Wiatava Lodge 13B Standard S-112: 2024 Wischixin Award Flap
A Lodge Tradition Captured in Felt
Today I am looking at the Wiatava Lodge 13B Standard S-112 Solid Flap, an eye-catching design from Wiatava Lodge 13 in Orange County Council, California. This particular issue celebrates the Wischixin Award, a honor that carries special meaning among Arrowmen who appreciate both lodge history and the artistry of flap design.
Wiatava Lodge, named after the Cupeño Indian term for Lost Valley meaning "place of the oaks," has been serving Southern California scouts since 1973. The lodge totem is the cogstone, an ancient artifact that reflects the archaeological richness of Orange County. That cultural heritage shows in every standard flap the lodge produces.
The S-112 solid flap carries the warm, multicolored background typical of Wiatava's most memorable designs. The rolled black edge gives it a clean, professional appearance that stands out in any trader's collection. The yellow FDL and BSA marking indicate this is a full-dress lodge flap, suitable for formal OA wear. The solid construction means consistent embroidery quality across the entire piece - no ghosting, no cut-edge complications, just reliable felt from edge to edge.
What makes this issue particularly collectible is its connection to the Wischixin Award. In OA tradition, award-specific flaps often have limited production runs. Traders who focus on comprehensive lodge collections know that these award-recognition issues become harder to find as years pass. The award designation on this S-112 means it may have been issued to a smaller group than a standard annual flap, making it a prize for serious Wiatava collectors.
From a fabric standpoint, this appears to be traditional embroidered felt construction. The rolled edge is consistent with mid-to-late series Wiatava issues. Collectors familiar with Wiatava's progression note that their later-series flaps maintain excellent embroidery quality - clean letterwork, crisp totem representation, and reliable color fastness. That consistency is why Wiatava flaps command respect in trading circles.
The Wischixin Award recognition makes this more than just another lodge flap. It's a piece of lodge history, marking an achievement that meant something to the scouts who earned it. As I look at this design, I think about the gatherings, the service, and the brotherhood behind every flap issue. This one carries that weight - it's not just a pocket flap, it's a record of an honor earned.
For traders building comprehensive Wiatava collections or seeking award-specific issues, this S-112 is worth tracking down on eBay. The multicolor background, clean borders, and award connection all add trading appeal. I've already added this one to my needs list in the Collectiblz app - it's the kind of piece that improves any serious OA collection.
