(See also Curry Boy Scout Family Tree)
The “Boomer” Era of Scouting
Entering Cub Scouting in 1950 placed me at the forefront of a massive expansion in the Boy Scouts of America. Following World War II, scouting saw explosive growth as the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation came of age. Notably, the BSA had just lowered the Cub Scout entry age from 9 to 8 in 1949—making my 8th birthday not just a personal milestone, but part of a new national standard. The artifacts from this period reflect a distinct era of American optimism, featuring the classic blue and gold uniforms, the Wolf-Bear-Lion rank progression, and the introduction of the ‘Webelos’ rank (then just a badge) to bridge the gap to Boy Scouting.
My Cub Scout hat – circa 1950 
My Cub Scout hat – inside 
Braided Cub Scout neckerchief slide 
Den #3 shoulder patches, Cub Pack #92
Cub Scout Den Numeral “3” (Arrowhead Style), circa 1949–1959.
Embroidered silver arrowhead featuring a black numeral “3” on a red field with a yellow border. Worn on the right sleeve of the Cub Scout uniform below the den emblem to identify Den 3 within a pack. Arrowhead-shaped den numerals were introduced following World War II and remained in use throughout the 1950s before being replaced by simpler numeral designs. Minor variations reflect different licensed manufacturers.1
Provenance: The Drexel Hill Connection
These artifacts originate from Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, specifically associated with the Valley Forge Council. Unlike the artifacts from my father’s era (Essington Troop 1, 1920s), these items represent the suburban scouting boom of the mid-century. They tell the story of scouting in the Philadelphia suburbs during a time when local sponsorship by schools and churches was the bedrock of the community. They serve as a physical link between my father’s scouting legacy and the path my brother, Samuel B. Curry Jr., and I would follow toward Eagle Scout.2
Personal Story
The Den Mother and the Backyard – In the 1950s, the heart of Cub Scouting wasn’t the campground; it was the backyard and the living room. The program relied heavily on the ‘Den Mother’—often our own mothers volunteering their time to guide us through crafts, skits, and achievements. Looking at these handbooks and pinewood derby cars, I am reminded of the weekly den meetings that prepared us for the rigors of Aroniming Troop 2. It was here, amidst the glue and paint, that the foundational values of the Scout Law were first introduced, setting the stage for my future leadership roles at Camp Delmont and Resica Falls.3
Family Legacy
My Cub Scout years were the training ground for a family tradition. With my father, Samuel B. Curry, having paved the way as an Eagle Scout in the 1920s, and my brother Samuel just 2 ½ years ahead of me, wearing the blue uniform was my first step in joining their ranks. These artifacts are not just memorabilia; they are the prologue to my eventual Eagle Scout rank and my participation at the 1957 National and World Jamborees.
Disposition
This collection is for a priest whose three boys are beginning their Scouting journey.
Last Updated: March 6, 2026