Troop 34, Boy Scouts of America, was organized in 1925 through the efforts of C.L. Riley, a biology teacher at Canton McKinley High School. Mr. Riley had been associated with Scouting as a Camp Director for Camp Tuscazoar and felt that Simpson Methodist Church, at that time, could benefit by sponsoring a Boy Scout Troop. Wilbur D. Hunter was chosen as the first Scoutmaster and served in that capacity until 1933. In 1933, Paul Holsing, an Eagle Scout with the Troop, became Scoutmaster and continued to serve until 1936. Karl. L. Sanford, another Eagle Scout with the Troop, assumed the role of Scoutmaster until 1947 when Robert C. Hahn, yet another Eagle Scout with the Troop, took over the position of Scoutmaster. Bob is still serving as Scoutmaster today, some 58 years later. Bob has over 60 years of scouting tenure.
In 1965, Simpson Church re-located from 700 Market Ave. South, in Canton, to 4900 Middlebranch Ave. N.E. in Plain Township. Troop 34 moved to the new location, with the church, and for a number of years contained members from both the old and new locations. In 1970, C.L. Riley was honored for his long history of service by the creation of the "Troop 34 C.L. Riley Scout of the Year" award. He remained a member of the Troop until his death in 1979.
Troop 34 has operated continously since its organization in 1925 and over 620 boys and 145 adults have been active with the Troop. Forty-four (44) have reached the coveted Eagle Award.
