Freeborn County, Minnesota - Chapter 27: Albert Lea Fraternities, 1911

Chapter 27: Albert Lea Fraternities

Many Beautiful Lodge Halls in the City - Masonic Orders - Odd Fellows - Knights of Pythias - Elks - Eagles - Owls - Commer¬ cial Travelers - Fraternal Insurance Orders - Patriotic Orders - Scandinavian Lodges - By John F. D. Meighen.

The sociability and spirit of brotherliness which exists in Albert Lea is shown by the number of societies and clubs that flourish here. Practically all the standard organizations are represented, one of the local lodges dating back to the fifties. In order to furnish a meeting place for this large number of orders halls have been equipped as follows : The Masonic Tem¬ ple, which occupies the entire second floor of the building at the southwest corner of Broadway and Water streets; the hall and rooms of the Danish Brotherhood, which occupies the entire second floor of their building at the northwest corner of Clark and Newton streets; the Castle Hall of the Knights of Pythias, which occupies the entire floor of the Wiegand building at the southwest corner of Broadway and William streets; the Elks' hall and club rooms, at the northeast corner of Broadway and Main streets; the Odd Fellows Hall in the Broadway Theater building at the corner of Broadway and College streets ; the club rooms and hall of the Catholic Order of Foresters in the base¬ ment floor of the building at the northwest corner of Broadway and Clark streets; the Yoeman's Hall, which occupies the entire third floor of the Hewitt building at the northwest corner of Broadway and William streets. All these halls are conveniently located, nicely furnished and well adapted for the purpose for which they are intended.

In this chapter it has been the aim to give briefly the history of the leading fraternities of Albert Lea. The societies whose histories do not appear here are those whose secretaries have failed to furnish the desired information.

Masonic Orders

Masonry in Freeborn county dates from the tall of lb55, when George S. Ruble came to Albert Lea. The craft is now repre¬ sented here by four orders: Western Star Lodge, No. 26, A. I. & A. M.; Albert Lea Chapter, No. 30, Royal Arch Masons; Apollo

Western Star Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M., received its dis¬ pensation October 1, 1857 ; held its first formal convocation November 14, 1857, and is now working under a charter granted October 27, 1858. The inception of the idea of a lodge here was m the winter^? 1855-56 when George S. Ruble, after leaving Albert Lea in the fall of 1855, stopped at Mitchell, Iowa on his way to his former home in Wisconsin. There lie visited Capt. A. W. White, whom he had previously met at a Masonic conven¬ tion. Ruble tried to persuade Captain White to locate in Free¬ born county, and, as an inducement, suggested that a Masonic lodge could be started, with the second story of a store he pro¬ posed building, as a lodge room. In March, 1856, Captain White came to Freeborn county, located a claim in the town of Pickerel Lake, went back to Mitchell to close up his business, and in May brought his family to this county. No other Masons arrived in Albert Lea that year. In June, 1857, came C. N. Norton and J. W. Brownsell, both well versed in Masonry. After diligent search, George S. Hayward and W. K. Boyles, in Hayward, and Nelson Snyder, in Riceland, were located, thus making the num¬ ber requisite for a dispensation.

During the summer of 1857, A. B. Webber built what was known as the Webber House, on the corner now occupied by Nelson Bros', block. Arrangements were made with him for the use, as a lodge room, of the room afterward known as the ball room of the hotel. While waiting for the building to be completed, and before making application for a dispensation, informal meetings were held in the upper story of a building erected by A. C. Wedge for a drug store on a lot on the west side of BroadAvay, between Clark and William street. At these meetings plans were made for the organization, and three officers were selected to be named in the dispensation. The name was also selected, though through an error, the name appears in some of the grand lodge reports as the Evening Star Lodge. In this unfinished room, with kegs for seats and boxes for desks, the first legal meeting under the dispensation was held Novem¬ ber 14, 1857. The three officers named in the dispensation were : A. W. White, W. M; Charles N. Norton. S. W. ; John W. Brownsell, J. W. The original members of the lodge Avere : A. W. White, W. M. ; Charles N. Norton, S. W. ; John W. Brownsell, J. W. ; George S. HayAvard, treasurer ; W. K. Boyles, secretary ; George S. Ruble, S. D. ; Nelson Snyder, J. D. The second meet¬ ing Avas held at the Webber Flouse. At this meeting A. B. Web¬ ber applied for membership, and, in due course of time, Avas the

