Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scout movement, but it was Lou Henry Hoover who turned it into a lasting organization.
Lou’s 150th Birthday was March 29, 2024. I had the privilege of giving lectures on this amazing woman at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, and the GSUSA History Institute at the Edith Macy Conference Center in Briar Cliff Manor, New York.
How much do you know about this fabulous first lady?
1. Hoover is the only person to be both elected and honorary presidents of GSUSA
As first lady, Mrs. Hoover was the honorary president of the Girl Scouts. But she also served two terms as the elected national president of Girl Scouts, one pre-White House (1922-1925) and one post-White House (1935-1937).
2. Hoover’s Troop Met at the White House
Lou took charge of Washington DC Troop 8 in May 1922, when the leader married and moved to Philadelphia. When the Hoovers moved into the White House, so did troop meetings.
But even with the fancy accommodations, Troop 8 had to abide by the same guidelines as all other troops.
3. Hoover was a Skilled Geologist
Lou was the first woman to earn a degree in geology from Stanford University. She personally tested members of her own troop working on their Rocks and Minerals badge.
4. She Introduced Green Girl Scout Uniforms
The earliest uniforms were a very utilitarian khaki, but the Boy Scouts and the military also wore khaki. Lou wanted a distinctively Girl Scout uniform.
5. Hoover Created Girl Scout Training Schools
There were far more girls than leaders in the 1920s and 1930s (and today as well). Lou secured grants to start Girl Scout leadership courses at American universities. The courses attracted young women wanting to become professional Girl Scouts, training leaders and organizing troops.
6. She Increased Democratic Representation
Juliette Gordon Low had recruited her friends and acquaintances to create councils and serve on the National Board. That strategy raised the visibility and prestige of early Girl Scouts, but meant that a handful of wealthy women decided national policies.
In 1924 Lou supervised dividing the United States into 12 administrative regions. Regional offices would allow local training and problem-solving.
Regions selected catchy, descriptive names, except for Region III–Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. A rather stuffy group of officials thought “Region III” sounded more professional.
7. Hoover Brought Girl Scouts to White House Egg Rolls
In 1925 Hoover contacted First Lady Grace Coolidge with an idea: Girl Scouts would wrangle lost children and help in many other ways at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Coolidge agreed and a new tradition born.
8. She Loved Camping and Day Camping
Lou loved outdoor life. She donated a footbridge to Washington DC’s Camp May Flather and attended the dedication in 1930. She also promoted day camping as a way to still enjoy nature if overnights are not possible.
9. Hoover Began the Little House Program
Lou launched the Little House movement, a series of Girl Scout-owned model homes for meetings and honing housekeeping skills.
10. She Organized the Farmerettes–Let’s Dig Up DC!
Under Lou’s direction, Washington DC Girl Scout dug up yards across the District to aid food relief during World War I. Lou’s house in Georgetown, vacant lots, and the grounds of the Daughters of the American Revolution headquarters were all commandeered. She sponsored prizes for the troops with the largest harvest and was delighted when the US Department of Agriculture recognized 27 local Girl Scouts as “skilled canners.”
11. Hoover Licensed the First Commercial Cookie Bakers
No doubt, Lou would have prevented the Raspberry Rally debacle.
In short, Lou rocks! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)
© 2024 Ann Robertson, writer, editor, Girl Scout historian
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