The Origins of Troop 9

Note: This history was compiled from several sources, including personal conversations with individuals involved. There are conflicting stories floating around. This is a best attempt at making the history coherent.

1910-12

Troop 5 is founded on the UNC campus by the YMCA before the BSA is incorporated. The YMCA troops are transferred into the BSA under an agreement with the BSA's founder and the YMCA.

1937

Troop 5 has grown. The Boy Scouts of America recognizes that it needs sponsors for new Boy Scout troops in Chapel Hill. "After hearing a talk by Gilbert, Bush, regional coordinator of the Boy Scouts of America, the Rotary Club voted, at its meeting night before last, to sponsor one of the Boy Scout troops in Chapel Hill. Bill Lange was appointed Scoutmaster." The Chapel Hill Weekly, December 17,1937. Members of Troop 5 split off to form Troop 9, which meets at the Chapel of the Cross. Troop 39 is formed at about the same time in the same recruiting program.

1942

Many of the former members and leaders of Troops 5, 39, and 9 go to war, including William Koch, the troop's second Eagle. Troop 9's charter goes dormant.

1946

Members of Troop 39, which stayed active during the war, decide to form a "new" troop. They reactivate Troop 9, which is then chartered by the Layman's Club of the Chapel of the Cross. The Troop 39 group includes Jesse Basnight, the troop's fourth Eagle.