TALIDANDAGANU' LODGE 293
In the fall of 1956, new interest in the Order of the Arrow caused local scouts to petition the National Council in New Jersey for another OA charter. The name "Tali-danda-ganu’" was proposed with an eagle in flight as the totem. In Cherokee, Talidandaganu’ roughly translates to "two looking at each other," referring to Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain, which face each other. This application was approved on February 4, 1957. Scout Ron Stulce then sent a letter on February 18, 1957, to all Scouts in the Council who met the requirements for membership, asking them to contact the Council office if they were interested.
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First Ordeal Ceremonies
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On June 28–29, 1957, twenty charter members of Talidandaganu’ Lodge were inducted at Camp Cherokee in an Ordeal ceremony performed by members of Pellissippi Lodge 230 from Knoxville. Our own lodge members conducted the second Ordeal ceremony at Camp Cherokee on November 8–9, 1957 with nine new members being inducted. Then on July 18-19, 1958, another 25 new members were inducted during the lodge’s third Ordeal ceremony. At this third Ordeal, work projects consisted of building a shed for gasoline storage, clearing brush, and preventing erosion in campsites.
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First Brotherhood Ceremonies
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The first Brotherhood ceremony was held in July of 1958, performed again by a team from Pellissippi Lodge of the Great Smoky Mountains Council. Eleven Talidandaganu’ members were inducted into the brotherhood at that time. The second Brotherhood ceremony was held on October 11, 1958, with eight more sealing their membership.
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First Vigil Ceremonies
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In 1963, the lodge’s first Vigil Honor ceremony was held to present Tommy Chamberlain and Ron Stulce with the Vigil Honor. Later that same year, the Vigil was presented to James T. Pierce.
CHARTERS
1965 CONCLAVE
In 1965, Talidandaganu' hosted the Area V-D Conclave. Events were held at Patten Hotel and Lookout Mountain.
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Sources
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1965 Conclave Newspaper Article
1965 Conclave Information Packet
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CHIEF JOHN ROSS CANOE TREK
In the late 1960's to early 70's, Talidandaganu' sponsored a 15-mile canoe trek that ran from near Trenton, GA down Lookout Creek. The Trek ran north from Georgia parallel and to the west of Lookout Mountain. The take-out spot was at the foot of the U.S. 41 bridge.
A beautiful Swiss fully embroidered patch was produced to commemorate this trek, which scouts could purchase for $1 upon their completion of the trek.
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Sources
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Pamphlet and Registration Form
March 1969 Newspaper Article
Registration Form
Unused Patch Design 1
Unused Patch Design 2
Pamphlet (poor resolution)
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1973 CONCLAVE
In 1973, Talidandaganu' hosted the SE-IIA Conclave at Camp Cherokee. Lodge in attendance were Pellissippi 230, Chickasah 406, Ittawamba 235, Sequoyah 194, and Wa-Hi-Nasa 111.
1976 CONCLAVE
In 1976, the SE-2A Conclave was held at Skymont Scout Reservation, but it was hosted by Chickasah Lodge, not Talidandaganu'.
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1979 CONCLAVE
In 1979, Talidandaganu' hosted the SE-IIA Conclave at Skymont Scout Reservation.
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1985 CONCLAVE
In 1985, Talidandaganu' hosted the SE-6 Conclave at Skymont Scout Reservation.
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1993 CONCLAVE
At the 1992 BSA annual meeting, it was announced that the then six-Region structure would be consolidated into four Regions. In 1993, Talidandaganu' hosted the first SR-6 Conclave at Skymont Scout Reservation. In the summer of '93, the large section was split into SR-6A and SR-6B. Talidandaganu' joined SR-6A. In 1997, Talidandaganu' (and Waguli) split off and joined SR-6S.
In attendance were lodges Talidandaganu' 293 (host), Wa-Hi-Nasa 111, Zit-Kala-Sha 123, Tseyedin 65, Sequoyah 184, Pellissippi 230, Wapiti 367, Kawida 480, White Feather 499, Waguli 318, Tutelo 161, Shenandoah 258 (may have not attended?), and Shenshawpotoo 276 (may have not attended?).
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Sources
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Information about 1993 Conclave.
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2002 CONCLAVE
In 2002, Talidandaganu' hosted the SR-6S Conclave at Skymont Scout Reservation. In attendance were the following lodges: Coosa 50, Egwa Tawa Dee 129, Chattahoochee 204, Mowogo 243, Waguli 318, Ini-to 324, Echeconnee 358.
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Sources
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2012 CONCLAVE
In 2012, Talidandaganu' hosted the SR-6 Conclave at Skymont Scout Reservation. (Talidandaganu' split off from SR-6S and joined SR-6 in 2008.)
2021 FALL ORDEAL
HONORING PHIL LEDBETTER
2012 CONCLAVE
Talidandaganu' hosted the E-3 Conclave at Skymont Scout Reservation from April 22-24, 2022. This was the inaugural Conclave designated as Section E-3. In attendance were: Ahoalan Nachpikin, Chicksa, Ittawamba, Kawida, Nguttitehen, Pellissippi, Sequoyah, Talidandaganu', and Wa-Hi-Nasa.
FOUNDERS' AWARD
LODGE NEWSLETTERS
1977
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