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Since 1980, April 1 has been Ron Donohue Day in Lincoln Park and in the hearts of dozens of Winter Campers.

The Story

Troop 1373 had its annual canoe trip at Cole in April 1978. In typical fashion, younger scouts were paired up with older scouts. Ron was paired with a kid named S.

S was a typical new kid. By mid-morning, they had tipped over several times, mostly because S kept grabbing braches on the bank. As they tipped again, Ron's sleeping bag and S were swept downstream.

Ron grabbed his bag and then decided it was time to administer some justice to the younger scout. He pulled him out of the water by the hair and was about to commence violence when a canoe carrying Scoutmater Al Hellar rounded the corenr.

It later turned out that S had been drowning and Ron saved him. Ron received a lifesving medal from the Boy Scouts for his efforts.

Ron's achievement did not go unnoticed and he was invited to a large number of civic organizations to be recognized, culminating on March 31, 1980 when he appeared at the Lincoln Park City Council meeting.

As part of their recognition of his achievement, they declared that the following day would be Ron Donohue Day.

We're not sure if they realized what the next day was, but the announcment at Lincoln Park High School on April 1 that it was Ron Donohue Day was well received.

No, we don't know if they really meant it to be in perpetuity, but for us, the answer is yes.

If you got here from wintercamp.com, don't worry, it'll be back after Ron Donohue Day.