Heritage of Black Highlanders Collection, UNCAsheville Ramsey Library
Walter Howard Mapp, Sr.: bhcP77.10.4.2.29

(See also Scouting: P77.10.3.7.2 and P77.10.2.7.3)

Walter Howard Mapp, Sr. first entered into public life as a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church, and writing and presenting plays for churches and schools in the city of Asheville and surrounding counties. For years he headed a group that entertained at the V. A. Hospital, Oteen, N.C.

Mr. Mapp served as president of Stephens-Lee High School for 13 consecutive years and 14 years as chairman of the program Committee for the 10^th District P.T.A and the last year before integration he served as Chairman of Public Relations for the State of NC P.T.A. Congress.

He served 1 year on the Board of Directors of the Y.M.I.

With 29 years as a scouter with the Daniel Boone Council he served as Troop committeeman, assistant Scout Master, Scout Master, Chairman of Training Committee, 19 years as program director at Camp Clark Kennedy, and last three years before integration he served as Chairman of the Division of the Daniel Boone Council, and was the second black to be warded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award a volunteer can receive.

He was chairman of the special committee to write a proposal to the City School Board asking for building to replace the old Stephens-Lee High building. The request was granted and a new building was erected on South French Board Ave., known as the French Broad Jr. High School. And he was one of the two persons to sign the proposal.

He served 5 years on the Committee for Better Schools.

He has been a member of the New Mt. Olive Baptist Church for 45 years, and has served as Chairman of ushers, Supt. of the Sunday school for 20 years, and now serves as Chairman of Deacons and Chairman of Adult Education.

While in scouting, he led six explorer Scouts on the famous Appalachian Trail from Davenport Gap, Tenn. to Fontoma, N.C.-72 miles. According to the forest ranger, he and his troop were the only blacks to hike the Historical Asbury Trail. During his scouting career, he led more than 4 thousand boys and walked more than 2 thousand miles.

And is happy about the whole thing.

*See folder P77.10.3.7 (Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts) for pictures of scouting activities.