Born to a Pennsylvania farm couple, Boyce's monetary successes were as a newspaper publisher--affiliating in his early professional years with Chicago printing giants Richard R. Donnelley and Andrew McNally. Between 1887 and the early 1930s, Boyce's own publications, especially the Saturday Blade and Chicago Ledger, were read by millions of subscribers in rural areas and small towns. A lifelong adventurer, Boyce made extensive trips to all parts of the world--his financial resources enabling the delegation of business responsibilities to subordinates and attorneys. During World War I, he sailed to Europe on the luxury British liner Lusitania; three months later a German submarine torpedoed the ship, with more than a thousand casualties. Boyce sent detailed reports of his foreign experiences as articles for the Saturday Blade, and the stories were later reprinted in books published by Rand McNally & Company. . . .
Describing the African expedition, Boyce wrote, "Always looking for a good story for 'The Blade',"
I realized that Colonel [Theodore] Roosevelt, at the time of his trip, had centered the world's attention on Africa and big game shooting. Roosevelt had with him expert photographers and scientists. I had to add something new to shooting and photographing if my expedition was to compete with the Colonel's in challenging public interest so I took into Africa balloons from which to photograph the wild life of jungles and plains. Pictures from the air were new at that time and the spectacular character of the undertaking made it excellent newspaper copy. . . . We increased the circulation of 'The Blade' 300,000 copies per issue." . . .
In 1915, developing his new Lone Scout program, Boyce used much of what he had learned from Lord Baden-Powell. But in this organization, a boy could enjoy the benefits of scouting without the requirement of troop meetings. Concerned that the costs for needed uniforms, manuals, and equipment prevented many boys from joining the Boy Scouts, Boyce stated that Lone Scout membership would not require dues, uniforms, or books. All lessons would be given in their own Lone Scout magazine. . . .
In 1926 the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America initiated the Silver Buffalo Award for Distinguished Service to Boyhood. The awards were made at the Sixteenth Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., with President Calvin Coolidge addressing the attendees and participating in the ceremony. The first solid-silver miniature buffalo medallion was presented to Baden-Powell, the second to the Unknown Scout in London, and the third to Boyce. His citation read: "William D. Boyce, publisher and incorporator of the Boy Scouts of America, who materially helped to finance the Movement after turning it over to the present organization. Thru his perception and appreciation of the ability of Scouting to imbue the boyhood of the nation with the spirit of service, courage, gentleness, good manners and responsible citizenship, the Movement was brought to America, and organized in behalf of the boyhood of this country."
Copyright 2009, Janice A. Petterchak
Lone Scout: W. D. Boyce and American Boy Scouting (paperback, 190-pages) - $23.95. Will ship to U.S. addresses only. Cost is $3.75 Media Rate for 1st book, each additional book $1.00.
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