During its first year, the troop grew to full strength with 14 new boys. They met every Friday evening on the second floor of the old schoolhouse, in a room exclusively for their use. It was heated by a pot-bellied stove, and initially, each boy brought their own wood for it. The troop's equipment was simple but effective, including blackboards, a phonograph, and benches. 

A New Home and Shifting Leadership

Early records show that the PTA maintained a close watch on the troop, requiring many reports in addition to those already mandated by the Boy Scouts of America. The dedication of the adult leaders in these early years was immense. As the troop grew, its leadership evolved. Art Wiedman Sr. stepped up as Chairman in 1930, and David Griffiths joined the committee. In 1931, Mr. Taylor returned as Committee Chairman, and Rodman Schmidt became an Assistant Scoutmaster.

The troop faced a significant change in 1933 when the old schoolhouse was torn down, forcing them to find a new home. They relocated to the Denville Community Church, and Rev. J.M. Blessing joined the Committee. This move led to the Denville Community Church becoming the troop's official sponsor in 1934, a sponsorship that continued thru 2022.

A Legacy of Service

Troop 17 was fortunate to have a long line of dedicated leaders. One of the most influential was Al Green, an Eagle Scout from the troop who became an Assistant Scoutmaster in 1957. In 1959, he took over as Scoutmaster and served in that role for an incredible 60 years, finally retiring in 2019. Al's leadership provided continuity and shaped the lives of thousands of Scouts. The troop celebrated his 50th anniversary with the Boy Scouts in 1997 and honored him with the Muriel Hepner Award in 2008.

In the years leading up to the new millennium, the troop's legacy of service continued. Many adult leaders served for more than 20 years, including Ernie Biron, Dick Heilman, Larry Casey, Rod Ayres, and Don Van Winkle. The troop has also been recognized for its high-achieving Scouts and adult leaders. Several scouts have been selected as instructors for national and local leader training courses, and four leaders—Don Cordell, George Cashen, Al Green, and Frank Brescher—have received the Silver Beaver Award, Scouting's highest council-level honor.

Looking to the Future

In 2019, Troop 17 celebrated its 90th anniversary. The following year, John Tucker took on the role of Scoutmaster, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began. Despite the challenges of meeting virtually, the troop's leadership adapted, and twelve Scouts earned their Eagle Scout rank during this time.

In 2021, the troop mourned the passing of Al Green, its long-serving Scoutmaster Emeritus, whose impact on the troop and the community was immeasurable. His legacy continues to inspire. In January 2023, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2519 assumed the charter for Troop 17. In January 2024, Luke Zimmerman became the new Scoutmaster with Chris Remillard as Committee Chair.

For over 95 years, Troop 17 has served the youth of Denville. Its success is a testament to the strong collaboration between its young members and the dedicated adults who have guided them, ensuring the troop remains faithful to its past as it marches into the future.