Michael was born shortly after his parents immigrated from East Prussia. His Scouting career started when the family moved to Milwaukee in 1914. In 1915, he joined what was called the Lone Scouts of America. The Lone Scouts are a division of the Boy Scouts of America when a boy cannot participate in a local Pack or Troop. In 1915, scouting was having their 5 year anniversary and was not as prevalent as it is now. His family moved to another part of the city and he was able to join a local Boy Scout Troop. He became a Life Scout and earned 12 badges toward the Eagle Scout rank.
Michael eventually moved to the Marinette, Wisconsin/Menominee, Michigan area. He found that there was no Boy Scout Organization in this area. His experience from scouting made such an impact in his life that he started to organize and started a local organization in 1930. He also credits Ruben Strom, Bill Kuh, John Sergeant, Howard Nadeau and many others that were involved in establishing Scouting in the Twin County area. In 1945 Michael became the president of the Nicolet Area Council of Boy Scouts of America. In 1973 the Nicolet Area Council was merged with other councils to become what is now known as the Bay Lakes Council. During Michael’s tenure the Nicolet Area Council they acquired the Bear Paw Camp, which is still used today as the Council Boy Scout Camp. Michael not only helped with the starting the Boy Scout organization, he also worked to get the Mariners and Sea Scouts organized in the area as well. He worked with the Council to start the Bay Jammer, which to this day remains a major Sea Scout tradition.
Michael J. Anuta was awarded the Silver Beaver, and Silver Antelope, for his service in Scouting. Some family members have mentioned that he may have been Awarded the Silver Buffalo as well, but I could not find the documentation on that. Michael had a total of over 85 years as a registered Scouter. He was quoted in the Peshtigo Times on December 20, 2000 saying, "I feel that every boy and every girl should have the benefit of Scouting."
Michael was the fourth of nine children of Michael Samuel Anuta, and has left his legacy in the twin county area. He and his wife Marianne, had five children; Mary Hope, Nancy Ellen, Michael John, Janet Grace, and Karl Frederick. These children continued the Scouting values with their children and tradition continues.
Michael was active in many aspects of Scouting throughout his life. He recalls is involvement around World War I. He was an aid to the War-Time Committee on Public Information. Under the direction of the Boy Scouts of America he spent time working as a dispatch bearer for the United States Government. During World War II he was also “heavily involved” in the Civil Defense Council in the Menominee community. He served as an Advisor to the Selective Service Registrants, and a Chairman of the United States Organizations (USO).
He also recalled attending National Conferences, one in particular where he met then Chief Scout Executive James E. West. Being instrumental in the development of the Nicolet Area Council and the purchase of the Bear Paw Scout Camp he continued his involvement in the council throughout its purchase by Bay-Lake Council. Michael was quoted as saying, “I am sorry I have only been a shadow board member of the Bay-Lake Council, but, if you will have me, I am happy and honored to serve in this capacity. I will serve wherever I am of value to you.”
Not only did Michael have a profound effect on future scouters, but he recalls those who also had an effect on him. In 1997, Michael, 96 years old at the time was still communicating with his former Scoutmaster, Fred W. Apel (~104 at the time).
In 1999 Michael received a letter that attests to the impact he had on Scouting. The letter was from the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America, signed by President Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. and Chief Scout Executive Jere B. Ratcliffe, congratulating him of 75 years of Scouting. The letter stated “The many lives that you have influenced as you pursued the Scouting trail these seventy-five years is an inspiration for those of us who are following your example.”
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