A small group of alumni have begun a project to inventory and preserve the accumulated physical history of the Madison Scouts that is currently stored at the corps’ warehouse in Evansville, WI. Work on the preservation has been going on for the last year, but there is much yet to be accomplished.

The alumni who have been working periodically include Tom McInvaille, Lyle Siggelkow, Lee Nelson, Karson Klund, Dave Woolpert, Bob Huff, Dennis Stone, Jim Sanbord and Scott Stewart among others. They have been sorting items to group them into specific categories and many of the items have already been photographed by Tom McInvaille for eventual display on a yet-to-be designed Web site.

Here is a partial list of the types of material that is currently archived or will be noted in the future: uniforms, trophies, photographs program books, paintings, record albums, newspapers, magazines, newspaper clippings, buttons, patches, plaques, jackets, C.H. Beebe’s clothing, headgear and briefcase, pamphlets, tour schedules, competition recaps, scoresheets, music scores and parts, newsletters and other misc. items.

In addition, the scrapbooks that began with the founding of the corps in 1938 through the late 1990s are currently stored in plastic bins because the three-ring custom notebooks that were manufactured in the 1990s have deteriorated. The pages, however, are in acid-free, clear plastic page protectors.

The collection began with volunteer Jeannette Mundstock who accumulated paper samples beginning in 1938 and continuing through the early 1960s. The project was then assumed by Dick and Peg Ledford whose son was a member of the corps during that time. They continued to collect and store the items through the late 1990s when their health caused them to give up the project.

Sadly, that was the last time any material was collected consistently, although there are some program books, photographs, and other items over the last 20 years.

Several years ago alum Brian Gregg scanned scrapbook pages to digital files and this is another area that could use help to continue and complete the project so the entire collection can eventually be available for viewing on a computer or tablet.

There is much yet to be done and one of the volunteer coordinators, Lyle Siggelkow, is looking for additional help to continue the preservation efforts. A frequent or consistent offer of help isn’t imperative. Whatever you can do would be helpful and appreciated.

If you would like to offer a few hours, a few days or any assistance at all, please call Lyle Siggelkow at 608-824-9295.

Several years ago alum Brian Gregg scanned scrapbook pages to digital files and this is another area that could use help to continue and complete the project so the entire collection can eventually be available for viewing on a computer or tablet.

in Monona. It’s a time to reminisce about your time in the Madison, connect with former members you marched with and share stories with attendees who participated at a different time in the corps’ history.

There is a last-Wednesday-of-the-month alumni get-together that alumni are welcomed to attend. It’s held at the Monona Gardens Restaurant, 8501 Bridge Road in Monona. Go here for details about the location: https://www.facebook.com/Monona-Garden-1381195272119950/

There are also periodic pizza nights and a luncheon is planned on Wednesday, December 11, also at Monona Gardens, tentatively set for 11:30 AM. For more details, contact Lyle Siggelkow at 608-824-9295.

If you would like to donate to the preservation project, bring a check to the alumni breakfast and give it to Lyle Siggelkow or Lee Nelson. Any amount will help and the funds will be used to purchase additional plastic containers, bags and page protectors.

One of the ideas that have also been suggested is to record alumni memories of their time in the Madison Scouts that can be included in the content of a planned Web site where the historical material will be displayed.

Your participation and/or support will help preserve the legacy of an already 81-year history and your part among the thousands of young men who were part of the organization since its inception in a church basement back in 1938.