NEW IMAGES11/5/23 The 2023 E5 Section Leadership Seminars is now history. Osceola 564 hosted the event, held at Camp Flying Eagle. New images from the weekend have been uploaded: the Host items from the event (S-70, X-50), the two patches created for the event, and activity patches from Osceola 564 and Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89.
10/29/23 Time to catch up with the latest images posted. The 2023 activity patches from Semialachee 239 (thanks, David Pate); the O-Shot-Caw 265 2023 Haunted Forest attendee patch (tip o' the hat to Jose Sanchez), the Haunted Forest staff patch (thanks, Michael Pruszynski), the latest Tipisa 326/ Central Florida Council FO$ CSP for $326 (thanks, Howard Gross), and the latest 2023 activity patches from Uh-To-Yeh- Hut-Tee 089 . 9/20/23 Some more new images: the 2023 Fall Fellowship patch from Tipisa 326 (thanks, David Mott!), some older chapter activity patch images from Osceola Lodge 564 (big tip o' the hat to Donnell Wendel!). Some renumbering for Tipisa 326 activities in 2021, a Central Florida Council Camporee patch with the lodge name on it was issued in 2021 (thanks, David Jewell!) And two more examples of "great minds thinking alike": looks like Ti'ak Lodge 404 had been mining Florida designs for their own use. 9/10/23 New images from Aal-Pa-Tah 237, their 80th anniversary flap (S-143), just one year too late (thanks, Frank Schwarz!). From O-Shot-Caw 265, a Vigil Class 2022 Honoree flap (S-187), and their Fall Ordeal patch (tip o' the hat to Michael Pruszynski!) 8/20/23 Some new images from the National Jamboree: Echockotee 200 black border Jamboree flap (S-124), and Tipisa 326's Lodja Hajo Chapter (X-1). 7/10/23 Newly added: scan of the Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 2023 National Scout Jamboree flap (S-16) (thanks, Tim Faughnan). Also added, paperwork from the 1962, 1963, and 1964 Area 6-E Conferences. 6/10/23 Another new flap from Echockotee 200 (S-123) another fundraiser for the 2023 National Scout Jamboree. 6/4/23 More new images from this weekend.... from O-Shot-Caw 265, their Summer Ordeal patch (thanks, Michael Pruszynski). From Echockotee 200, two new flaps: S-121 (2023 National Scout Jamboree fundraiser), and S-122 (2023 Camp Service Day). LATE ADDITION: Michael also provided an image of a new standard issue flap from O-Shot-Caw (S-185). 5/22/23 And a few more new images, and some mystery pieces. From Echockotee Lodge 200, three new flaps (S-118 through S-120), for their Annual Pass, a "Wednesday" themed design (from the Netflix show), and a fundraiser for the Special Needs Camporee. And their patches from the Spring and Summer Fellowships. From Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89, a new Elangomat flap (S-15, hat tip to George Romagnoli). As for the mysteries, as seen on eBay. Someone recently sold a previously unknown version of the Semialachee Lodge 239 S-1 flap, with a yellow border. From Seminole 85, a chapter neckerchief attributed to Gachpuscat Chapter, from the 1970s. This version differs from their N-1, as this new discovery is lacking a lodge name in the sunburst, the red OA was replaced with TWIN BAYS (the name of the chapter), and an embroidered green stripe above the pie-shaped design. 5/8/23 Images of new patches from Aal-Pa-Tah 237: the 2023 activity patch puzzle set, the matching 2023 flap (S-142), and their Vigil Reunion patch (X-138/ eX2023-6; no event name). Big THANKS to Michael Pruszynski, Frank Schwarz, and David Weda for the images and information. 5/1/23 New activity patches from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89, for their 2023 Banquet and their 2022-2023 year theme patch (thanks to Tim Faughnan). 4/28/23 New flap from Aal-Pa-Tah 237 (S-141), for the 2023 National Scout Jamboree (hat tip to Michael Pruzsynski). 4/23/23 Finally getting caught up with the 2023 Section E5 Conference. All the new pieces from the Conference itself, the host lodge (O-Show-Caw 265) and new patches that they have created in the last five months (S-181 through S-184, W-4, woven host pocket patch, and the host neckerchief N-53), and new activity patches from Osceola 564. HUGE tip o' the hat to Gary Johnson, who filled in the information blanks that I didn't know we had for Osceola 564 chapter event pieces, and the lodge's new Elangomat recognition patch (X-48) 3/30/23 A new image loaded up for O-Shot-Caw 265. It's a new image, of an old piece. Recently, an older embroidered neckerchief was sold on eBay, with a RED ribbon (Lodge Executive Committee), that doesn't match the N-6 that was already displayed. The previously known N-6 has rounded corners on the arrowhead, and four stems leading from the log to the water. This new image shows sharper corners on the arrowhead, and nubs on the log and not stems. The seller said that the neckerchief was part of a collection that he purchased from a Scout that had been active in Florida, Georgia, Europe and Asia in the 1960s and early 1970s.
