The "Three Cloud" Cowikee R1 is probably the most sought after O.A. Patch in Alabama. While there are some questions as to how many were issued (50 as was published or even 100) they are still a difficult to find patch. This patch was issued in 1948 and was simplistic but beautiful in design. Three rounded White Clouds with an Orange Thunderbolt (a symbol of Good Luck). The totem for the Lodge changed in 1953 to the Crossed Calumets - also a symbol of Good Luck. Yet it is the "Three Cloud" that pre-occupies collectors of the Lodge and Arrowmen in the state. The "Three Cloud" pictured here once belonged to Cowikee first Vigil Mr. Gene Ramage, who in turn passed it along to 1965 DSA Awardee & Cowikee Chief Morgan Weeed upon keeping his Vigil in 1961. Morgan was killed in Vietnam, May 1970 but is still honored in Cowikee lore - the Section to which the Lodge belongs gives out the Morgan W. Weed Best Lodge Award each year at their Conclave.
The lodge name Cowikee came from the creek that ran by the old lodge home - Camp Rotary, just outside Eufuala, AL. Cowikee translates to "river that meets itself". More about the history of Cowikee Lodge can be found at
http://www.alflcouncilbsa.org/cowikee.html
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