Troop 23 was formed in December, 1910. At the time the troop met in a barn at the Old Bliss Estate, which is now Owl’s Head Park. As remembered by John Falk(T.23 – 1925),†The barn was a monstous scary place loaded with large Bliss Foundry patterns, even in the generous horse stalls. Two rooms at the rear served as offices for the Troop. The Meetings were devoted to advancement training, marching drills on the adjacent parade grounds, interpatrol contests plus some fun and games.â€
Some time later in the late 20’s or early 30’s the Troop lost the Bliss estate and moved to the local YMCA on 4ht avenue and 67 Street. Later in the 30’s the Troop met in the Gym of Bay Ridge High School and was sponsered by a group of concerned citizens.
In 1947 the Troop moved to its current location at Our Lady of Angels. It was brought to O.L.A. by the late Bishop Reilly.  The troop has continued at OLA and in its 97th year is now the oldest Troop sponsored by a Catholic Church.
I was a member of Troop23 for 2 years when we met at BayRidge H.S. The best time of my youth was to attend Ten Mile River B.S. Camp for 2 summers (2 week period) in 1946 and 47 (not absolutely sure of years). One of the Scoutmasters last name was, ” Kay “. Also a member of OLA Parish. Scouting was a wonderful experience.
Left Brooklyn in ’56, never to return.Now reside in CA.
I was a T23 Scout in the ’60s. SM Mr. Yates, ASM Mr. Clark, SPL McCarthy, PL Smith Brothers. Came over from OLPH at the invitation of Joe Heron. Beginning of a long Scouting life. Became a Den Leader, ASM with Pack and Troop 349 in Forest Hills. Moved to Syracuse for 22 years where I served as a SM, District Advancement Chairman, District Chairman. Best Service was as a CampMaster at Camp Woodlands, the “Camp Alpine” of the LongHouse Council in Central NY. Back in Queens now, again with T349. Sons James and Andy are Eagle Scouts and between them were on staff at TMR for most of the ’90s. A life of FUN!! Thank you Joe – my OLPH classmate who introduced me to Scouting 53 years ago.