Section W-1D History

In the Spring of 1991, Section W-1D was merged with Section W-1B to form the basis of the Section we know today. Prior to that merger, Section W-1D consisted of the three lodges in the State of Alaska (Nanuk, Toontuk and Kootz).

According to Michael Jacobson, former W1-D Section Chief, who we spoke with in 2007, he spoke to a gentleman a few years back that was tapped out (inducted into the Order of the Arrow) at a Eagle Banquet held at Kings Lake Camp (Gorsuch). Palmer is 45 miles from Anchorage and King's Lake (which back in the 1950 was called King's Lake but today called something else) is 7 miles from Palmer.

The neckerchief says 1st Alaskan Lodge WWW 1946 Kings Lake. Handstitched and one of a kind. Michael Jacobson believes this was a planning meeting for planning lodge or group.

University of Alaska sports team we're called Nanuks polar bear back in 1940's and 1950's. Colors were blue and white.

Mike Mraz was the 1974 Section W1-D Chief and he was from Toontuk Lodge and lived in Fairbanks. He was the 1st Section W1-D Chief. The 1977 W1-D Conclave was held at Camp Bingle, a Presbyterian Church, near Fairbanks. 58 scouts attended.

Then Nanuk hosted conclave in 1976 at Camp Ladaska or Ledassa (sp?) and the Section Chief was also from Nanuk. 62-63 scouters went.

A military guy made the 1976 W1-D patch, but it was supposed to be a jacket patch. Ended up being just a patch. Red, White & Blue 3 flap shape images. Kootz Lodge was mad because it came out before their yellow re restricted flap that was pictured on the 1976 W1-D patch. No one from Kootz came to the Conclave. I think 220 of these patches were made.

Michael Jacobson was elected in 1976 for the 1977 Conclave. He was from Toontuk and lived in Fairbanks. Michael's Vice Chief 's were Herb Mashner and Johnny Ellis. Apparently Johnny Ellis is a Senator now and even as a youth had high ambitions (such as being elected for things).

Elected to the House

1986, 1988, 1990
Elected to the Senate

1992, 1994, 1998, 2002

That year they also decided to change how the elections were done. They select 20 from each lodge based on that you vote.

The 1977 W1-D Conclave Denali diamond shaped flap was designed by Bill Berry who is famous in Walt Disney circles http://www.geocities.com/desertcoyote_99/berry.html

He did a lot of Alaska wildlife sketches. He was Michael Jacobson's neighbor and was very generous. He would go to Mount McKinley and sketch wildlife. Deneki: An Alaskan Moose is one of his famous illustrated books. The patch original is a natural rendition. The lodge took it and did was blending to create the final version. In a horrific twist of fate, Mr. Berry was shot and killed.

Bryce Klug made a neckerchief for the 1978 W1-D Conclave using the lodge numbers as the design. 15 were made on light blue neckerchiefs and 15 on dark blue neckerchiefs. Brown hand painted on neckerchief 30th made by Bryce Klug. Also, a mug.

In the late 1970's, the conclaves fizzled out due to scheduling conflicts. They were the same weekend as the fall ordeal.

Started seeing Nanuk Conclave's at Camp Gorsuch.

NLS 1979 that was held at LDS Chugach Christian Camp.

There was talk of having them every other year that is why there is a patch design sketch for 1980 that Mr. Jacobson created, but since the event didn't occur the design was never submitted.

In the late 1980's the Council Executives from the three councils determined that the expense of the Section Conclaves outweighed the benefit.  It was not until the 1990 National Order of the Arrow Conference, when Ed Penisten raised this issue at a "Meet the Man" session that anything changed. Del Loder was instrumental in convincing the W-1B officers at that time to accept the W-1D lodges into W-1B.

One of the remnants of the old Section are patches from the old Conclaves.  Some of the graphics below are patches that say "OA Conclave, Nanuk Lodge."  Technically, a lodge cannot have a "Conclave" because that event is reserved for Sections.  In 1985 for example, Nanuk Lodge held a "Conclave."  This event is now called the Fall Fellowship, but was called Conclave prior to the merger with W-1B.  However, in 1980, Nanuk and Toontuk lodges held a Conclave at Lost Lake Scout Camp southeast of Fairbanks.

If you have any information about Section W-1D, including pictures, patches, etc, please send it to the webmaster.

Section W-1D Patches and Memorabilia