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Father, son work to complete Uchee Lodge

By Brian Wellmeier
Republished with permission of The Northeast Georgian

The rain came down and forced Boy Scout Troop 106 to take shelter beneath the newly built awning of the Uchee Lodge. The Scouts took some time to admire the structure as the rain fell and spattered the land. 

Eagle Scout Wyatt York of Mt. Airy, his father and scout leader Kevin York and other volunteers had built the structure in January alongside York’s great uncle Jeff Throneberry and Ed Garrish – both of whom had fundamental roles in the original construction of the lodge. The structure, constructed by telephone poles, four-by-six pine boards salvaged from an old chicken house and a metal roof, was designed to complement the log exterior portion of the lodge. 

“I wanted it to look like it belonged there,” 16-year-old Wyatt said. 

The project took six months to complete, but as the rain pattered the metal roof that Sunday, it was worth the time spent.

“It was a facelift for the building,” Wyatt said. “I’m glad I was able to do it. Uncle Jeff and Ed had always wanted to do it, so I am glad I was able to do it for both them and me.”

York’s father explained the significance of the project and what it meant for the troop.

“It was always intended for the Uchee Lodge to have a porch. When it was built, the funds intended for the porch instead built the large stacked stone fireplace,” Kevin said. “Wyatt felt a calling to finish the job. Honoring the men that sacrificed so much to build the lodge – including his great uncle, Jeff Throneberry – providing a dry place to gather and sit, and giving the front of the lodge a fresh old look that will last for years to come, all seemed like perfect reasons to tackle the project.”

Both Wyatt and his father worked through the seasons to complete the project. It took about seven months, Kevin said. 

“There were several days where it was pretty cold, and working conditions were less than ideal. The project lasted through the beginning of summer and there were a few hot days as well. Scouts are used to having fun in all types of weather,” Kevin said, adding that around 260 hours were spent completing the porch. 

Kevin went on to describe what it meant to complete the project alongside his son. 

“As a dad, there’s nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my kids,” he said. “We started scouting together when he was a Tiger in Cub Scouts 11 years ago. Scouting has provided us both countless shared memories and wonderful life experiences that we would never have been able to otherwise. As a scoutmaster, I could not be more proud. This project gave Wyatt the opportunity to demonstrate many of the skills he has learned on his scouting path. He had a vision of what he wanted to accomplish, he made his materials list, he drafted the budget, he raised the money he needed, he organized the workdays and led his fellow scouts and adults, he lined up all the resources he needed and exceeded everyone's expectations.”

Kevin said that both he and his son were proud to see the seven-month project finally complete.

“The project certainly took longer than expected,” Kevin said. “Between the weekly scout meetings on Sunday afternoon, the monthly troop outings, the weather, and availability of help, it seemed like we would never get finished. Running the last screws in the new tin roof seemed bittersweet. We were all super glad to be finished.”

Wyatt is also a member of BSA’s National Youth Leadership Training, a member of the Order of the Arrow, and a rising junior at Tallulah Falls School. As a career, he plans to become a diesel mechanic or mechanical engineer after he graduates.