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Those words were spoken by John S. Bashore on the occasion of his 85th birthday celebration, where he was awarded the Good Government Award by the Lebanon Jaycees. John S. Bashore was one of the most generous and civic minded businessmen that Lebanon County has ever seen. He began his career working as a clerk in various general stores in the area, and in 1893 came to Lebanon and began working as a salesman for Isaac Wolf's clothing store on Cumberland Street. After several years, John became Mr. Wolf's business partner, and sole proprietor following Mr. Wolf's death in 1915. For many years John had great success operating one of the area's best known men's and boy's clothing stores. Parents trusted him so much that they would often drop off their sons and tell John that he should just pick something for them. On his young customer's birthdays, he would send some sort of gift such as pen & pencil sets, models, small toys, and even pocket knives. In addition to operating his store, he also donated his time, leadership and wealth to many different organizations and charities throughout the area. He served on the Board of Directors for 22 different organizations such as Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, First National Bank, YMCA, Community Library, Good Samaritan Hospital, Community Chest (precursor to the United Way), and Lebanon Rotary Club- just to name a few. On December 9, 1946 at the annual dinner meeting of the Lebanon County Council, Mr. Bashore made a speech stating that despite all of his other community service and philanthropy, he felt he had not done enough for Scouting. He announced that he had recently acquired the old Fahler farm near Green Point in Union Township that consisted of 250 acres of land, 140 acres of it wooded, and 110 in open fields. He then stated his desire to donate this property to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts so that they could have a permanent camp in Lebanon County. John Bashore got to see his vision come to fruition in the summer of 1947 when on July 18th the Lebanon County Council held its first campfire and he officially presented the land to the youth of Lebanon County. He remained active and involved in the camp's development throughout the years by soliciting the help of many other civic leaders, and raising funds for major capital improvements. Over the years since his death in 1959, the Bashore Scout Reservation has seen many changes, and has met and overcome many challenges. One thing is certain, however; Mr. Bashore's spirit of generosity, and his vision continues to live on. |
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"The
greatest thing in the world we can do is to do something for the other
fellow...It's likely I could have done more, but I do the best that I can...I
certainly appreciate all you have done for me."
John S. Bashore