Hanging Rock District Boy Scouts remember Sept. 11

The Dan River sparkled with bright rays of light as the morning of Sept. 11 broke clear, exuding fresh mountain air. As the parade ended, the crowd gathered at the stage for the ceremony marking the start of the 36th Annual Stokes Stomp Festival on the Dan.

After a few words, Mayor Janet Whitt of Danbury called Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to the stage as part of the program to remember the event and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001attacks. The flag momentarily fluttered as a Boy Scout lowered the staff, and boys snapped their hands in a salute. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the boys remained at attention as a bagpipe and drum soulfully reminded onlookers to honor those harmed in during the 9/11 attacks.

Sandy Ridge community Scouts from Pack and Troop 465 were busy during the Stomp. On Saturday, they were part of the parade and then participated as part of the program to honor the memory of 9/11. Next, Pack Master Lonnie Lemmons led the Scouts to the historic Moratock Furnace. There the Scouts created designs within sand castings and poured molten iron. On Sunday, the boys appeared on stage and explained the process they used for their first ironwork designs.

Phillip E. Harrison, Program Director Project Mistion, and Stephen Williams, metallurgist with Northrop Grumman at the Newport News Naval Base, managed the furnace operation and directed the boys' effort. Behind the scenes support included Duncan Lewis, Professor of 3-D Art at Salem College, and Sculptor Matt Casto, BFA, ECU.

The setting of Scout activities near the Dan River reminded participants of their historic past. A crude iron-smelting furnace first appeared at the site before the Revolutionary War. The lack of readily accessible quality ore caused the venture to fail.

During the early part of the 19th century, a more substantial furnace, which still stands, produced iron objects, but again the lack of high quality ore also forced the cessation of operations.

During the Civil War, the furnace was resurrected, and by using lower quality ore, produced cannon balls for the Confederate States of America.

The Boy Scouts of America, Pack and Troop 465, were the first to produce iron products at this site since the Civil War. Thus, during this memorable weekend, Stokes County boys added a valuable tribute to the heritage of county residents.

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