Wolf Ring Improvements

1959-64

Planning for extensive improvements to the Wolf Ring were begun in 1960-61. Don Boyer, who was the 1960 Lodge Chief was also working on a Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Texas, prepared the two drawings which outlined the planned improvements.

1.     Seating – New concrete seating was planned to replace the wooden seating which had deterionated over the years. Don’s drawing indicates the original plan was to use concrete I-beams but was changed to using concrete and locally available rocks which were plentiful. As I recall, the North Star Chapter took the lead on working on the improvements for the Scout seating area which is reflected in some of the photos.

2.     Lighting – New flood lighting was installed on telephone poles for the Scout and parents seating areas.  New flood lights were installed at ground level with underground wiring to provide illumination for the Indian dancing area – three clusters of three floods up front and one cluster of three floods behind each of the two existing concrete fire bases.There was also a connection for ultraviolet flood lights that were used when the Wolf Dance was performed.

3.     New Tepee – Don’s drawing shows a third tepee to be constructed but  this never occurred.

4.     Storage & Dressing Building – Another of Don’s drawings shows a new building that was constructed with cinder blocks just below the Wolf Ring for storage and a dressing area which also included shower facilities. A new water line was run  across the Wolf Ring to the new building.The big drum used for Indian dancing, the shields hung on the tepees and other items were stored in the building. As I recall, at least one wall of the building had a big concave curve to it because those of us laying the cinder blocks were so busy laying the blocks we forgot to ensure the wall was straight.

 John W. Wittliff