Boy Scout Troop 102 and Cecil Matson - Naugatuck Historical Society

Boy Scout Troop 102 and Cecil F. Matson 1900-1986

Troop 102 was founded in April 1913 at the Naugatuck Congregational Church. The troop has been chartered to the Church since then, making it one of the oldest troops in the nation. The first scoutmaster was the Reverend Philip C. Walcott and during his tenure, Scout Alvin Dreyer became the first Eagle Scout in Naugatuck in 1922.

A young scout named Cecil F. Matson joined the troop on May 10, 1914 and became scoutmaster in 1922. He held that position until 1966 when he retired after 44 years as scoutmaster. He continued to serve the troop until his passing in April of 1986. He had 72 years as a member of the Boy Scouts of America.

Cecil built the troop into one of the largest, most active troops in the area. They participated in the 1937, 1950, 1953, 1957 and 1960 National Jamborees. Various members of the troop worked as summer camp staff at Camp Mattatuck, and the troop attended numerous district camporees, Klondike Derbies and Council encampments. During his tenure, Cecil presented the Eagle Badge to 35 Scouts.

When Cecil retired in 1966 the advancement program and the outdoor program came to a standstill. Larry Gay and Ed Newell kept the troop going until permanent long-term leadership could be secured. In November of 1976, a young Scout, Charles R. Doback, volunteered the name of Frank A. Rodrigues to serve as Scoutmaster. Frank accepted and appointed Assistant Scoutmasters James C. Doback, Charles R. Doback, Bruce E. Monahan, Jose Ascencao, Kenneth Laliberte, Michael Warren, James Amato and Mark Aresta.

The troop rebuilt itself in terms of camping equipment, membership, finances and reputation. More importantly, the advancement program and the outdoor program are back on top. They reestablished the High Adventure program, participating in Philmont Scout Ranch in 1980, 1983, and 1987; National Jamboree in 1981 and 1985;Florida Sea Base 1986; 50-mile hike 1982; 50-mile canoe trip 1984; and an Adirondack trip in 1988.

As of 1988, when the source for this article was prepared, the Troop had had 53 Eagle Scouts.

Taken from the July/August 2000 edition of the Naugatuck Historical Society Newsletter

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	Boy Scout Troop 102 and Cecil F. Matson 1900-1986 Troop 102 was founded in April 1913 at the Naugatuck Congregational Church. The troop has been chartered to the Church since then, making it one of the oldest troops in the nation. The first scoutmaster was the Reverend Philip C. Walcott and during his tenure, Scout Alvin Dreyer became the first Eagle Scout in Naugatuck in 1922. A young scout named Cecil F. Matson joined the troop on May 10, 1914 and became scoutmaster in 1922. He held that position until 1966 when he retired after 44 years as scoutmaster. He continued to serve the troop until his passing in April of 1986. He had 72 years as a member of the Boy Scouts of America. Cecil built the troop into one of the largest, most active troops in the area. They participated in the 1937, 1950, 1953, 1957 and 1960 National Jamborees. Various members of the troop worked as summer camp staff at Camp Mattatuck, and the troop attended numerous district camporees, Klondike Derbies and Council encampments. During his tenure, Cecil presented the Eagle Badge to 35 Scouts. When Cecil retired in 1966 the advancement program and the outdoor program came to a standstill. Larry Gay and Ed Newell kept the troop going until permanent long-term leadership could be secured. In November of 1976, a young Scout, Charles R. Doback, volunteered the name of Frank A. Rodrigues to serve as Scoutmaster. Frank accepted and appointed Assistant Scoutmasters James C. Doback, Charles R. Doback, Bruce E. Monahan, Jose Ascencao, Kenneth Laliberte, Michael Warren, James Amato and Mark Aresta. The troop rebuilt itself in terms of camping equipment, membership, finances and reputation. More importantly, the advancement program and the outdoor program are back on top. They reestablished the High Adventure program, participating in Philmont Scout Ranch in 1980, 1983, and 1987; National Jamboree in 1981 and 1985;Florida Sea Base 1986; 50-mile hike 1982; 50-mile canoe trip 1984; and an Adirondack trip in 1988. As of 1988, when the source for this article was prepared, the Troop had had 53 Eagle Scouts. Taken from the July/August 2000 edition of the Naugatuck Historical Society Newsletter

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