SPRINGFIELD — Friendly’s founder S. Prestley Blake has been
awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award upon nomination by the Western Massachusetts Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The award is granted to Eagle Scouts who continue to distinguish themselves by living and practicing the Scout Oath and Law through philanthropy and volunteerism in their adult life.
Since the Great Depression, Blake has distinguished himself in many ways, as an entrepreneur, business leader, philanthropist and citizen committed to the prosperity of Western Massachusetts. In a letter to the Sunday Republican in 2004 he wrote “I believe that corporations and businessmen must act with high principles of respect, fairness, and honesty – not greed,” underscoring the very core principles instilled in American youth by the Boy Scouts of America.
Shortly after graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, CT, Blake started a small ice cream business in Springfield, with his brother Curtis in 1935. That business, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, would eventually become one of the largest family restaurants in the United States. His ability to manage and lead resulted in the success of several non-profit organizations including the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and The New England Ice Cream Restaurant Association. His success as a philanthropist was equally impressive by supporting many local charities, schools and colleges. His opus may be the replica of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello built on the Massachusetts and Connecticut border in Somers, CT and which he has used for charitable events.
Selection for the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is made by a committee of award recipients under guidance from the National Eagle Scout Association and the Boy Scouts of America. Approximately 2,100 Eagle Scouts have received the award since 1969 including Dr. Robert Gates, former Secretary of Defense and many others who commit to living out their life according to the virtuous ideals of Scouting.
