The Young Men's Christian Association opened in 1914 serving girls and women, as well as boys and men, as its name implies. From its beginning, the –Y" had a number of days reserved specifically for girls and women. Today it is essentially co-educational. The –Y" has always been available for community groups and the first area Girl Scout Troop formed there in 1916, under the leadership of Mrs. Lester Howard. Historical accounts note that the early troop made several camping trips with Mrs. (and Mr.) Howard. In 1941, the Kennebec Valley Council of Girls Scouts formed, with Mrs. Frank Wingate as commissioner. During World War II, the Scouts provided many services for the community - hospital work, book drives, poppy sales, and canning centers, to name a few. The Council sponsored a day camp for girls during the war. In 1946, Mrs. John Rolfe became the first full time director (salaried) and the Scouts moved their office out of the YMCA building. Today, the Girl Scouts of America continue in Augusta as an active social and service organization for young girls.

 

Site #27.1 Source:

Augusta, Maine Sesquicentennial. Special reprint of Daily Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine, Sesquicentennial Edition, Wednesday, July 30, 1947.