The lodge possesses the secretary's record of every meeting from the called meeting of Western Star Lodge under dispen¬ sation held in the village of Albert Lea, Minnesota territory, November 14, 1857, A. L. 5857" down to the present time. Much of the history and development of the city of Albert Lea may be read between the lines of these records. On March 24, 1858. petitions from Dr. A. C. Wedge (one of the contributors to this volume and still a member of Western Star Lodge) and John W. Heath were received. On May 26 following they became entered apprentices. At that same meeting George W atson was also initiated and A. B. Webber was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. That May evening must certainly have been a busy one for this little lodge of seven members.

August 15, 1858, petitions for membership were received from H. D. Brown, A. Armstrong and William Morin, three of the most active spirits in the upbuilding of Albert Lea. They each became Master Masons before the close of the year, and each took active part in the various Masonic bodies in Albert Lea during the balance of their lives, Armstrong dying in 1873, Morin in 1887 and Brown in 1901.

The lodge was prosperous from the start and men from many neighboring points made application for membership. An important meeting was held September 27, 1858, and the E. A. degree conferred on two; the F. C. degree on two and the master's degree on two. December 1, 1858, the petition of Francis Hall, much better known as " Frank" was received and shortly after he became a member.

The early records show the filing of charges of un-Masonic conduct quite frequently and at other times committees were appointed to adjust "differences" between brothers.

present site of the postoffiee. The room was 16x30 feet, and the lodge built a small ante room at a cost of $46.56. November 17, 1858, the lodge organized under the charter signed October 27, of that year.

The lodge continued to prosper until the fall of 1861, when the war came. Many members enlisted and for a period of three years little was done. From November 13, 1861, to June 26, 1862, not a meeting was held, and for three years no degrees were conferred. The close of the war brought good times again. The membership increased and larger quarters were again neces¬ sary. The first brick building on the west side of Broadway was built in 1870 (the building now occupied by the Bijou Theatre) and the second story of the building was rented by the lodge, the first meeting being held there March 8, 1871. The secretary's record of that meeting reads in part as follows: "A stated communication of Western Star Lodge No. 26, was held in the new hall over White's store on Wednesday evening, March 8, A. D. 1871, A. L. 5871. Officers present : Brothers

With the rapid growth of the order still larger quarters were needed and C. M. Hewitt added a third story to his store building at the nortlnvest corner of Broadway and William streets, for this purpose. The first meeting there was held September 10, 1873. Soon after occupying the rooms a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was instituted (1874), later a Commandery (1879), and still later a Chapter of the Eastern Star (1888). The steady growth of the orders made still further enlargements in quarters necessary and the quarters now occupied by the Elks' Hall and club rooms, at the northeast corner of Broadway and Main street, were fitted up an at expense of $1,500.00 for the use of the Masonic orders. Brothers F. M. Crane and John S. Chap¬ man were leading spirits in arranging and decorating the new quarters. In the Grand Chapter proceedings for 1895 the Grand High Priest says of these quarters: "On February 6, 1895, I officially visited Albert Lea Chapter, No. 30, and installed the officers. This chapter is now meeting in the new Masonic Hall fitted up by the Masons of that place, the chapter paying its share of the expense. They can justly claim as fine quarters as any chapter in the state, the furnishing being equal to that in the best lodge rooms in the Twin Cities." The first meet¬ ing in the present Masonic Temple at the southwest corner of Broadway and Water street was held Tuesday evening, March

As a result of the labors of Leslie A. Hanes, P. W. M., during 1905-1906, portraits of every Worshipful Master from the insti¬ tution of the lodge until 1904 were placed upon its walls. Another valuable treasure resulting from the labor of Brother Hanes is a framed collection of the photographs of the seven charter members which today adorns the ante room in the new Masonic Temple. At the same time he obtained photographs of nearly the entire membership of the lodge, which grouped in frames, now hang upon the walls of the ante room and parlors.

Time and space do not permit adequate comment on the faithfulness of the more active members of the organization during its fifty-four years of life.

A volume might be written about the activities of George W. Geesey, P. W. M., a resident of London township, who, during the years he was W orshipful Master, made the long journey by team each meeting night from his home to Albert Lea, and who, during the latter years of his life, acted as Master at. each Masonic funeral service and whose sons are still members of Western Star Lodge.

