If you’ve ever walked through our home at Apex Park, you know that Scouting in Moe has deep roots in the outdoors. But did you know that back in the late 1930s, the scouts of Moe built a home of their own that was praised across the state as “the Scoutiest in Victoria”?
We recently dug into the local archives and unearthed an incredible newspaper clipping capturing the completion of our iconic 1st Moe Troop Log Cabin. Here is the true story behind the raw grit, community backing, and bushcraft that made it happen.
Seven Acres and an Ambitious Dream
The story began when the Moe Recreation Reserve Committee granted the 1st Moe Troop of Boy Scouts a seven-acre allotment within the reserve. Rather than just setting up basic tents or meeting in borrowed halls, the troop decided to use the bushland in a way that would “set an example to every other troop in Victoria.”
Under the tireless guidance and supervision of Scoutmaster Mr. J. Russell Savige, whose long-held ambition was to see a dedicated home built for the boys, the project officially took off.
True Bushcraft: The “Chock and Block” Style
This wasn’t a pre-fabricated shed or a simple timber frame—it was a authentic, handcrafted pioneer build.
Harvesting the Timber: The scouts, working alongside two experienced local bushmen, went out into the bush roughly four miles from the Moe township to select and cut down the heavy logs themselves.
Mastering the Craft: They hauled the timber back and erected a true “chock and block” style log cabin.
The Perfect Setting: Situated just a quarter-mile from the center of town at the time, the cabin sat nestled in an ideal patch of classic Australian bushland, giving the scouts instant access to nature right on their doorstep.
Financial support flowed in from generous Moe residents to help cover expenses, bringing the total value of the completed cabin to £200—a massive investment and source of pride for the local community at the time!
A Legacy That Built Our Future
When the cabin was finished, State Scout officials officially declared it a massive credit to the lads who built it, cementing 1st Moe’s reputation for practical pioneering skills, self-reliance, and leadership.
The spirit of hard work, hands-on construction, and bush skills that went into felling those logs in 1938 is the exact same spirit we bring to our weekly youth programs today at Moe Rivers.
Do You Have Memories of the Cabin?
We’re looking for your stories!
Did your parents, grandparents, or relatives spend time at the Log Cabin? Do you have old photos, badge work, or memories from the Recreation Reserve site? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a message or reach out via our contact page to help us keep our history alive.