For the time being, until more information can be found, the previously known image will be N-6a, the new piece will be N-6b. 3/19/23 Time to play some catch-up on images received in the last few weeks. From Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89, new patches for their Chapter Conclave and Spring Fellowship, and the 2021 Bull Weekend with five BLK lines between 11 and 12 (hat tip to Tim Faughnan and Mike Baker). From Tipisa 326, their 2023 TNAW presentation version (PNK monochrome). From O-Shot-Caw 265, we have the 2023 Banquet patch (thanks to Michael Pruszynski). 2/11/23 Even more new images from Tipisa 326. To be available at their Spring Conclave is a two piece set (S-97 + X-131), and an odd-shape (X-132) for the 2023 National Scout Jamboree. And a new page has been added, alongside The Book Shelf, called "Great Minds Etc Etc". This is a work in progress, for images of patches where the design of Florida lodge items has been used elsewhere, or had been "inspired" (coincidence or not) by other items. Feel free to send in similar images that match up to Florida items. 2/7/23 New issues from Tipisa 326 (F-10, 2023 Elangomat, and two of three TNAW participant patches). Also, a late entry for the 2020 Section Conference, the previously unreleased Richard Fore Golf Open patches. 1/13/23 New images of weekend activity patches for events held last weekend, from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (tip o' the hat to Tim Faughan), and Echockotee 200. 12/15/22 The full 2022 activity patch set from Semialachee 239 is now available. 11/4/22 FINALLY have had some time to sit down and deal with some long-awaited updates. The post-hurricane work assignments have taken a chunk of free time, but now that the site has been updated..... New activity patches from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89, their 2022 Fall Conclave, and the 2021-22 year patch, depicting the weekend patches from the 2021-2022 year. Michael Pruszynski has come through with several new images from O-Shot-Caw 265, from their Summer Ordeal and the Haunted Forest. Michael also found a previously undocumented patch from Tipisa 326, a small sash-looking patch with a BLK background (like X-83, 2019), but with a BLK "50" in the background. After receiving confirmation from someone in the lodge that it is real ("yeah, we made that one too, I thought I told you about it"), it has been added, and all the odd-shapes from X-83 to present have been re-numbered. 9/25/22 Time to catch up with some new images. From O-Shot-Caw 265 (hat tip to Michael Pruszynski) for their 2021 LLD flap, 2022 Section E-5 Conference patch, 2022 LLD, Banquet, and Winter, Summer, and Fall Ordeals patches. From Tipisa 326, their complete 2022-2023 activity patch set, including their first Year Pass patch (thanks, David Mott!). From Echockotee 200, a new flap depicting the skyline of downtown Jacksonville (S-116), their Annual Pass (S-117), and their Fall Fellowship patch. And some more scans of Section event paperwork from the late 1990s and early 2000s. 8/21/22 New images of jackets from O-Shot-Caw 265 (hat tip to Bob Wolz). Two Dace Team windbreakers, and a RED satin jacket from the 1990s. 7/30/22 NOAC is now over, and we have new conference issues from Aal-Pa-Tah 237, O-Shot-Caw 265, Echockotee 200, and Semialachee 239. 6/26/22 New Tipisa 326 issues: 2022 Council Centennial Camporee, R/W/B border (S-94), 2023 National Scout Jamboree (S-95), and the soon-to-be issued 2021-2022 flap (S-96). And a new patch from Micco-Tomokee Chapter (X-1). An image from 2018 has been added, now that its authenticity was confirmed. That year, a patch was made to recognize those that worked in the Camp La-NO-Che Museum (X-68; LEGACY DOCENT). To put this in the correct order, the numbering has been corrected, from 2018 to present (corrections appear on the spreadsheet in highlighted yellow). 6/12/22 NOAC 2022 two-piece set (S-13 with X-10, BLU border), delegate flap and delegate CSP (S-14, X-11) from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (hat tip to Tim Faughnan). 6/4/22 New flap from Echockotee 200 for setting up for the upcoming summer camp (S-115; tip o' the hat to Tim Banach). Also added: a previously unknown fake of a Seminole 85 activity patch from 1989 (not the border color used for the original issue), and a 1984 Section SE-1 Conference HOST hat pin, from Eckale Yakanen 552. 5/15/22 New issues from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89, their 2022 Bull Weekend patch (thanks, Tim Faughnan!), and NOAC patches and activity pieces from Echockotee 200. 5/8/22 New issues from Aal-Pa-Tah 237 (thanks, Michael Pruszynski!), Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (thanks, Tim Faughnan!), Osceola 564's Hvlpatah Tastanagi Chapter, and Tipisa 326. May will be a busy month, more to come in the next few weeks. 4/10/22 With the most recent Sewction Conference, comes a new batch of patches. The host lodge, Semialachee 239, had a host flap-and-dangle two piece set (S-107 with X-29) and a Host neckerchief (N-13). Osceolla 564 has five two-piece sets for NOAC (S-71 with X-43, S-72 with X-44, S-73 with X-45, S-74 with X-46, S-75 with X-47). 4/3/22 New images from Semialachee 239: S-101 (kitchen service), S-106 (GMY arrow), and two event patches from 2022. 3/8/22 We just finished up a big weekend, with several lodge events across the state. From Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89, the 2022 NOAC trader two-piece set (S-12 with X-9) and weekend patch (hat tip to Tim Faughnan). From O-Show-Caw 265, new two-piece NOAC flaps (S-179 and S-180 with X-131), the latest LLC and LEC flaps (S-177 and S-178), and catching up with some missing activity patch scans (hat tip to Michael Pruszynski), 2022 activity patches from the Tipisa 326 Spring Conclave and TNAW events (hat tip to Howard Gross), and the Echockotee 200 Winter 2022 Fellowship patch (canceled event). 2/9/22 The Sunshine Trade-O-Ree was last weekend, a fun time was had by one and all. And from that, there are some new images added to the website. From Echockotee 200: S-107 (Summer Camp Staff). From Aal-Pa-Tah 237, the 2022 Vigil Breakfast patch (eX2022-1, also X-133, because there is no date or event name). From Tipisa 326: two three-piece sets for NOAC 2022 (S-92/ X-114/ X-115; S-93/ X-114/ X-116) Both sets use the same bottom piece. Also from Tipisa, kind of: Central Florida Council used the lodge's totem on their 2022 popcorn CSP set of twelve patches (dated 2021; X-117 through X-128). From O-Shot-Caw 265, a NOAC 2022 CSP (X-130) 2/3/22 Some new scans have been added. From Tipisa 326 (tip o' the hat to Howard Gross): S-90 (100th anniversary Central Florida Council), and S-91 (Sea Scout). From O-Shot-Caw 265: a CSP for NOAC 2022 (X-130). 