Jack Tindall, left, and another worker balance the limestone sign on a brick base placed in front of the Marietta Armory on Dec. 9. (Photo Provided)

MARIETTA – A 17-year-old Boy Scout from Troop 207 has finished a sign he hopes will last 100 years.

To obtain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouts, one of the requirements is to complete a comprehensive service project by their 18th birthday.

“I didn’t want to do just a park clean up,” Jack Tindall. “I wanted to do something that lasts.”

Tindall started on his project in March 2022.

One of his first steps was brainstorming with Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher. They came up with building the sign at the Armory.

Jack Tindall, left, and two helpers plan their next move in front of the Marietta Armory on Dec.9. (Photo Provided)

“He mentioned the city wanted to do one, but hadn’t gone through it at the time,” Tindall said.

Tindall came up with a design and submitted it to local architect Derek Buell for finalization.

The sign-engraving process started in June and encountered a few setbacks.

“This process has been anything but easy. The original stone was sandstone and it broke while at the engravers. We decided to switch to limestone because it was sturdier,” he said. “The second stone had a typo on it.”

Tindall said he was concerned the project may not be completed by his birthday on Dec. 25.

Jack Tindall smiles for the camera as the completed sign for his Eagle Scout project is placed in front of the Marietta Armory on Dec. 9. (Photo Provided)

“It crossed my mind a few times. When it was at the engravers, they didn’t give me a timeline,” he said.

The third time was a charm as the engraved stone was completed in early December.

The next step was building the full sign with bricks. Schlicher suggested Tindall reach out to the Washington County Career Center Masonry Department.

“I thought it would be a great idea for them to get experience out in the field,” Schlicher said.

Masonry Instructor Casey Strahler said he was impressed with Tindall’s project management skills.

“He’s organized this project better than others with more experience,” he said. “[Jack] will be able to do whatever he wants to in life.”

The group began laying the foundation for the sign on Dec. 9 and finished laying bricks on Tuesday.

“The bottom of the Armory is limestone and was built in 1914. This sign should last 100 years,” Tindall said

Tindall said he’s satisfied with the end result.

“Most of my family is from here. I’m happy that something I worked so hard for will have a lasting impact,” he said.

Tindall said working on the sign project taught him a lot of valuable life skills.

“I’ve learned a lot of communication skills. I was glued to my phone, getting stuff done and checking on the progress of things. It taught me to keep logs of everything. I hadn’t managed a project this big before. It will help me immensely in future endeavors.”

Tindall also said he’s connected with local businesses, who have donated time and supplies to aid in this project.

Tindall is planning to attend Ohio University and study mechanical engineering in Fall 2024. He is grateful for his upbringing in Marietta and 10-year membership in Scouts Troop 207.

“It has taught me a lot of membership and leadership abilities. We’re constantly working together,” he said., “I’ve met a lot of people through scouting and I’ll always have those connections.”

Kristen Hainkel can be reached at khainkel@newsandsentinel.com