From Wisconsin State Journal

Clarence H. Beebe

Most people would jump to the conclusion that C. H. Beebe is too old to be a Boy Scout.

And while it is true that Beebe is considerably older than the typical scout, there are thousands of Madisonians who'll argue with that conclusion.

"You just don't know Beebe," they'd likely say.

And they'd certainly be right. For anyone who knows Beebe knows that he is first, last, and always a scout.

He's a scout, not because he wears the uniform, not because he's registered with the national office, and not because he is an active scouts leader, but because he believes sincerely and attempts to live by the scout oath and law.

They have been a guide for his life ever since he became associated with scouting when his wife died in 1932, a serious blow to Beebe and one from which he had considerable difficulty recovering.

"I needed a little something to put my energy into," he explains.

So Beebe began putting his energy into scouting. Not the scouting that has to do with hiking, camping, and wearing short pants although that's a part of it - but the scouting that has to do with making worthwhile men out of boys.

For many years, Beebe worked closely with scout Troop 20 at Christ Presbyterian Church, both as a committee member and as scoutmaster. It is generally acknowledged that it was his enthusiasm and devotion that bit it into one of the outstanding scout troops in Madison.

But he is best known for his association with the Four Lakes Council Boy Scout Drum and Bugle Corps.

He has been associated with the corps since its organization in 1938, serving as its executive director since 1942.

Under his direction, the corps has grown from a relative handful of 20 to 30 boys playing with considerably more enthusiasm than skill and appearing in an occasional parade in Madison or surrounding towns to an internationally known two-corps organization with 120 members, acclaimed for its flawless execution and in demand for appearances throughout the United States.

Curiously, Beebe has no musical ability and less aptitude for marching. Yet, it would be difficult to find anyone associated with the corps who would deny that its development is almost entirely a result of Beebe's activities.

He has served as the cohesive force holding the corps together through financial, administrative, and personnel difficulties. he has been its most vocal and enthusiastic supporter.

Through all of its difficulties and successes, Beebe has staunchly insisted that the organization remain in scouting.

If they tried to take it away from scouting, I'd resign," he says flatly.

For Beebe, who takes more pride in the personal accomplishments of its former members than all the trophies the corps has won, knows that its real contributions have nothing to do with a flashy show or esthetic appeal. They lie in what the Corps' scouting requirements have added to the development of its members into men.