Ove the t^ ler s door in the present Masonic Temple hangs a photograph of William Lowe, much better known as "Bill Lowe, who for a score of years and more acted as tyler for the blue lodge and sentinel for the chapter and commandery.

It would be equally appropriate if a portrait of Ole J. Wulff were hung over the secretary's desk, as during a like period of time he has been secretary of the blue lodge, and during much of that time recorder for the chapter and commandery as well.

A, W. White, the first Worshipful Master of the lodge, re¬ mained one of its members until his death, July 13, 1907, when he was buried with Masonic honors by the organization he had labored so faithfully to build up.

For several years the lodge enjoyed the distinction of having among its active members a grandfather, Charles R. Ransom, his son, Robert G. Ransom, and his grandson, Charles Arthur Ransom.

For more than thirty years Dr. G. W. Barck has been organist. During that time no member has been initiated, passed and raised without Dr. Barck acting as organist in the conferring of at least one of the three degrees, and usually in each of them.

On January 22, 1908, Western Star Lodge, No. 26, conferred the Master Mason degree at the Grand Lodge meeting in St. Paul, the following officers acting: Worshipful master, John F. D. Meiglien; senior warden, Luman J. H. Land; junior warden, Charles M. Wilkinson; senior deacon, Bert R. May; junior deacon, William J. Beal; senior steward, William H. May; junior steward, Charles E. Brainerd. The three craftsmen: Nels C. Sorenson, William C. Mitchell, Charles W. Turnbull. The twelve craftsmen : Frank A. Snow, Lester W. Spicer, Lesley S. Whitcomb, Charles E. Brainerd, Daniel Walker, Alex McKee, Andrew Boyum, Frank Skinner, George L. Sterns, Milton P. Fuller, Louis J. Okre, Jacob P. Peterson. Its rendition of the ritualistic work received high commendation.

ner of Broadway and Water street was erected. The building committee were: Joseph P. Hurley, Frank W. Barlow, Nels C. Sorenson, Curtis B. Kellar, Thomas W. Wilson and John F. D. ALeighen. By an agreement entered into with the Albert Lea Fire Department Relief Association, all the portion of the build¬ ing above the second floor joists, together with the stairway and right of support, belongs to the lodge.

The total cost of the building enclosed, but not including cost of lot, heating, plumbing, wiring or partitions, was $17,708.86, of which the lodge paid $5,228.55.

nished, amounted to substantially $10,500, and was largely borne by a $7,500 bond issue, purchased by members of the lodge, draw¬ ing 4 per cent interest, due on or before twenty years from date, and in any event on the death of the original bondholder.

The lodge room was furnished during 1910 at an additional expense of $1,300, the committee in charge being Charles E. Brainerd, Lesley S. Whitcomb and William J. Beal.

The first member to die was W. K. Boyles, who passed away August 14, 1858. In the minutes of the September 1, 1858, meet¬ ing we find this statement: "The report of committee to draft resolutions on the death of Brother W. K. Boyles was received and adopted. Motion carried that said resolution be published in the 'Bancroft Pioneer,' and copy of the same be deposited in the lodge, also copies be forwarded to the friends of the deceased." The Masonic funeral ritual was first spoken in Freeborn county at the grave of Rev. D. H. Palmer, a Baptist clergyman, who died at Glenville, September 19, 1872. The lodge members drove to Glenville by team and the burial was had in the old cemetery there, near the site of the present Rock Island railway station. Brother Palmer was made a Mason in Western Star Lodge on May 10, 1865.

Wednesday evening has been set aside to the Masonic orders at Albert Lea for over fifty years. In the minutes of the blue lodge meeting held November 14, 1857, we read: "On motion it was resolved that the regular meetings of the lodge should be held on Wednesday on or before the full moon in each month, at 6 o'clock p. m." On March 16, 1859, the by-laws of the blue lodge were amended so as to make the meeting nights the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. The blue lodge has never changed its meeting nights since that time. rl he other bodies have their regular meetings as follows: The Chapter on the first Wednesday evening of each month, the Commandery on the third Wednesday evening, and the Eastern Star on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings.