1/30/22 *RENUMBERING* Thanks to Tim Banach, it was found that O-Shot-Caw 265 issued a Philmont flap for 2021 (S-172?) Presuming that it was issued prior to the Section Leadership Summit, this would be between the Virtual Recuiter and Summit Host flaps. If there aren't any more new issues that appear... Another tip o' the hat to Gary Johnson, prividing scans of two patches from the Osceola 564 activity patches that were missing from 2020 and 2021. 1/20/22 We have a whole bunch of new scans to start the new year. From Osceola 564 (MAJOT tip o' the hat to Gary Johnson), we now have their complete 2022 activity patch set, thei new Elangomat patch (X-40), and patches for the Lodge Executive Committee and Ceremony Teams (X-41, X-42). Their Hvlpata Tastanagi Chapter has a new patch as well (X-2). Thanks to David Weda for the scans of two new flaps from O-Shot-Caw 265 for NOAC 2022 (S-173, S-174). George Romagnoli has pointed out that there are two versions of the 2021 2021 Bull Weekend patch from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee Lodge 89. What was issued at the event has six black lines between the 11 and the 12. This design was apparently created in error, and has been reissued to have five black lines between the 11 and the 12. 1/9/22 New images to start the new year: new flaps and an activity patch from Tipisa 326 (two National Chairman flaps, one Elangomat flap), NOAC 2022 two-piece set and activity patches from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (tip o' the hat to Tim Faughnan), and a previously unknown S-4 Council of Chiefs patch, issued at the 2021 SLS (hat tip to Rick Obermeyer), and buttons from Echockotee Lodge 200 (hat tip to Mike Baker) 12/29/21 Three new images, jackets from Tipisa 326 (tip o' the hat to Rick Obermeyer). 12/25/21 New images from Tipisa 326: re-issue of their 75th anniversary bullion (B-3), and an undated event patch for their recent Ordeal Training Day (X-113; also eX2021-11). (Hat tip to Mike Baker and Howard Gross for the scans). 12/22/21 New images from Tipisa 326 (40 hours of Service pin; tip o' the hat to Donald Dillon), and the Semialachee Lodge 239 activity patch set for 2021 + X-28 (hat tip to David Weda and David Pate). 12/19/21 Re-numbering of recent flaps from Echockotee Lodge 200, as there was a flap created for lodge members on Summer Camp staff (S-107). The Summer Camp Service Day flap was issued afterwards (S-108), followed by the NFC Cub Scout Family Camp (S-109). 12/5/21 Tip o' the hat to Mark Schneider for providing several of the Timuquan 340 scans of miscellanious stuff. And Mike Baker for the Osceola 564 medals and Elangomat pin. 12/5/21 Welaka Chapter of Echockotee 200 has created their first patch (X-1). 11/13/21 New images from O-Shot-Caw 265: the 2021 Section Conference Contingent patch (X-129, also eX2021-3), and their 2020 Banquet patch (thanks, Mike Baker!) 11/8/21 The 2021 S-4 Section Leadership Summit (formerly known as the Section Seminars) was held this past weekend, so there is a new slew of images posted. > From Osceola 564: the 2021 activity patch set (missing the LLD Weekend patch). > O-Shot-Caw 265: some newly found fakes and questionable issues (under the Z-issues on the O-Shot-Caw page). > Echockotee 200: new images for a flap issued for a Summer Camp Service Day (S-107), and a cancelled Cub Scout Family Campin Weekend (S-108). 10/24/21 More images from O-Shot-Caw 265 (tip o' the hat to Michael Pruszynski). The host flap for the upcoming 2021 Section Leadership Summit (S-172), and the attendee and staff patches for their 2021 Haunted Forest event. Echockotee 200 held their Fall Fellowship, with a patch from their weekend theme (the '70s). Also added to the site: an image of the Elangomat patch that was first available in 2020 (P-10), 10/5/21 More images from Tim Faughan, for the Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89. The 2021 LLD patch and the 2021 Fall Conclave are now available. Two new patches from chapters, Osceola (X-1) and Netopalis Tachquiwi (X-1). 9/26/21 The Tipisa 326 Fall Fellowship was held in early September, with a slew of new stuff. A flap was created for a reunion luncheon for past lodge chiefs and advisors (S-88; 200 made), and a bullion, with the same design as the 75th anniversary flap (B-2). A Vigil Breakfast patch for the weekend was also created (X-112, also eX2021-10), to go along with the two weekend patches (eX2021-8, eX2021-9). Also discovered during the weekend, a previously unknown patch. In 2020, a patch was made as a thank-you from the Lodge Chief and Advisor. This discovery creates the need to re-number the odd-shape patches, from X-105 to present. Two weeks later, a new flap, that isn't flap-shaped. Or the flap on the Scouts BSA uniform. A rectangular flap was made (S-89; 200 made) that fits the flap on the Sea Scout uniform. (thanks to Howard Gross for the scan). ... and Mike Pruszynski has provided the scan for the 2021 O-Shot-Caw 265 Fall Ordeal patch. 8/26/21 Mike Pruszynski found an image for a previously unnoticed item, a plastic key fob that may have been a souvenir from O-Shot-Caw 265 for the 1974 Section SE-6 Conference. Printing on the fob reads "O.A. FELLOWSHIP 1974 AREA 6-A O-SHOT-CAW". From what another collector from that lodge said, there may be other colors for this fob. 7/26/21 Mike Pruszynski has provided a new addition to The Book Shelf, "Gulf Stream Scouting 1910-1985". This was a history book written in 1985 about the history of the Scouting programs in the Palm Beach County area, from the eraly teens to 1985, the 75th anniversary of Scouting. Tim Banach provided a scan of a patch he picked up at the Sunshine Trade-O-Ree, of a patch that may belong to Echockotee Lodge 200's Timucuan Chapter (X-3?, "Timucuan Service Award"). A question mark will remain, pending more information. The patch first appears a year after the chapter was merged, and no connection to the OA is on the patch, outside the use of a cow skull, which was the totem of the chapter. The design has an embedded "NFC" (North Florida Council). 7/9/21 One June 25, South Florida Council announced on their Facebook page that Scouts that recruit someone into the program can receive a "Virtual Recruiter" council shoulder patch, and that OA members can receive a matching flap. Which is now pictured on the O-Shot-Caw 265 page (S-171). 6/6/21 New issues from O-Shot-Caw 265: their 2020-2021 LEC flap (S-170), and the 2020 Fall Ordeal patch (the 2021 Summer Ordeal patch will be available in the Fall). Big thanks to Michael Pruszynski! 5/24/21 Another image from Tim Faughan, for the Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 2021 Bull Weekend. 