Book Review by Fred M. Gervat

The Library Journal Review
November 15, 1999

THE BOY SCOUT
COUNCIL SHOULDER PATCH
GUIDE
1999/THIRD EDITION 

People involved in the Boy Scout movement will find this unique publication an indispensable reference.  Carefully researched, it is intended for a large but specialized audience.  A Council Shoulder Patch is part of the Boy Scout uniform that identifies the area from which the wearer comes.  The patches are very colorful, and there is a brisk trade among collectors. This full-color guide also serves a travelogue, explaining the symbolism of the images on the patch (e.g., a lighthouse in Maine, mountains in Colorado) and their relevance to the area.  Also included are thumbnail sketches, sightseeing suggestions, and a cross references to the Order of the Arrow.  (The Order of the Arrow is a national honor camping society within the Boy Scouts of America.)  Of particular value are the phone numbers of the Boy Scout offices for each Council (i.e., designated areas) and the for the Scout Museums scattered across the country.  All in all, a worthy endeavor; public libraies ought to have at least one copy.—Fred M. Gervat, Concordia College Library, Bronxville, NY.
Reprinted with Fred M. Gervat's permission.

Book Review by David Miura

(International Scouting Collectors Association (ISCA)

 THE BOY SCOUT
COUNCIL SHOULDER PATCH
GUIDE
1997 EDITION

A number of years ago, the ASTA CSP columnist Ed Pagenkopp was attempting to gather information on the significance of the designs depicted on each of the countries 400+ CSPs. Well that job has been accomplished in this fascinating book by Steven and Elisa Delman-and in color too!
 
The current CSP design of each of the active councils is shown in full color, along with a short paragraph describing the CSP design and its meaning. There are a few SAPs (shoulder activity patches) shown for some councils. Information is also given on the council headquarters city, and any purchasing restrictions, date issued, and OA Lodge (name only). A space is left for you to write in the name and phone number of the scout from whom you obtained the CSP. In the index, the council phone numbers are also given.

As CSP collector for years, I was quick to spot the mistakes; for example the issue date for the 49er CSPs 1957 (CSP's were not developed until 1970) and the structure on the San Francisco Area CSP is described as 3Com Park (Home of the Giants) when it is actually the Oakland Coliseum (Home of the A's).

Another inconvenience is that the CSP's are arranged in order of the state, so unless you know the headquarter city is located, you'll find yourself searching through the index quite frequently.
 
Nevertheless, the book is completely engaging and exciting to look at. Plans are under way to correct the errors and omissions (Far East and Transatlantic CSP's were excluded) for the 1998 edition. It would make a great gift for a new trader. After looking at the colorful pictures, they would get hooked into collecting CSP's. Having gazed at my own collection for countless hours, I found myself gazing through the book for hours. Did you know that the first McDonald's was built in Des Plaines Valley Council?
 
Printed in the American Scouting Traders Association Report, September 1997.
Reprinted with Dave Miura's permission.
Note: American Scouting Traders Association (ASTA)  & National Scouting Collectors Society (NSCS) Merged 1/27/2001.