Emil Nelson, junior warden; Ole J. Wulff, secretary; Curtis B. Kellar, treasurer; Jordon R. Jackson, senior deacon; Harry D. Claybourn, junior deacon; J. B. Claybourn, senior steward; L. P. Wohlhuter, junior steward; Burt May, tyler; Rev. George II Mueller, chaplain; Dr. G. W. Barck, organist.

The lodge had seven charter members; 356 have been raised; 47 have been restored; 171 have joined by dimit, making a total of 581; 198 have been granted (limits; 75 have been dropped from the rolls, and 62 have died, making a total of 335. The net membership at the present date (October, 1911) is 246.

Albert Lea Chapter, No. 30, Royal Arch Masons. This organ¬ ization dates from 1874. In the Grand High Priest's address at the thirteenth Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Minnesota, held in St. Paul in June, 1874, he mentions the grant¬ ing of a dispensation for the opening of a chapter as follows: "To be held at Albert Lea, Freeborn county - Name, Albert Lea; issued March 30. Comp. A. W. White to be H. P. Comp. Geo. W. Prescott to be K. Comp. Jud. S. Lincoln to be S." At that same Grand Chapter Convocation the committee on charters and dispensations recommended granting a charter to Albert Lea. and reported on the state of the records as follows: " Albert Lea-

Records also irregular in form, and written on sheets of paper; should be re-written in a book kept for the purpose." The char¬ ter was issued June 25, 1874. It names as High Priest, Asa W. M liite, the same White who had assisted in the organization of Western Star Lodge, No. 26, and who was its first Worshipful master. As King the charter names George W. Prescott, who at that time was an Anointed Past Grand High Priest. As Scribe it names Fred S. Lincoln, av1\o afterwards became High Priest.

The chapter had been instituted under dispensation on March 30, 1874, and the first meeting was held April 17,- 1874, the officers being: A. W. White, II. P. ; C. L. West, K. ; S. Partridge, S. ; II. Powell, C. of H. ; F. S. Lincoln, P. S. ; George Woodward, R. A. C. ; William Morin, Tr. ; F. S. Sinclair, secretary.

In the address of the Grand High Priest before the Grand Chapter in 1876 he comments on Albert Lea Chapter as follows : "On the evening of December 15, 1875, I met with the Compan¬ ions of Albert Lea Chapter, No. 30, in Special Convocation. They are but few in number, but they manifest that attachment to the < hapter that should actuate all Royal Arch Masons, and I trust they will bring their Chapter to the front rank in the practice of our rites and ceremonies. Their hall is large, suitable, safe and convenient. Records, books and papers well kept. A fine set of jewels and good furniture, with a small cash balance in the treas¬ ury. The roll shows only eleven members, as several have dimitted to join elsewhere, but they almost always have a full attend-

No history of this Chapter is complete without special refer¬ ence to High Priest Frank B. Fobes, who afterwards became Grand High Priest. In the proceedings of the Grand Chapter for 1902 is found the following record of his life : "Past Grand High Priest Frank B. Fobes died at his home in Albert Lea, April 12. 1902. Comp. Fobes was born in New York in 1841, came West at an early day, and settled in Wisconsin. After his removal to Albert Lea, he became strongly identified with its local affairs, and held many important offices in county and city. Although modest and cpiiet, he was a man of intensely honest purpose, and did much to further the interests of Masonry in the state. About three years previous to his death he was stricken with paralysis, leaving him almost helpless, his condition every year being a matter of interest to this body, which now mourns his loss. Comp. Fobes joined Western Star Lodge, No. 26, from Ripon, Wis. ; was exalted in Albert Lea Chapter, No. 30, December 10, 1874, and was created a Knight Templar in Apollo Commandery, No. 12, at Albert Lea, December 19, 1879. He was High Priest of his chapter in 1888, and Grand High Priest in 1895."

Special mention should also be made of Charles M. Wilkin¬ son, Past High Priest, who from 1902 until 1911 was continuously one of the officers of the Grand Chapter.

The Anointed High Priests of Albert Lea Chapter are as fol¬ lows : Frank B. Fobes, P. G. H. P. (1886) ; L. F. Peabody (1896) ; W. P. Sergeant (1880) ; Charles F. Towne (1897). Among the High Priests of the Chapter since its organization and institu¬ tion are : A. W. White, F. S. Lincoln, F. B. Fobes, L. F. Peabody, W. P. Sergeant, G. S. Gowdy, Charles F. Towne, H. G. Wohlhuter, C. M. Wilkinson, Nels C. Sorenson, FI. C. Higgins, AY. C. Mitchell, John F. D. Meighen.

