, we are consistently among the leaders in the annual Friends of Scouting campaign.

The Troop historically has relied upon their annual wreath sale to raise funds for equipment and other expenses. There is evidence that wreaths were first sold in the late 1950’s. In 1959, for instance, 300 wreaths were sold at $2.25 each, grossing $675. In 2010, the Troop sold over 2,000 wreaths at $13 each (still the best deal in town), and raised almost $19,000 to support the troop programs.

Troop 76 has always prided ourselves in being an active camping Troop. Most years, we send more Scouts to Camp Mattatuck than any other troop In Connecticut. We camp throughout the Scout year, including winter months.

While the Troop has seen numerous changes over the past 90 years, one thing has been constant. Namely, sponsorship by the First Church of Christ. Troop 76 gratefully acknowledges the role of its Chartering Organization and looks forward to continuing this excellent relationship in the years to come.

Troop 76 is equally indebted to its Scoutmasters. Serving as role models, teachers, coaches and friends to our Scouts, this group of individuals’ have played an influential role in the development of young men in Simsbury for the last seven decades. From Tom Desmond in 1921 to Chris Weiland, our Scoutmasters have established a legacy that has done us proud.