Juliette Gordon Low was the founder of the Girl Scout movement, but it was Lou Henry Hoover who created the institutions that remain its foundation today.
As first lady, Mrs. Hoover was the honorary president of the Girl Scouts. But she also served two terms as the elected president of Girl Scouts, one pre-White House and one post-White House.
She worked to streamline administration, professionalize staff, and better democratize relations between councils and the national headquarters. She launched the Little House program, encouraged day camping, and promoted commercial cookie sales.
I spoke on this topic for the Hoover Presidential Foundation’s “Third Thursday” talk for June 2022.
The Foundation taped the presentation, which may be accessed here or below. Enjoy!!
What a treat! Thank you.
I first heard of Lou Henry Hoover when I was one of the hundreds of Girl Scouts at her funeral at Stanford Chapel in January of 1944. It was not until years later when I became a Girl Scout volunteer, that I had any idea how important she was. The more I learn about her, the more impressed I become.
Thanks again
I have an old scrapbook of her camping with Girl Scouts. Very cool
WOW! I would love to see that and perhaps scan it for others to enjoy.