5/16/21 New scans, the 2021 activity patch set from Aal-Pa-Tah 237 (thanks Michael Pruszynski!). And we also have the 2021 Summer patch and 80th anniversary flap scans from Echockotee 200. 5/10/21 New scan, the 2020 Vigil Reunion patch from Semialachee 239. 5/9/21 More images of new patches from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (thanks Tim Faughan!), for their 2021 Banquet, the 2020-2021 year patch, and Withlacoochee Chapter. 4/22/21 Finally caught up, with new images from Tipisa 326 (activity items, lodge 75th anniversary), and activity patches from Osceola 564 for 2020. RENUMBERING ALERT! Just found a flap that was missed, the O-Shot-Caw 265 LLD flap for 2019-2020. This has required renumbering the issues for 2020. 4/15/21 Thanks again to Michael Pruszynski for the images of the host flap and host patch for the 2021 Section Conference. 4/9/21 SEE YOU AT THE SECTION CONFERENCE!! 4/9/21 New images from O-Shot-Caw 265 activities from 2020 and 2021 (thanks, Michael Pruszynski!). Spaces left for images for new items from Tipisa 326 and Osceola 564. 3/8/21 New Spring activity patches from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (thanks Tim Faughan), and from Echockotee 200. Also, Echockotee has their 2021 Annual pass flap (S-105; 150 made), with a major error. It is not likely to be remade in a corrected version. 1/17/21 Catching up on some of the new things made in the last few months. New activity patches from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (thanks Andrew Kelly and Tim Faughan). And no weekend patch from the Echockotee 200 Winter Fellowship. 12/13/20 Missing images for the three 2020 Section Conference patches have been obtained and added to the website. These are for the VIA Luncheon, 5K run, and Council of Chiefs. New images for O-Shot-Caw 265, for their LLD and the 2020 Best All Around lodge flaps. Tipisa 326 has new patches for their recent Induction Weekend (regular attendee, and with a Vigil triangle), along with their year theme patch, that ties into the weekend event patches. 312/6/20 New images for the Semialachee 239 activity patches for 2020. 10/5/20 New images from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89, for their annual Bull Day, and new patches from Calusa and Pethakhuwe Chapters. Thanks to Drew Kelly for these images. 9/27/20 The spreadsheet for Area/ Section memorabilia has been updated, to bring the list of host items up to date, from where I had previously left off (1979). In the cource of this, I have found some substantial problems with Seminole 85 and their odd-shape listings. Expect some changes there to account for corrections. 9/27/20 New issues from Echockotee 200: the last of their NOAC 2020 patches, and the 2020 Section S-4 Conference Host flaps (both cancelled events). Also, the images of the patches from the cancelled conference. 9/25/20 The new images for the Semialachee 239 MOMENTUM patches (S-102, S-103/ X-26, S-104/ X-27) are now available. 9/21/20 New images of a flap and activity patch from Tipisa 326, and activity patches from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89. And, a new section under "More", for items issued in response to COVID 19 (commemorative patches and masks). Also, Michael Pruszynski provided scans of a 1976 Section SE-6 Conference neckerchief slide, and a previously-unknown 1976 Section SE-6 Conference vinyl folio bag. 8/29/20 New from Tipisa 326: round patches made for the cancelled MOMENTUM national event (R-17a and b), and their 2020 LLDC. 8/6/20 New neckerchief from Apieka Chapter, Echockotee Lodge 200 (N-1). Silkscreened, 18 made. 8/5/20 Mike Baker provided the image for the Osceola 564 2018 Winter Fellowship (regular attendee) patch. That has now been updated. 7/30/20 Images are now up for the Tipisa 326 2020 Momentum sets (S-82/ X-105; S-83/ X-106). 7/13/20 Two new images of 1970s or 1980s era fakes of O-Shot-Caw 265 flaps. Images provided by Roy More. These are some of the S-2-style flaps with no fleur-de-lis, with incorrect color borders. 7/3/20 New images from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 for their contingent to the 2020 "MOMENTUM" event. A three piece set will be out later in July. No images yet, but there are two two-piece sets for the event from Tipisa 326. Semialachee 239 will have two two-piece sets and a single flap as well. 4/27/20 Two more new flaps from Tipisa 326, for next year's National Jamboree (S-80, S-81). 4/15/20 Images of new items from Tipisa 326: latest NOAC set (S-79, X-96, X-97), "Venturing" flap (S-78), and the 2020 event patches (so far). 3/9/2020 New annual pass flaps from Echockotee 200 (S-99, S-100). 2/23/2020 And some new issues from O-Shot-Caw 265, requiring a correction. The 2019 LLD flap (S-162) was issued before the two 2018 NOAC Dance Team and Ceremony Champion flaps. After those came a remake of their old traditional design (S-165) and a NOAC 2020 fundraiser (S-166). Their annual LEC flap has not yet been received. Activity patches from 2019 have been brought up-to-date, with what is available. Also new, the latest activity patch from Tipisa 326. 2/21/2020 New issues from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89, for their 2020 NOAC set (thanks again, Tim Faughan), the Aal-Pa-Tah 237 2000 Vigil Breakfast (thanks, David Weda), and a new service flap from Semialachee 239. 1/6/2020 A new flap (S-8) and activity patch from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (hat tip to Tim Faughan); new activity patches (the 2020 set) from Aal-Pa-Tah 237 (hat tip to Mike Pruszynski). And a Winter Fellowship patch from Echockotee Lodge 200. 12/17/19 A new image from O-Shot-Caw 265, their annual Haunted Forest event, pretty cool design (hat tip to Mike Pruszynski for the images). And a two piece set from Echockotee 200, for those attending both of their Service Days this year. 11/7/19 The 2019 S-4 Section Leadership Summit was held at Camp La-No-Che, hosted by Tipisa 326. For the event, there are two patches (attendee, fundraiser) and a brass belt buckle. New host flap from Tipisa 326 (S-76). Also, a new upload of the Osceola 564 First Year Arrowman patch (R-3). 10/18/19 New images for events by Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (tip 'o the hat to Tim Faughan), Echockotee 200 2019 Special Needs Camporee flap and another two-piece NOAC 2020 fundraiser, and the 2019 event patch set from Semialachee 239 (thank you, David Pate). 9/28/19 Two new issues from O-Shot-Caw 265, for their victories at the 2018 NOAC. Only 100 of each made (hat tip to Mike Pruszynski for the images). 