Newspaper Article on
LaDu Prescot Roberts
Bradenton Herald July 20, 1956

Roberts’ Work As Builder Is Outstanding
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There may be those who do not think that men, who as artisans contribute to the comfort and beauty of the community by work that makes homes and public buildings attractive, should be thought of as artists.

This however is not according to the tradition of the fathers of colonial days, when the artistry of those who designed homes, furniture, wrought iron, and the painting of interiors and exteriors of buildings was well recognized.

The Herald reporter interviewing members of the “Better Business Builders” published every Monday, thought of this when talking with L.D. Roberts of Manatee, whose skill and craftsmanship has been an asset of Sunnyland Council of Boy Scouts, for the past twelve years. His work as a painter and builder and in repairing and roofing of homes and his work on many of the best known business buildings in this section, might well be judged by the standards he has set in other lines of expert workmanship.

He has created superb archery sets, built boats and canoes, is a counselor in nature study, fish culture, and for general efficiency and great service rendered in scouting, has been awarded the much prized “Silver Beaver” medal.

Born in Ohio, working at an early age in a lumber mill in Virginia, he came to Manatee county in 1907, and for fifteen years was employed at the Atwood grove. There he built the large packing house, after demolishing the old dock.

For many recent years his work has been highly regarded in this section where as a painter and decorator, specializing in repairs and roofing, he has made a reputation for dependability, and the maintaining of high standards.

Of English and Welsh ancestry, his line on the maternal side goes back in English history even to the field and battle of Acre.

Most democratic of men, familiarly known everywhere among scouts as “Pop” Roberts, he said

“I don’t see why you make so much of such things as that. I could belong to the sons of the Revolution, but what interests me is making good in your own generation. That is why I am interested in this idea of planning for a better community, and also why I am working and have been for so many years with the scout organization. The best way I know is to train the youth of the community in ideas of service, and the future will take care of itself, provided we still supply leadership.

(I don’t understand the reference to twelve years. Even the council meeting minutes of March 15, 1928 indicate that he was well involved in scouting before then. Harold Roberts – Grandson.)