The Story of the Lodge 413 Vigil Blanket
| Origins: In 1973, former chief, John Phillips attended the
National Jamboree in Idaho. He met Vigils from many other lodges there, and
learned ideas and approaches used by these groups for their Vigil Inductions.
One group in particular, a lodge now unknown to us, had what they called a
"Vigil Blanket". Unlike so many items produced for collecting and trading
however, what caught his attention was how the blanket was used to cement a
bond of brotherhood between a Vigil guide and a Vigil candidate.
Returning home, John began discussing the idea with Vigil Committee Chairman John Hardin and Jon "Bar" Barbarotto. The three began to develop sketches of their idea. The idea was refined and discussed further at our spring induction in 1974 before being moved forward to order our first batch of what is now known as the Vigil Triangle patch (Blue Book J1) with their own money. By the spring induction 1975, the patches had been received and the first two dozen dark blue blankets purchased. At that time, those already Vigil who were present could purchase their own blanket and patch, with the intention, that they be ready for use by the spring induction 1976. All members present did so, resulting in the only time the patch has been "sold" and the only time it was distributed by the lodge NOT attached to a blanket. Approximately sixteen patches were used at that time. (All but three have been confirmed as sown on blankets thereafter.) First Official Usage: In the early morning mists of May 30, 1976, Vigil candidates approaching their assembled brothers for the induction ceremony witnessed for the first time, what became a tradition within our lodge. Before them stood two rows of solemn Vigils in uniform, each covered about the shoulders with a dark blue blanket. As each candidate approached he would glimps an unusual triangle shaped patch on the blanket, beneath which was the wearers name, Vigil name, and year of induction. At an appropriate point in the ceremony, the newly inducted Vigils would receive their own blanket from their guide who placed it around their shoulders, embroidered with their new Vigil name and the same information as were the other members. Only then was it revealed that their guide had asked for the honor of being their guide and had purchased the blanket personally for their new Vigil brother! This, a rather expensive, but important symbol of the bond of brotherhood in the Vigil Honor. In this manner, from that time forward, a Vigil inducted in our lodge was received into the circle of their brothers. Because of this, no Vigil was ever allowed to "buy" a Vigil Triangle patch. Likewise, they could only ever receive just one. (Although two that we confirmed as destroyed, were later replaced by the Lodge at no cost to the Vigil brother.) Purpose Behind the Blanket: Foremost, the intention of our Vigil Blanket is to cement the bonds of brotherhood between an older Vigil and a newly inducted one. We believe this begins with the special bound that exists between friends, forged stronger when one has been your guide through the Vigil. Second, it serves to blend the new Vigil into our circle as "another brother" immediately, removing them from the feeling of having been apart up to that point. Finally, it serves to warm and comfort them, providing strength, as they move forward in service. It is not intended to present a flashy "look at me" show outside the Vigil circle and before non-Vigils. While the blankets do attract attention and curiousity, they are rarely seen by non-Vigils other than as a bed covering while camping. Bluntly, it would be inappropriate to wear in a non-Vigil setting or in a manner that was intended to attract attention to the wearer. Only once were they worn by a large group of Vigils in a public setting. This, in September 2003, when blankets were presented to several older 413-inducted Vigils who for various reasons had never received a blanket. A special presentation was made following a campfire at camp following our first Cedar Valley Homecoming. Similarly, their use and presentation was done in a way that does not detract from the words and meanings of the Vigil Honor ceremony. It was not our wish to add to the ceremony, but rather to support it by immediately building a firm bond on a personal level within the group. "But I Think I Saw One For Sale": Of course anything is possible. But the odds are very slim indeed that if you have seen one of these patches, it was real. First, remember only 198 were made as of September 2002. A member only received one of them, ever. Only a very small number were released in 1976, that were NOT already sown on a blanket, so the chances of seeing a mint example are slimmer still. In virtually every case, we can account for the ones from that 1976 group. (Two have been confirmed destroyed and one is buried with the owner.) As of November 2004, only one real official patch is known to have been sold. This one was from an estate sale. As time continues, the chances of seeing a real one in the collecting community do increase. Unfortunately, there is an element in the collecting community that believes it is appropriate to make money in any manner that they can. We have confirmed at least six cases where such a person (group) has produced their own copy of the patch and sold it for hundreds of dollars. BEWARE! One example is close to a real issue, while one isn't even close. This is not to say that each person we talked to selling the patch was the person who made it. Just the opposite. Each was a reputable dealer / collector and long term committed Scouter who themselves had been duped by someone out to make a quick buck. If these truly serious collectors can be taken in by a fake of this patch, we recommend you be very careful before shelling out big bucks or valuable patches in a trade! One of our members has spent several years studying the fakes available and trying to trace their origins. While we have our opinions, we are more concerned that we first 'do a good deed' and help others identify the fakes from the real stuff. If you believe you have one of these patches, we would would be glad to hear from you. We will help you to verify the accuracy of what you have or are being offered, and hopefully help prevent you from making a mistake on a potentially expensive fraud. If you come across a version not shown in our collection, it is surely a fake and we would also like to get a good photograph or scanned image to help others. For More Information: We will gladly shared more information on how we incorporated the Vigil Blanket into our lodge if you are interested in doing something like it for your own Vigil group. At least two other lodges have developed a similar tradition after seeing our blanket and asking some of the questions we have tried to answer here. We borrowed the idea from someone else and you are welcome to build on it, within the guidelines of the Order of the Arrow, as you see fit. In the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service "Wowoatam" 1974 |
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