9/2/19 While waiting for Hurricane Dorian to figure out what it will be do, the website has been brought up to date. Some major corrections for Tipisa 326, with previously unreported issues from 2017 and 2018, as well as a lot of new CSPs for their lodge (spreadsheet has been updated, with yellow highlight showing where the changes were made). Along with their new eight-feather flaps. And NOAC fundraiser patch sets. New images from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89, and Osceola 564 (thanks, Gary Johnson!) 7/14/19 Big thanks to Gary Johnson, for getting the site caught up with missing and new images from Osceola Lodge 564. Besides the chapter pieces from the last several years, we now have the scans for this year's activity series. And big thanks to Tim Faughnan, for new scans from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee Lodge 89. 5/20/19 New images from Echockotee 200: NOAC 2020 two-piece set, six patches from Apieka Chapter, and the death patch from Onathequa Chapter. And two activity patches from Ut-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (thanks, Tim Faughnan!) 4/14/19 Section Conference is a great opportunity to catch up on the missing and unknown pieces from the last several months. New images are posted from Aal-Pa-Tah 237 (the host lodge), Echockotee 200, Semialachee 239, O-Shot-Caw 265, Tipisa 326, and Osceola 564. Section and host sections have also been updated. 4/6/19 Correction for 265: the 2018 LLD flap has a felt background, not fully embroidered. Corrections completed (thanks Mike Baker!) 3/31/19 Just back from the Palm Beach Trade-O-Ree. New items are now pictured, from Tipisa 326, Aal-Pa-Tah 237, and O-Shot-Caw 265. 3/24/18 New activity patch issues from Ut-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (thanks, Tim Faughnan!) and O-Show-Caw 265 (thanks Michael Pruszynski!) 2/17/19 the 2019 Central Florida Council Trade-O-Ree is now concluded. There is lots of new stuff from almost all of the active lodges in S-4 (peninsular Florida). All images of the new items have been uploaded except for Tipisa 326; those will be up in the next day. All spreadsheets have been updated. 1/6/19 Even more new stuff from Echockotee 200, at a pace to overtake O-Shot-Caw 265 in the numbers of new flaps being made. At the recent Winter Fellowship, they sold a three-piece set, based on the theme from the "Stranger Things" show on Netflix (S-91, S-92, X-48). The middle piece does not have the lodge name on it. 12/6/18 CORRECTION Echockotee 200 issue numbers corrected, as I neglected to account for the two flaps issued for the Section S-4 Summit (S-86, S-87). That would be 16 flaps for 2018. 12/2/18 New issues from Echockotee 200: S-86 and X-47, given by the lodge for those attending the April and December Service Days; S-87 (fundraiser), and S-88 (cancer fundraiser). For 2018, 14 flaps. 10/14/18 Finally had a chance to upload the new issues found at the 2018 Tampa Bay Trade-O-Ree. Now available are two new flaps from Echockotee 200, two more from Tipisa 326, as well as two more Tipisa CSPs for UCF's football team winning all of their games last year, and the first patch from two merged chapters, forming Micco-Tomokee Chapter. 8/21/18 All of the lodge pages have been updated, with all of the NOAC items issued. 7/23/18 The new NOAC 2018 images from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89. A two-piece set (S-7, X-1) and a CSP (X-2). (hat tip, Tim Faughnan) 6/28/18 New flap from Echockotee 200, for being named Best All-Around Lodge in S-4 at the recent Section Conference (S-82). 500 made. 5/30/18 Tipisa 326 has reduced their chapters from 11 to 8, with old chapters disappearing and new chapters forming. The first with a new patch is Lemhee-Yekchi (X-1) 5/13/18 The latest from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89, their annual "Golden Bull" event (hat tip, Tim Faughnan). 4/27/18 The patch for Echockotee 200's Onathequa Chapter, for their contingent to the O-Shot-Caw 265 Nok-Su Chapter Conch Craziness Weekend, to be held next week. 4/25/18 Michael Baker has come through with images from recent issues made by Osceola 564's Hvlpatah Tastanagi Chapter. There is a slight change for the numbering of their 2011 and 2012 creations, to include these new patches. 4/19/18 The Section S-4 Conference is now history. While the pre-order form was rather small (for once!), the special patches made for the event (VIA Luncheon, Council of Chiefs, Blood Donor, Vigil Breakfast) were much more difficult to obtain. As well as the unofficial items.... Conference Trading Post items have always been considered "official". This year, the host lodge's council Scout Shop sold a few of their own items with the conference design or name (toy drum, water bottle, knife). And also an undated "S4 Conference" patch, that was 1/ person, with a ticket in everyone's goodie bag to pick up at the Scout Shop site. Official or not? You be the judge... New stuff from Echockotee 200 (Saturiwa Chapter), Aal-Pa-Tah 237, Semialachee 239, O-Shot-Caw 265, Tipisa 326, and Osceola 564. Too many to list individually... 4/12/18 Two new flaps from Osceola Lodge 564. First, their 50th anniversary flap (S-65), and their similarly-designed 2018 Section S-4 Conference Host flap (S-66). Sure to be more stuff by the end of this weekend (hat tip to David Mott). 3/25/18 Images for the Echockotee 200 NOAC 2018 set (four flaps and a jacket patch; S-77, S-78, S-79, S-80, J-6) are now available (thanks, Chris Beury). Uh-To-Ye-Hut-Tee 89 has a new NOAC 2018 fundraiser flap (S-6), and chapter Ordeal patches (thanks, Tim Faughnan). And Semialachee 239 has a patch for their 2018 Winter Fellowship (thanks, David Weda). 2/15/18 Three new activity patches for this year, from Tipisa 326 (hat tip, Rick Obermeyer). 2/7/18 Fresh from the Palm Beach Trade-O-Ree last weekend.... we have three two-piece sets from O-Shot-Caw 265, fundraisers for repairing damages to Camp Sawyer in the Keys. And two flaps (2017 LLD, and 2017-2018 LEC). 1/19/18 New flaps from Tipisa 326, requiring a renumbering of the last few flaps. (hat tip, Rick Obermeyer) For the 2017 Council Camporee, two flaps were issued: unrestricted (GRN border), and a service flap (RED border). Issued at the same time were new Ordeal (ROR border, 11 feathers) and Vigil (MAR border, 11 feathers) flaps. Recently, they released their NOAC 2018 three-piece set, featuring a design from a local restaurant chain (Tijuana Flats). And new flaps will be coming. Three of the eleven districts have been merged out, which will also reduce the number of chapters to eight. New flaps with eight feathers will be coming. 1/8/18 The 2018 activity patch set from Aal-Pa-Tah 237 has been uploaded (thanks, David Weda). And the latest activity patch from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (Thanks, Tim Faughan). Two new flaps from Echockotee Lodge 200: a NOAC 2018 fundraiser (S-75), and a new service flap (S-76). 