In 1929, Mrs. Henry H. “May” Flather secured a long-awaited permanent camp for the Girl Scouts of the District of Columbia, located near Harrisonville, Virginia. She personally donated $10,000 to revitalize fund raising to furnish the camp.
She also had influential friends who helped as well. Principal among these was First Lady Lou Henry Hoover.
Lou Henry Hoover and the Girl Scouts
Mrs. Hoover was a huge supporter of the Girl Scout movement. Not only was the First Lady honorary national president from 1929 to 1933, she also was the elected national president twice, 1922-1925 and 1935-1937. Her many contributions include professionalizing training, launching commercial cookie sales, and encouraging the birth of day camping.
President and Mrs. Hoover were neighbors of Camp May Flather, with Camp Rapidan, their private retreat, located nearby in the Shenandoah Valley.
The Hoover Shawnee Bridge
Mrs. Hoover had watched Washington’s camp search saga unfold. Delighted that the Council had finally selected a Shenandoah setting, she personally donated $100 to build a bridge over the North River, which runs through the center of Camp May Flather.
She was actively involved in the design of the bridge, commenting on sketches as they were presented to her by Washington Camping Committee Chair May Cheatham.
However, the first lady did not want the bridge named for her, so it officially is “Shawnee Bridge.”
To the great delight of campers, volunteers, and staff, Mrs. Hoover agreed to come to camp to formally dedicate Camp May Flather.
Mrs. Hoover Dedicates Camp
The First Lady spent two busy days at the camp, filled with activities, demonstrations, and ceremonies.
Finally, the dedication began. After saying a few words, Mrs. Hoover cut a rope made of laurel branches and marched across the new bridge. Dozens of campers followed behind.
Then Mrs. Hoover bid everyone goodbye and returned to the business of being First Lady.
A Camp Tradition
Shawnee bridge has washed out more than once, but it has always been rebuilt.
While the location may shift somewhat, the design has remained consistent.
It is still Mrs. Hoover’s bridge, a lasting gift to the Girl Scouts of Washington DC.
© 2025 Ann Robertson, writer, editor, Girl Scout historian, but NOT a Girl Scout employee.
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