Apollo Commandery, No. 12, Knights Templar. In 1880 the Right Eminent Grand Commander, in addressing the Grand Com¬ mandery of Minnesota, said: "Upon the petition of a number of Sir Knights mainly residing upon or near the line of the Southern Minnesota Railroad, and believing that the interests of the order would be promoted and that a live commandery could be sup¬ ported and maintained at Albert Lea, on the first day of October, 1879, I issued a dispensation to form and open a commandery at that place, to be entitled Apollo Commandery, U. D., and appointed Sir Knight John Boyce, Eminent Commander; Sir Knight Henry R. AVells, Generalissimo, and Sir Knight AI. IT. Avery, Captain General thereof. I received a very kind invita¬ tion from the Sir Knights thus appointed to visit Albert Lea and assist the commandery thus formed in its first work of confer¬ ring t lie Orders upon several candidates. Unfortunately, how¬ ever, for me, at the time designated, other engagements pre¬ vented my acceptance of such invitation, and I was reluctantly compelled to forego that which would have afforded me much pleasure. The V. E. Deputy Grand Commander (Sir Robert L. McCormick) was present upon that occasion."

Apollo Commandery was instituted under dispensation on the first of October, 1879, with nineteen charter members, and was duly constituted under charter July 21, 1880, at which time the following officers were installed: John Boyce, E. C. ; William Morin, Gen. ; M. IT. Avery, C. G. ; A. A. Peck, S. W. ; F. S. Lin¬ coln, J. W. ; F. B. Fobes, AY.; Sidney Partridge, St. B. ; AY. C. Pratt, Recorder.

a charter was granted to Apollo Commandery, No. 12, located at Albert Lea, which commandery was duly constituted July 21st. 1880. It being impossible for me to be present on that occasion,

I commissioned AT. E. Sir R. L. McCormick, D. G. Commander, to perform the duty of constituting the new commandery, who, assisted by E. Sir L. Z. Rogers, Grand Generalissimo ; E. Sir N. Staughton, Grand Standard Bearer, and E. Sir Ralph A"an Dusen, Grand Warder, very creditably and acceptably performed the duty of executing the command of this body as expressed in the charter granted by you."

The membership at present is eighty, the list of members in good standing being as follows: A. G. Brundin, F. AY. Barlow, John E. Barron, C. R. Brundin, B. L. Blair, Charles E. Brainerd,

Halcyon Chapter, No. 21, Order Eastern Star, had its begin¬ ning in a meeting held April 10, 1888, in the Masonic hall, which at that time was in the second story of the Hewitt building. Those present were: F. B. Fobes, Anna Fobes, AAT. A. Higgins, Sarah Higgins, A. H. Squires, Georgia Squires, AY. J. Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, AAr. AY. Parker, Fanny Parker, AYilliam Lowe, Rhoda Lowe, J. Q. Annis and S. S. Mallory. These names appear on the charter. The first officers were: AY. M., Sarah A. Hig¬ gins ; AY. P., F. B. Fobes ; A. M., Elizabeth Taylor. Since then the officers have been as follows, the AY. M., AY. P. and A. M., respectively, being given under each year : 1889 - Sarah A. Hig¬ gins, F. B. Fobes, Elizabeth Taylor; 1890 - Sarah A. Higgins, F. B. Fobes, Mary Palmer; 1891 - Sarah A. Higgins, William J. Taylor, Salome Geissler; 1892 - Salome Geissler, A. II. Squires, Rhoda Lowe ; 1893 - Georgia Squires, AY. A. Higgins, Alary A. Cran¬ dall; 1894 - Mary A. Crandall, 0. J. Wulff. Lillie AYescott; 1895 - Mary A. Crandall, 0. J. AYulff, Lillie AArescott; 1896 - Lillie AYescott, 0. J. Wulff, Ida M. Bliss; 1897 - Ida M. Bliss, 0. J. AYulff, Ella Brundin; 1898 - Ida M. Bliss, 0. J. AYulff, Carrie Vaughn; 1899 - Ida M. Bliss, 0. J. AYulff, Anna Whitney; 1900 - Sarah A. Higgins, C. N. Ruble, Etta Johnson; 3901 - Ida M. Bliss, C. N. Ruble, Anna AVhitney; 1902 - Agnes K. Armstrong, AY. AY. Parker, Nellie H. AYulff (Airs. Armstrong having removed from the jurisdiction, Nellie 11. AYulff was elected AY. AI. and Hattie S. Fuller, A. AI., for the balance of the year) ; 1903 - Ida AI. Bliss, AYilliam J. Taylor, Anna AVhitney; 1904 - Alaucle AVliitcomb, L. M. Kaplan, Bertha Hoffman; 1905 - Maude Whitcomb, L. At. Kaplan, Anna Whitney; 1906 - Edith Clarkson, N. C. Sorrensen, Lianna Esping (Edith Clarkson removed from the juris¬ diction and Hanna Esping filled the office of AY. AI. for the bal¬ ance of the year) ; 1907 - Ida AI. Bliss, 0. J. AYulff, Hanna Esping;

