The first SB Boy Scout troop was formed this month (Image: New York Public Library)
By Betsy J. Green
In October 1919, the first scout group was organized in Santa Barbara. Perhaps they were inspired by the formation of the Camp Fire Girls group that was begun in Carpinteria in August. Funding for the scout group was contributed by the Santa Barbara Rotary Club.
Betsy’s Way Back When book — 1918 — is now available in local bookstores and at Amazon.com. This is the fifth book in her series of the history of Santa Barbara, one year at a time. Learn more at