12/26/17 New issues and activity patches have been posted for Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89, Echockotee 200, Semialachee 239, Nok-Su chapter of O-Shot-Caw 265, Tipisa 326, and the Section (Leadership Summit, new pocket patch). It's been a long Fall, with Irma and disaster relief, but now it is time to catch up. 9/24/17 Two new, highly priced flaps with small quantities, from Echockotee 200, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their main camp. Gold mylar border (S-72) was $10 each, 100 made. The silver mylar border (S-73) was $50 each, limit one per person. Both sold out within an hour. 9/6/17 Newly reported OA Jamboree CSP from Aal-Pa-Tah 237, a BLU monochrome (X-123). Hat tip to Mike Baker. 8/19/17 More from the Jamboree, chapter patches from Tipisa 326: Kikape (X-10) and Tosohatchee (X-16). 8/5/17 All nine pieces of the O-Shot-Caw Lodge 265 2017 National Scout Jamboree are posted. Six flaps, three as part of two-piece sets. One set and a single flap (along with a council JSP). Each two piece set and single flap, along with a council JSP, were designated as "trader", "contingent", and "staff". 8/4/17 The Jamboree set from Aal-Pa-Tah 237 is now pictured: flap (S-134) and JSP (X-122). (Thanks, Tim Faughnan). 7/25/17 Some of the new National Scout Jamboree items are beginning to appear. Single flaps from both Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee 89 (S-5, thanks to Michael Baker) and Echockotee 200 (S-71). Two flaps from Semialachee 239 (S-94 and S-95). Two flaps and a two piece set from Osceola 564 (S-62, S-63, S-64 with X-36; thanks to Gary Johnson). 6/8/17 New image added from Semialachee Lodge 239 (eR2015-5), for their 2015 Vigil Reunion. 5/21/17 Two new checkerboard flaps from Echockotee Lodge 200. One is BLK and LGY (S-69), the other is BLK and PNK (S-70). 100 were made of each. Why? Because they can..... 4/29/17 Gary Johnson has provided scans of the patches for the 2017 activity patches for Osceola Lodge 564. Their theme this year is "Gulf of Mexico Aquatic Life", designs are depicted on the letters that spell out the lodge name. 4/9/17 Mike Baker has come through again. He found an image on eBay of a previously unknown piece from Seminole Lodge 85, for their 2015 Lodge Leadership Development event (has been authenticated by the former lodge adviser). We also now have the image of the Tipisa 326 X-12 (key fob, ten feathers). 4/1/17 Getting caught up with all of the activity pieces for 2016 from Semialachee Lodge 239, their four-piece puzzle patch set and Vigil Reunion patch (thanks David Pate). 3/11/17 New flap (S-2) from Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee Lodge 89. When this run is sold out, the next order will have the correct spelling for the lodge name (S-2 has YE, not YEH) (thanks, Tim Faughnan). 2/4/17 Another great weekend at the Palm Beach Trade-O-Ree yesterday and today. New images from O-Shot-Caw 265 (S-155, 2016-17 LEC flap, with an unusual look for their bird; Scoutmasters Camporee Service Coprs, activity patches from 2016), and Aal-Pa-Tah 237 (trade-o-ree patch, Vigil Breakfast), 1/16/17 Images of the First Flap for Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee Lodge 89, as well as activity patches. A newly found item made by Seminole Lodge 85, re-using a design for their 2014 "Pegasus Day" event (Thanks, Tim Faughnan). In the next few days, the 2017 activity patch sets (plural) from Aal-Pa-Tah Lodge 237 will be uploaded. This is their 75th anniversary year, and there will be two sets: full color, and white monochrome. (Thanks, David Weda) 1/8/17 New activity patches from Echockotee 200: Fall 2016, Winter 2017, and a 2017 Training patch (given at the Winter event). 1/2/17 New images from Tipisa 326 (thanks, Mike Baker) for activity patches and chapter items. One patch was used for a six-chapter event (2016 Brotherhood Day), so each chapter has an activity patch. And a flap from Semialachee 239 for the 50th anniversary of Wallwood Boy Scout Reservation. 11/24/16 New flap from Echockotee Lodge 200, their 2016 Special Needs Camporee piece (S-62, thanks, Mike Baker). 11/20/16 New flap from O-Shot-Caw 265 (S-154; 2016 LLD); scan provided by Mike Baker. And from Tim Faughnan, Seminole Lodge 85 Allouchsit Chapter Weekend 2015. 11/12/16 Finally had a chance to catch up on the new items from Tipisa 326, some fundraising patches for the upcoming Jamboree, and new chapter pieces. The 2016 Section Leadership Summit (formerly the Section Seminars) were last weekend, and some new Section patches, as well as from Osceola 564, Aal-Pa-Tah 237, and Echockotee 200. 9/14/16 Since posting about the "new" Seminole regular issue flap (S-94? with the same design as S-41), I've been told by two people that this design has been used by the lodge for the last two years, but that no one noticed the differences before. Once it can be established as to when the return of the flying ibis design, there will a renumbering of flaps for Seminole. 9/11/16 At the first weekend of Uh-To-Yeh-Hut-Tee Lodge, the two predecessor lodges merged their merchandise together, and some previous unreported issues were found for Seminole 85. Right before the merger, Seminole ordered 700 regular issue flaps, with the design of S-41, but with several differences (S-94). Petmakhue Chapter held an Ordeal in 2016 at Camp Alafia, with their own patch. And in 2014, Seminole made a patch for troop participants to their Beaver Weekend event. Checklists have been corrected and updated. 9/6/16 The last official flap from Seminole 85 was their flap for the Prism and NEXT national events held this summer. S-93 is now pictured (thanks to Harvey Solomon). 8/15/16 New addition to the "Links, FAQ, Other Stuff" page. Lists of the themed activity sets created by the lodges of Florida, and a sample of when lodges use similar designs. 8/7/16 Minor corrections to the numbering of some activity items for Aal-Pa-Tah and Tipisa. Things to do when there's nothing else to do. 7/23/16 Pocket patch from Tipisa 326, for their lodge members' participation in the national PRISM event. And awaiting images for the Section's pocket patch and the flap from Seminole 85. 6/5/16 Timuquan 340 has a 70th anniversary jacket patch, along with their new Summer Conclave weekend patch (thanks, Tim Faughnan). 5/23/16 New Elangomat patch (thanks, Josh Mintz) and Summer Fellowship patch from Echockotee Lodge 200. 5/15/16 Aal-Pa-Tah 237 wasted no time to commemorate their recent 2016 "Best All Around Lodge" award at the recent Section S-4 Conference, with two new flaps. Before those was a third flap (available prior to the Best All Around pieces), for the inaugural "TK GatorGrind" endurance/ obstacle race. There is also a patch for the lodge's contingent to the Section Conference that is a part of the year's activity patch theme (X-119, also eX2016-8; issued after the year's other items were made available to year pass members). Thanks to David Weda for the scans. 