H. Cushman Anthony devoted his life to the youth of Rhode Island and was affectionately known as “Mr. Boy Scout.” He spent 53 years with the Narragansett Council Boy Scouts of America, starting in 1915 as a member of the Third Providence Troop and rising to assume top-level ranks beginning in 1927. He quickly became Assistant Scout Executive, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Scout Executive. Over the years, he earned the respect and admiration of thousands of boys as Director of the famed Camp Yawgoo, located in the western part of Rhode Island. Founded in 1916 as “A Scout Adventureland Forever,” Camp Yawgoog is situated on over 2000 acres of beautiful wilderness, including a 165-acre pond, in Rockville, Rhode Island. Yawgoog is divided into three Camps: Three Point, Medicine Bow, and Sandy Beach. All three camps share reservation program facilities. For example, the Nature Center is in Camp Three Point but is available to all Scouts on the Reservation. Each Camp has its own traditions – a color, songs, and cheers – but all three Camps offer the same opportunities to Scouts.
Anthony, known as “Gus,” was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on March 7, 1904, the son of William and Ruth (Gilman) Anthony. He attended local schools in Providence and graduated from Brown University in 1926 as class president. He chaired his 70th class reunion in 1996 and was honored for seven decades of class loyalty. He married Martha (Jane) Anthony in 1929 and fathered a daughter, Ruth.
When he founded the Yawgoog Alumni Association, his primary goal was to preserve the heritage and traditions of the camp he loved. One of his dreams was to create a place to show off that history to both new Scouts coming to camp for the first time and for veteran Scouts and Scouters to relive the days of summers past. With the cooperation of Scout Executive Dave Anderson, the addition of the Heritage Center was included in the renovation of the main Trading Post on the Donald North Court. The history of this “adventure land for boys” is now on display in part of the oldest building on the camp property — the first dining hall ever built at Yawgoog. Being part of the hub of the reservation allows for easy access for parents at the Sunday dress parade, as well as for Scouts stopping at the Trading Post during the week.
The Museum occupies the space that was formerly the old Trading Post. A new doorway, built on the Donald North Court side of the building, with an entry porch similar to those on the East and West Cabins, serves as the Heritage Center’s main entrance. The building’s existing open-air “picnic area” was closed in to house the new and improved Trading Post to serve both Scouts, Scouters, and visitors. A new porch was added to replace the covered “picnic area.” The Heritage Center was first opened for the 2004 summer camping season and was officially dedicated at the annual Alumni reunion on August 2, 2003. It has been very well received by all and gets many visitors throughout the summer. Visitors are treated to displays on Indian Lore, National Jamboree memorabilia, information on Slade’s Bridge, and countless other treasures specific to Yawgoog. A very popular spot in the Heritage Center is the library area where Scouts can pore through old Boy’s Life magazines and other Scouting literature.
Anthony’s retirement from scouting in 1969 did not mark the end of his service. He redirected his efforts towards aiding the elderly, a cause he championed with the same enthusiasm as he did for scouting. As a director of the Hamilton House Senior Citizens Center and a member of the Governor’s Committee on Aging, he continued to make a significant impact. His role as the vice chairman of the disaster committee of the Providence Regional Chapter and his reputation as a superb fundraiser further underscored his commitment to service. His involvement in various causes, including the Rhode Island Historical Society, left a lasting impression on the community.
Anthony’s legacy lives on, even after his passing on August 2, 2000, at the age of 96. His epitaph is best captured by his own words when he retired from the Boy Scouts: “In 1915, I took the Boy Scout Oath to help other people at all times, and I still try to practice it.” His induction into The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 1985 was a fitting tribute to his lifelong service and dedication. His contributions to the Boy Scouts, the elderly, and various philanthropic causes continue to inspire and resonate with us.
For additional reading:
Decoration Day 191The Happy Memories of Camp Yawgoog, Anthony H. Cushman, Nostalgia Publishing, 1993.
Yawgoog Story: A Half-Century of Scout Camping, William J. Harold, Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1965.