Bucklin Memorial Building
The Bucklin Memorial Building is named after Capt. George Bucklin. It serves as the administrative hub for the entire reservation. The Bucklin was built by the bequest of Civil War veteran Captain George Bucklin. He became interested in Scouting when an unknown Scout helped him cross a street in Providence and refused a tip. There are a framed letter and medal in honor of the Scout who did the good turn in the Bucklin's Memorial Room. The building has several display cases where photographs and pieces of memorabilia document the history of Scouting and Yawgoog. The building was designed by F. Ellis Jackson and built by contractor C.K. Rathbone.
The beam-ends facing the court above the Bucklin Memorial's arch have four carvings:
- The emblem of the Rhode Island Boy Scouts
- The emblem of the Boy Scouts of America
- A hand making the Scout Sign
- Two hands making the left-handed Scout Handshake
On the other side (facing Camp Three Point) the carvings are of merit badges:
- Camping
- Pioneering
- Personal Health, and
- Civics.
In The Yawgoog Story J. Harold Williams wrote that, together, these carvings mean "He who comes here to live the life of a camper and pioneer gains strength of body and good citizenship" (Williams and Anthony, vol. 1, p. 30). (The Personal Health Merit Badge was discontinued in 1952 and the Civics Merit Badge was split into the various Citizenship merit badges.)
All Scouts and Scouters are asked to assist in renewing an ancient Yawgoog tradition -- one that goes back to the laying of the cornerstone of the Bucklin Memorial Building: the plaque inside the archway tells all!
SCOUTS WHEN PASSING THIS SPOT SALUTE THE MEMORY OF CAPTAIN GEORGE BUCKLIN 1843-1918 SOLDIER AND PATRIOT FRIEND OF BOYS
Tens of thousands of earlier Scouts have followed these simple instructions by giving the Scout Salute in passing this Memorial. Honoring one of our first benefactors is also a salute of honor to all other present and past generous supporters of Scouting in our area. Let's breathe new life into this fine Yawgoog tradition.