Although
Talako Lodge was among the more recent lodges formed,
as it's relatively high number indicated, the lodge has
a history far predating its formation as a lodge in the
Order of the Arrow. It has a history intertwined
with the summer camps of Marin Council, and has formerly
been known as the Tribe of Talako and the Tribe of Pahatsi.
Marin Council's first camp in the Sierras
was Camp Pahatsi which was leased from the Tahoe Area
Council. This camp is located close to Soda Springs
near Donner Pass and is presently owned by the Golden
Empire council. In 1941, the Tribe of Pahatsi was
established. It was the camp staff which led the
Tribe which soon grew in complexity and numbers.
During the 1940's, all Scouts who went to camp were inducted
in to this organization. They were canoed to the
island in the lake (which is still used for OA) and initiated,
after which camp projects were performed. In the
years following, only a selected number of Scouts were
inducted at a rate of 80 per year. The Tribe functioned
only at camp. There were several ranks in the Tribe
of Pahatsi. This camp area was in use through 1949.
In 1950, Marin Council acquired Camp Marin
Sierra which is located off of Highway 20, near Highway
80. Because of this change, a new name was to
be selected for the tribe. The Lodge chose a Choctaw
Native American name “Talako", which
pertains to the eagle, it being the highest rank
in Scouting and the Nation's symbol.
At this time, specific requirements for
membership were established - other than just being
present at camp. An Indian singing and dance group
was started and took the name "Antelope society".
The Tribe continued to provide service to the camp with
little outside organizational or involvement.
In the mid 1950's, the tribe was urged
to become chartered with the Order of the Arrow.
There was much resistance on the part of the Tribal
members, especially from those who held the higher rank.
National would allow transfer of rank to honor, but
only to the Ordeal and Brotherhood honors. It
was not until 1958 that Talako Lodge was chartered by
the National Committee of the Order of the Arrow.
Our first Lodge Chief was Dennis Johnson. The
Tribe and the Lodge continued to coexist until 1960.
During this time period, membership in the Tribe dwindled
and finally dissipated. It was then that ceremonies
were performed according to the OA Practice at Camp
Marin Sierra.
Starting in the 1960's until today, hundreds
of Scouts have been called out, became Ordeal members
and have given "cheerful service" to their camps and
Council. In 1969 and 1982, Talako Lodge served
as host to the sectional conclaves. It got a name
for itself as a dancing Lodge and took the coveted awards
of the "The Indian Lodge" of the section and won the
Indian dance trophy. In 1985, it earned the "E.
Urner Goodman Award", best Lodge in the Western Region.
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