5/1/16 Thanks to Gary Johnson, we now have the scans of all of the upcoming 2016 activity patch set for Osceola 564. 4/11/16 Another Section S-4 Conference has come and gone, and the new images are posted. All of the host items issued by O-Shot-Caw 265, and the conference-related items as well. With all that was available for sale, this was the most expensive Conference ever. Even without the four items that were not on the order form. Seminole 85 has begun commemorating their 80th anniversary with three three-piece sets (flap, chevron, CSP). AND three four-flap sets. Big thanks to Harvey Solomon for sharing scans of the anniversary sets! 4/6/16 New images from Timuquan 340: 70th anniversary flap and shield; leather flap, and the three activity patches from last month's event (Spring Fellowship, Vigil Breakfast, Lodge Banquet). 4/3/16 Images for host flaps and other items for the upcoming Section S-4 Conference (hosted by O-Shot-Caw 265), new chapter and activity pieces from Tipisa 326, and activities from Osceola 564. 3/11/16 New 75th anniversary flap for Echockotee Lodge 200, along with a new chapter patch and Spring Fellowship patch. And the two Ordeal Weekend patches from Osceola 564 (regular, Elangomat). 2/13/16 New scans of stuff found at the 2016 Sunshine Trade-O-Ree include: the 2016 activity patch set from Seminole Lodge 85; unrestricted 2016 S-4 Conference Host items for O-Shot-Caw 265, and a new A-Bani-Ki Chapter patch, Aal-Pa-Tah 237. 1/31/16 Two new scans from Aal-Pa-Tah 237, activity patches that will be issued prior to the previously-reported 2016 set. The two new pieces are for the 2016 Palm Beach Trade-O-Ree (to be held February 5-6), and the annual Vigil Reunion. (thank you, David Weda). 1/10/16 new regular issue flap from Osceola 564 (thank you, Bill Granger). New 75th anniversary flaps, council shoulder patch, and 2016 Winter Fellowship patch from Echockotee 200. AND the new activity patch set for 2016 from Aal-Pa-Tah 237, their annual year pass, and the Nekewa Chapter flap (thank you, David Weda). 1/2/16 The last activity patch for 2015 from Osceola 564, for the Winter Centurion Banquet event (thank you, Gary Johnson). 12/27/15 The Book Shelf is now complete, with the upload of "FloridOA Handbook: The First Fifty Years". Printed in 1995 by Rick Obermeyer and Tico Perez, this was the three-ring binder update to the original FloridOA Handbook. So big, it is broken down into three files. 12/24/15 The latest edition to The Book Shelf is now posted: "The Patches of Tipisa Lodge #326 W.W.W." (second edition), written by Rick Obermeyer. 12/20/15 New flap from Tipisa 326, the 70th anniversary flap. Design adapted from their F-1 flap (thank you, Rick Obermeyer). 12/6/15 New "Special Needs Camporee" flap from Echockotee 200 (thank you, Tim Banach). 11/26/15 The flaps and other issues for 2015 from Aal-Pa-Tah 237 have now been posted. Included in this are all of their Centennial and 2015 NOAC pieces. 11/8/15 Section Leadership Seminars (SLS) is now history, a chance to catch up on some of the images that have not yet been received. Look for the new images from Seminole 85 (2015 activity set, 2015 NOAC SMY border), Semialachee 239 (2015 NOAC and the rest of this year's activities), Osceola 564 (2015 SLS contingent patch), and the SLS patch itself. NOTE: 200 patches made for the weekend, attendance was over 200. 10/22/15 Big thanks to Tim Faughn for the images of the Timuquan 340 Summer and Fall 2015 Conclave patches. 8/12/15 Big thanks to Gary Johnson for the images to bring Osceola 564 up to date, with the 2015 activity patches and NOAC sets. 8/8/15 Big thanks to David Weda for images of missing O-Shot-Caw 265 neckerchiefs, including the Weston CC OA Service Corps neckerchief. 7/20/15 Two pins from the 1999 Section SR-4 Conference (including a previously-unknown diamond-shaped piece), the 1994 S-4 Conference Vigil Breakfast coin, and the 1975 SE-6 Conference hat pin. 7/10/15 New issues from Echockotee 200: S-56 (OA Centennial), X-43 (ArrowTour CSP). 5/25/15 New images from Semialachee 239 2015 Winter and Spring Fellowships (big thanks, David Pate), and for Osceola 564. 5/4/15 The O-Shot-Caw 265 Nok-Su Chapter Conch Craziness weekend was just held, with four patches for the weekend, and one chapter contingent patch from Echockotee 200's Onathequa Chapter. 4/29/15 New images for the Semialachee 239 2003 Host flaps (CPRmylar and GRNmylar borders), and more Seminole 85 fake issues (big thanks, Michael Baker). 200 Onathequa Chapter 2015 Nok-Su Conch Craziness activity. 3/25/15 Seminole 85-S-74 and S-75 (50th anniversary of Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation; Pethakuwe and Gischilieu Chapter eX2015 Chapter Ordeal (joint Ordeal event). Big thanks, Joe Gonzalez. |
WHAT'S NEW2023 NATIONAL SCOUT JAMBOREE         SECTION E5 CONFERENCE          
A private issue flap shaped patch was created as a fundraiser for a campership fund in the name of longtime Florida collector and Arrowman Richard Fore. This is not an issue of any lodge or council.
Rest in Peace, Dean KublerGone home, longtime O-Shot-Caw brother and collector Dean Kubler. Dean passed away on March 25, after a short illness. Dean was an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and served as the South Florida Council's 2002 Scoutmaster Camporee chief. For many years, Dean served O-Shot-Caw Lodge as their Trading Post advisor.
At statewide events and Trade-O-Rees, he was the go-to authority on all things south Florida. His cheerfulness and good humor will be greatly missed. RIP, Brother 
1957 AREA MEET VARIETY?  David Weda has found a 1957 Area VI E Fellowship patch, unlike what had been known before. As seen above, the newly found version has a darker blue water than the version known for the last 65 years. Anyone else found a similar version?
2022 E-5 SECTION LEADERSHIP SUMMIT   Rest In Peace, Richard Fore.       NOAC 2022        AREA/ SECTION EVENT PAPERWORK A new page has opened up in the Florida Area/ Section Events part of the website. I've been working for the last several months scanning books, booklets, and other handouts associated with Area and Section events. It is still a work in progress; I'm still creating space for events that I don't yet have scans to post. So if you see something missing that you can share (in .jpeg format), let me know. (BIG THANKS to Tipisa Lodge 326 and their Museum for letting me scan their documents).
Be sure to check out the Florida Scout Patch Collectors Page on Facebook! Click here: Florida Scout Patch Collectors | Facebook
SECTION E-5 CONFERENCE 2022     Patches shown are almost actual size.