1908 - Lucinda Cook, H. H. Cook, Mary Crandall; 1909 - Ida M. Bliss, John F. I). Meiglien, Claudia M. Bruyn; 1910 - Claudia M. Bruyn, Charles AY. Turnbull, Martha E. May; 1911 - Lucinda Cook. II. II. Cook, Martha E. May. The chapter has had a steady growth and at present has 140 members. It has at various times been represented in the Grand Chapter of the state of Minne¬ sota; Anna Fobes, as associated grand matron; Ida M. Bliss, as grand chaplain; Lillie AYeseott, as associate conductress; Hanna Esping, as grand Electa. At the schools of instruction that are held each year in the district, Halcyon Chapter has taken an active part and a number of times has exemplified the work, doing it in a verv creditable manner. Ida M. Bliss filled the office of district deputy grand matron two years and Hanna Esping one year.

AATien the Chapter had been organized ten years, a very enjoy¬ able anniversary was observed. Nearly all of the members took part in one way or another. At the installation of the officers Western Star Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M., in 1903, the sisters of Halcyon Chapter took charge of the social features, and pre¬ sented the lodge with a beautiful ivory gavel. A fraternal spirit prompted the giving and the hearts of the Masonic brothers responded in loving gratitude.

Odd Fellows

Oddfellowship in Albert Lea dates from August, 1877. The order is now represented by two bodies, Albert Lea Lodge, No. 6L I. O. O. F., and Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 106. I. O. 0. F.

Albert Lea Lodge, No. 61, I. 0. 0. F., received its charter from Grand Master D. A. Morrison, August 14, 1877, and on that date he declared the lodge to be duly instituted, to take effect August 29 of the same year. Five men - George T. Gardner, AY. H. Long, S. H. Cadv. J. R. Purvis and Rev. G. S. Gowdy - were the charter members. The first officers were: S. H. Cady; A". G., George T. Gardner; R. S., E. C. Stacv; T., G. S. Gowdy. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, having steadily increased in membership, and prospered in a financial way. Faithful to its teachings, the members have many times been enabled to render needed assistanee to worthy brothers and their families. The lodge has recently purchased a fine location on the corner of Newton and William streets, and now contemplates building, in the near future, a fine lodge home. The lodge room is now in the New Opera House building at the corner of Broadway and College street. The membership is nearly one hundred, and the regular meetings are held on Monday evening of each week. The present elective offi¬ cers are: C. J. Dudley. N. G. ; L. A. Hanes, Y. G. ; E. A. Neu-

Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 106, I. 0. 0. F. The Rebekah Degree of Odd Fellowship at the present time is represented in Albert Lea and Freeborn county as well by Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 106, I. 0. 0. F. It is the only Rebekah Lodge in Freeborn county.

This lodge was instituted on January 10, 1895, by Mrs. M. L. Norton, president of the Minnesota Rebekah Assembly. The charter members were: A. H. Squires, D. L. Squires, S. Id. .Cady, M. J. AY ulff, J. H. Menifee, Herman Klinke, Geor gia A. Squires, Alice Squires, Kittie M. Cady, Inga YYulff, Elizabeth Menifee, T. K. Olson, C. H. Calkins.

