These rare photos are from the collection of Polk and James Denmark that were taken starting in 1911, of the first Boy Scout Troop formed in Raleigh, N.C.. James & Polk were trained photographers as well as brothers. Between the two of them they captured their stories frozen in time on film, just now coming to light after 100 years.

When the Occoneechee Council in NC was formed just one year before, Polk & his brother wasted no time organizing the first local Raleigh troop. Both men were natural born leaders with a vision to povide leadership, guidance, and outdoor opportunities to young men with the newly found Boy Scout organization. Several years later, Polk recieved the highest honor an adult could be awarded in Scouting, the Silver Beaver Award for his dedicated involvment in the Boy Scout Program.