SUNSHINE TRADE-O-REE 2022February 5-6, at the Sanford Civic Center, near downtown Sanford. Central Florida Council - Central Florida Council's 2022 Sunshine Trade-O-Ree (scoutingevent.com)
S-4 IS NOW E-5
New designation (two regions: Eastern, and Gateway). But no border changes for the Section.
For more, go to Project Magellan | Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America (oa-bsa.org). New additions to the website Several people have asked about some lodge-created memorabilia that has not been pictured. Mostly, starting with "hey, why don't you show scans of (buckles, pins, slides, etc)". I have resisted thus far, mostly because I haven't collected most of those items from other Florida lodges, and those items had not been catalogued for years.
Well, today (12/5/21) I went looking for something that I was going to add to the website, and I found several other pieces that I had not pictured, but probably should have been included. So, if you have scans of things like belt buckles, hat pins, even buttons, I will include them, and try to catalogue them. NO APPAREL!! (no t-shirts, aprons, hats). **ADDENDUM: lodge jackets will be included, that is very unlikely to have many different types of jackets from a lodge. 2021 SECTION S-4 SECTION LEADERSHIP SUMMIT (formerly known as the Section Seminars)     GREATER TAMPA BAY AREA TRADE-O-REE 2021
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| tampa_bay_merger_vote_announcement.pdf |
11/8/15 The order form for the patches made for the 2016 Section S-4 Conference is now available. Start saving your money. If you use this form, remember that you will need to add in the sales tax.
| 2016_section_s-4_conference_order_form.pdf |
10/26/15 The construction signs on the O-Shot-Caw pages are down. Real big thanks to Bob Wolz, for his expertise with all things OSC.
10/21/15 Personal issues have caused some major delays, but now I'm back at work. The O-Shot-Caw pages need some review for errors and omissions, but are now set up, with checklists. Once the review is completed, the "Under Construction" signs come down.
8/8/15 The "Under Construction" sign is down on the Aal-Pa-Tah 237 page, as it is now complete, not including issues from mid-May and NOAC.
7/27/15 The "Under Construction" sign has come down off the Semialachee 239 page, as it is now (more or less) finished.
7/17/15 "SERVICE IN THE SUNSHINE", Rick Obermeyer's book on the history and emblems of the "Florida Section" and its various incarnations, is now available on The Book Shelf". A book so big, it had to be split into two files.
7/14/15 "HOW TRUE THE ARROW", the history and memorabilia of Semialachee Lodge 239, is now on the Book Shelf.
7/10/15 The books have been moved to their own page, "THE BOOK SHELF". In the next few weeks there will be more books posted.
7/7/15 Another book is now available on the "THE BOOK SHELF" page: "From Kuna And Calusa", the histories and insignia of Chiriquí 391, Calusa 219, Eckale Yakanen 552, and Osceola 564. LATE ADDITION: "We Are Brothers; The History and Emblems of Echockotee Lodge 200 WWW" is now available for downloading (split in two files).
6/27/15 Page for Timuquan 340 is completed*, with checklists. Lodge listings are divided between lodge/ chapter issues on one page, activity items on another.
6/19/15 "The FloridOA Handbook", the original guide for collecting Order items in the Sunshine State, is now available on the "THE BOOK SHELF" page. This was from back when the complete listings and pictures of lodge and area/ section items could fit within 60 pages, and still have room for lodge histories.
5/12/15 Page for Eckale Yakanen 552 is completed*, with checklist.
4/28/15 Checklist for Area and Section event items has been completed.
4/22/15 Corrections made to Echockotee 200 listings off odd-shaped patches (Section host items).
3/25/15 Work on Echockotee Lodge 200 and Calusa Lodge 219 are now complete.
3/14/15 The work on Seminole Lodge 85 is more or less complete (missing two images). Scans, checklists, and labelling is completed. Ready for all comments.
2/6/15 FLORIDA-OA.com went live today. Come back later when the site becomes more complete.
WELCOME
Once upon a time, in the Dim Ages (1976) there was a book called "The FloridOA Handbook". Written by Rick Obermeyer, it became THE book for Florida OA collectors to track what each lodge had produced since their beginnings. It was more than one of the earliest localized patch book; it also provided a brief history of each lodge. It told the little "back stories" that explained why some emblems were created. It showed the memorabilia that had been created for the annual gatherings of the lodges in Florida, since 1945. Not just patches and neckerchiefs, but the trophies awarded in the Area and Section inter-lodge competitions. And measuring about 5 inches by 8 1/2 inches, photos of 82 lodge flaps (plus neckerchiefs, odd shapes, activity patches, etc), it was only 60 pages long.
In 1995, Rick and Tico Perez expanded the handbook, to a three-ring binder called "The FloridOA Handbook: The First Fifty Years". 182 pages, with what was now 349 flaps (and the other lodge creations). And in those days before the Internet, this book spread the knowledge of what had been considered the big explosion of new issues in the 19 years since the first book.
In 1992, John Keatley and I started putting out a local quarterly publication "The Florida Collectors' Newsletter", as a way of spreading knowledge among collectors of all things Florida,. In those pre-Internet days, a format that put images and information in the hands of collectors seemed to be on the cutting edge. In the mid-1990s, John stepped back, and was replaced by another noted Florida collector, David Weda, to keep the FCN going.
Today, in the age of instant information, such a quarterly newsletter, compiled every three months (when life doesn't get in the way) seems like a quaint anachronism. So here we are, with the thousands of images of Florida lodge, chapter, and Area/ Section items, available almost instantly on this website. At this time it is still a work in progress, so come back often and see what else is new.
Robert Mathis
robertsmathis@gmail.com
In 1995, Rick and Tico Perez expanded the handbook, to a three-ring binder called "The FloridOA Handbook: The First Fifty Years". 182 pages, with what was now 349 flaps (and the other lodge creations). And in those days before the Internet, this book spread the knowledge of what had been considered the big explosion of new issues in the 19 years since the first book.
In 1992, John Keatley and I started putting out a local quarterly publication "The Florida Collectors' Newsletter", as a way of spreading knowledge among collectors of all things Florida,. In those pre-Internet days, a format that put images and information in the hands of collectors seemed to be on the cutting edge. In the mid-1990s, John stepped back, and was replaced by another noted Florida collector, David Weda, to keep the FCN going.
Today, in the age of instant information, such a quarterly newsletter, compiled every three months (when life doesn't get in the way) seems like a quaint anachronism. So here we are, with the thousands of images of Florida lodge, chapter, and Area/ Section items, available almost instantly on this website. At this time it is still a work in progress, so come back often and see what else is new.
Robert Mathis
robertsmathis@gmail.com