The elective officers chosen at this time were : Elizabeth Men¬ ifee, noble grand; Alice Squires, vice grand; C. H. Calkins, recording secretary; Inga YYTilff, treasurer. Since the organiza¬ tion of the lodge 158 names appear on the membership roll. The largest number of members at any one time was seventy-one. The present membership is thirty-seven. The present elective officers are : Julia YYalilin, N. G. ; Margaret Larson, Y. G. ; Ella Willard, recording secretary; Emergene Massee, financial secre¬ tary ; Elizabeth Menifee, treasurer.

The following members have filled the chair of noble grand at various times since the organization in 1895 : Elizabeth Ylenifee, Flelen Cady, Laura Palma, Libbie Richards, Jennie English, Marie Peterson, Alice Squires, Inga YYulff, Alice Marlett, Mar¬ garet Larson, Fannie Biddell, Caroline Horning, Ella Braga, Annice McMahn, Etta Johnson, Emergene Massee, Ella Willard, Ida Brown. Julia YYalilin, the present incumbent, has served many terms.

A Rebekah Lodge, Albert Lea, No. 16, was organized at a much earlier date, and was in existence for many years, it surrendered its charter in 1893.

Pythian Orders

Henry A. Morgan, Thomas A. Wiley, Jr., D. W. Flemming, Julius E. Peterson, John P. Von Berg, Andrew N. Daniels, W. Huffer, Frank A. Slosson, Henry N. Nelson, George II. Rohrbeek, William E. Sturtevant, Edward O. Hand, John R. Rohrbeek, C. P. Hedenstad, Thomas M. Blacklin, Joseph B. Gibson, Peter P. Berg, Rolla S. Farnsworth, Simon Strauss, C. R. Brundin, L. A. Brown, Alartin Dye, H. A. Hanson, P. A. Nelson, H. C. Higgins, Thomas 0. Eleven, H. Matthews and C. S. Prentice. The first officers were : Morris E. Cole, P. C. ; Seward H. Cady, P. C. ; John P. Hovland, C. C. ; H. A. Morgan, V. C. ; C. L. Luce, P. ; T. V. Knatvold, K. of R. S. ; Morey E. Stern, M. F. ; C. A. Briggs, M. E. : F. A". Trvon, M. A. ; L. 0. Greene, I. G. ; I. L. Ingbriisen, O. G. ; trus¬ tees, S. Strauss, T. M. Blacklin, H. A. Hanson, S. H. Cady, G. L. R.

The charter was issued September 10, 1890. The lodge was organized in the Masonic hall on the third floor of the Hewitt building, at the northwest corner of Broadway and AVilliam street, and met afterwards in the Odd Fellows' hall until March 15, 1895. Meanwhile a third story had been added to the Wiegand building, at the southwest corner of Broadway and William street, for the use of the order, and a long-term lease thereon secured. For the purpose of furnishing and decorating the hall an assessment of $15 per member was volunteered. The new Castle Hall was dedicated on the evening of March 5, 1895, and an elaborate program prepared and banquet served. Those tak¬ ing part in the program were: Albert Lea Division, No. 21, Uni¬ form Rank ; Brigadier-General F. S. McDonald, Minneapolis ; Grand Chancellor Fred E. Wheaton, Minneapolis ; Judge Grier M. Orr, G. K. of R. S., St. Paul; Col. R. O. Philpot, Owatonna; Chancellor Commander C. S. Edwards; H. A. Morgan, I. L. Ingbritsen, T. V. Knatvold and Simon Strauss. The toastmaster on this occasion was T. V. Knatvold. At this writing the lodge still has a long-term lease on this space, which was christened the Knights of Pythias Hall. The hall was wholly remodeled and redecorated during the summer of 1907. During the Spanish American war, when Company I, Second Alinnesota National Guard, was mustered into service and taken to Chickamauga. eight of the ten officers of the company were of the Albert Lea Lodge, K. of P., as well as many privates. Resolu¬ tions were passed May 10, 1898, providing for a special com¬ mittee to keep in touch with the brother volunteers, to see that all dues were paid, also to look after all those who were depend¬ ent upon them for the necessaries of life, should they need assist¬ ance. Some of the brothers were taken ill or injured while at Chickamauga, and, with the assistance of the brothers at Lex¬ ington, Ky., they were assisted in many ways and their stay at Chickamauga made more pleasant than it could otherwise have been. Thursday, May 30, 1899, about forty-five of the members of No. 66 made a pilgrimage to Fairmount for the purpose of instituting a Knights of Pythias lodge at that place. Their rank conferring work was of such a high character that many invita¬ tions have been received to confer the ranks before other lodges. They have conferred the third rank at Minneapolis, Waseca, Owatonna, Dodge Center and Lyle, in Minnesota, and in Germania and Osage, Iowa, also many other places. Many times a special train has been used, and they have been accompanied by the Knights of Pythias orchestra. The lodge has always been in good financial condition, with a steady growth each year. The membership is composed mostly of the business and professional men of the city. The following members have served the lodge as chancellor commander, and in this capacity have been a credit to the organization : John P. ITovland, Seward H. Cady, Morris E. Cole, Henry A. Morgan, T. V. Knatvold, Leroy 0. Greene, Clement S. Edwards, R. S. Farnsworth, FI. C. Higgins, S. Strauss, L. A. Brown, L. S. Whitcomb, Fred H. Mallery, H. E. Keller, Martin Blacklin, J. P. Greene, Norman E. Peterson, Jacob P. Petersen, John F. D. Meighen and William J. Yoight. Those who have received state honors are : H. C. Pliggins, grand inner guard ; Clement S. Edwards, G. Y. C. and fraternal correspond¬ ent ; and J. P. Petersen, G. M. A. and fraternal correspondent. The present spirit of the lodge is well illustrated by the following quotation from the 1911 grand chancellor's report to the grand lodge :

