Pictorial History - Community Projects - Scoutmasters of Troop 7 - Eagle Scouts Of Troop 7
Historical Marker - Our Eagle Flag Preservation - Joe Crownover History Awards
Highest Rank Attained in Troop 7 - Other Volunteers - Joe Magruder Camping Award

Many of our Troop 7 alumni served with distinction in the armed forces. Among others who lost their lives, Bradbury Franklin and Jack Kendall were shot down over Europe. Joe Crownover was wounded in the battle of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941 and honored with the distinguished Purple Heart medal.

Senior Patrol Leader Duffield Matson III earned his Eagle Scout rank with a ceremony at the scout log cabin.

With 43 merit badges, Duffy also set a new Troop 7 record for the most merit badges earned in the 45 year history of the troop.

In 1999, Duffy, along with Robert Burr and Richard Dewitt, re-established the George Merrick Foundation with a mission to maintain the scout house property, promote scouting in the community and provide facilities for boy scouts, girls scouts and cub scouts in Coral Gables.

After 45 years the old scout house log cabin burned down. Now all that remains is the chimney, which has been designated a historic landmark.

Troop meetings were relocated again to the Congregational Church. A committee was established to rebuild the cabin and funds were solicited from the public. Committee Chairman William C. Martin stored Troop 7's valuables in his garage while the new cabin was built.

Perry Lewis and his father Peter first joined the troop. After Perry earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1979, Peter served as advisor to Explorer Post 7. Peter has also completed the Barefoot Mailman Hike over 30 consecutive times.

Peter Lewis served Troop 7 as Committee Chairman from 1990 until 2002, with over 27 years of total service.

Colonel Harry Buzhardt became the Troop Chartered Organization Representative from the Kiwanis Club. In 1979 he completed his adult leadership training under Training Chairman, Joe Crownover.

Colonel Buzhardt served as the Tequesta District Commissioner on two occasions as well as the District Chairman. He also served on the South Florida Council Fund Raising Committee and received a "Letter of Commendation" for successfully raising $55,000. He served more than 25 years on Troop 7's Committee, rarely missing a Wednesday evening meeting until his death in April, 2001.

Adam Silva joined the troop after five years as a member of Cub Scout Pack 7 (1987). Adam earned his Eagle Rank in 1996. His mother, Martha Marcalle joined the troop committee in 1994 and served actively for 7 years including a year as the committee chairman. Martha's involvement in cub scouts, boy scouts and girl scouts sets an admirable standard for our community.

Many Troop 7 Eagle Scouts credit Martha Marcalle with challenging them and assisting them to complete their advancements and merit badges that led to them to receive the highest rank in scouting. Martha served a total of 14 years to the Pack and the Troop.

After damage from Hurricane Andrew and continued wear and tear, including constant hits from golf balls, being in the middle of the Granada Golf Course, the roof of the Rex Hawkins Scout Building desperately needed repair. The George Merrick Foundation solicits donations from friends, families, community organizations and Troop 7 alumni.

Thanks to Robert Burr's fundraising efforts and contributors such as Dr. Rex Hawkins, Jr., The Rouse Company, Commissioner Chip Withers, Vice Mayor Dorothy Thomson, The Biltmore Hotel, Jack Phifer, William Mayville, the Tenth Holers of the Country Club of Coral Gables and many others, more than $16,000 is raised for roof repairs. By February of 2001, the new roof is installed and damaged ceiling tiles are replaced.

After earning his Eagle Scout rank March 30, 1999, Robert V. Burr went on to earn an additional 30 merit badges, breaking the record set by Duffy Matson in 1967. Robert's 51 merit badges remains unbeaten. In March, 2001, Robert also became the first Eagle Scout in the history of Troop 7 to earn Double Silver Palms. Robert has been a registered Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 7 since he turned 18 in 2001

Robert's mother, Robin Burr, began serving on the Troop Committee in 1994 and still continues to lead the troop to summer camp each year, while working on advancements and serving as the Treasurer as well as the Kiwanis Chartered Organization Representative. She became the first female scoutmaster of Troop 7 in September 2007.

since 1922

Click on the above logo in order to learn more about the historic brick program
and how you can help support the Troop 7 building fund through our 501(c)3 Foundation.