Eagle Scout Project Nears Completion in Dayton

Family Scout Troop 847 member and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Jacob Daeda is making great strides toward earning his Eagle Scout rank. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of Scouting America. Since its inception in 1911, only 4% of Scouts have earned this rank; however, the Dayton troop has consistently had one member per year earn the Eagle Scout rank, showcasing the community's strong tradition of achievement.

Daeda shared that Dan Webster, a local historian who has assisted with details, suggested the project at the Sutro Tunnel site to support the preservation of the Comstock's history. After considerable research and a visit to the Sutro Tunnel site, Daeda set his goals for the Carriage House and completed a project proposal for the Scouts Council to approve. The road to Eagle is not easy. It requires meeting specific criteria, including earning 21 merit badges, leading a service project, and demonstrating leadership skills. Each requirement is implemented to assist scouts with practical skills and ethical foundations.

A team of Family Troop members and friends collaborated on the technical and historical design of the Carriage House doors, ensuring they were functionally complete. The doors, rebuilt from cedar to resist rot, feature hand-forged hinges and door handles crafted with significant help from local Blacksmith Wes Francis, who used a vintage coal forge requiring six hours of hand cranking, with his wife Tammy assisting. Daeda participated in the blacksmithing process, completing one hinge and learning to install them this past weekend, highlighting community craftsmanship and teamwork.

With support from an NV Energy Youth Grant, the project will be completed this week, with a historical plaque being installed soon, followed by a dedication ceremony.