History of the Fraternal Order of Eagles
The first meetings were held on the stages of various local theaters and after the business was settled a keg of beer was rolled out and all enjoyed a few hours of social activities. A few weeks later as their numbers grew they chose the Bald Eagle as their official emblem and changed the name to “The Fraternal Order of Eagles.” The membership formed a Grand Aerie in April 1898, secured a charter, drew up a constitution and by-laws and elected it’s first president, John Cort. Over the years, the Eagles have fought and won many bitter battles for a Workman’s Compensation Act, Mothers and Old Age Pensions, Social Security laws and “Jobs After 40” and are still fighting to liberalize present social benefits along with combating vicious diseases plaguing mankind through their sponsorship of the Art Ehrmann Cancer Fund, Max Bear Heart Fund, Jimmy Durante Children’s Fund, “Doc” Dunlap Kidney Fund and the Diabetes Fund. Many great social and political leaders have belonged to the Eagles. President Theodore Roosevelt was one of the many who joined and praised the order for its humanitarian accomplishments, as did a later Roosevelt – Franklin D. President Harry S. Truman often reiterated that the Eagles were his type of organization – one founded by, and for the common man. As you learn about our history, you will see we are just like you. Proud, Caring, People Helping People, that understand that the needs of the many will always outweigh the needs of the few.