The 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts got off to a spectacular start with a 2012 Rose Parade float, “What will you do today?” sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA). It continues at the historic Lanterman House in La Cañada Flintridge beginning Feb. 5, 2012 with a retrospective of Girl Scouting and memorabilia. The displays will be up through June 28.
If you’re lucky you may even get to meet Juliette Gordon Low, the founder. Your Tournament of Roses Examiner ran into her—or at least, her reenacter Christie Crahan—at the 2012 Showcase of Floats. Crahan, a Life Member of the Girl Scouts, wears the 1919 adult uniform.
Low, also known as “Daisy,” started the Girl Scouts on March 12, 1912 with 18 girls. Since then more than 50 million girls have participated, according to Crahan, and about 3.2 million are in scouting today.
“Few recognize the incredible impact Girl Scouting has had on the character development of the American woman of the twentieth century,” Crahan told Examiner. “Sixty-nine percent of current women U.S. Senators and 65 percent of women in the House of Representatives were Girl Scouts when they were girls. Eighty percent of women business executives and business owners were once Girl Scouts. Several astronauts were Girl Scouts.”
In the past three years, three Rose Princesses and one Rose Queen—Hanan Worku (2012), Tenaya Senzaki and Evanne Friedmann (2011), and Michelle VanWyk (2010) have been Girl Scouts.
Built in 1915, the Craftsman style Lanterman House is a fitting venue for the Girl Scout Centennial exhibit. Historic photographs, uniforms, books, dolls and other memorabilia will be on display. The exhibit is designed to lead visitor through the history of the Girl Scouts and how it has responded to modern challenges. For example, GSGLA provides financial assistance to girls who need help in meeting scouting expenses. Girls Scouts of the USA has extended membership cover grades kindergarten through 12 and accepts boys who identify and present as girls.
Crahan says the comprehensive exhibit is the largest of its kind in Los Angeles. It is presented by the Lanterman House, GSGLA and private collectors and maintained by the Heritage Committee of Greater Los Angeles. Many badge requirements for current scouts concerning Juliette Low and GSA History can be satisfied by touring the exhibition.
A special 100th Birthday Celebration will be held on Sunday, March 18. All current and adult Girl Scouts are invited. Event admission is $5 and includes a tour and refreshments. Current scouts will receive a patch. RSVPs should be made at unit meetings or to a representative. Email the Tournament of Roses Examiner at the address below for contact information.
The Lanterman House information
4420 Encinas Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, Calif.
(818) 790-1421
Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and first and third Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. except August
Admission: $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and students ages 12-18; children under 12 free
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