"Albert Lea, No. 66, is sure a winner. A page could be writ¬ ten about their minstrel shoAvs, theatre parties, lantern work and ritualistic renditions. They have the right spirit and will soon own their own home. There is only one Jake Petersen, and he lives, moves, breathes and has his being in No. 66. Nothing short of a cyclone would ever retard the grow.th of Albert Lea. When¬ ever they want a blow-out, they secure enough new members to pay for it - great idea, that. ' '

Order Of Elks

Abe Ilirsch was awarded the much coveted No. 1 on the mem¬ bership roll, as it was his good work and efforts that placed the lodge in this city, and he might well bear the title of "Father and Founder" of No. 813. Brother Hirsch was originally a mem¬ ber of Olewein Lodge, but presented his application for member¬ ship here soon after the institution of this lodge. AY. AI. AIcAllister was first to occupy the chair of exalted ruler, and with him was John G. Skinner as secretary.

Nicely furnished club rooms were put in order on the third floor of the Broadway Theatre building. A parlor, card room, buffet, kitchen and billiard room made up the quarters and here the lodge maintained headquarters until Alarch. 1910, when the club rooms were moved to the Hewitt block, at corner of East Alain street and Broadway, where the home is now located. Up to the time of this move the lodge meetings were held in the Knights of Pythias hall, located on the third floor of the AYiegand block, at the corner of AYest AYilliam street and Broadway, as the former club rooms did not furnish ample room for lodge purposes. The present quarters are very comfortable and are made up with the lodge room in connection with the club. In addition to a large and spacious hall, there is a parlor and loung¬ ing room, card room, billiard room, buffet and kitchen, and are furnished in elegant style, which altogether make a most com¬ fortable club home for its members.

The initiation fee was placed at $25, and no change has been made. The annual dues are $10 per member, which entitles him to all privileges of the order and club rooms. The order has made a steady growth until now the membership roll has reached number 312. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, its club rooms receive good patronage, and it can be classed as one of the leading social organizations of the city.

It is with deep regret that the following names are listed under the head of those who have gone before: Edward A. Foote, George Breckman, C. N. Ruble, L. E. AVetherell, Louis Peterson, L. J. Okre, Ben Huntley, Theodore Hoidal, F. E. Case, AY. H. AleAllister, 0. J. Narverude, John C. Munkhoff, George T. A[cCrearv, P. Bischoff. AY. H. AYood. Alemorial services are held each year on the first Sunday in December, and a fitting program is rendered in memory of the departed members.

Present grand lodge members are F. FI. Mallery, John G. Skin¬ ner, AY. L. Devaney and C. M. Wilkinson. Regular meetings are held the first and third Monday evenings of each month, at the Home, corner East Main street and Broadway, where visiting members are always welcome.

United Commercial Travelers

The council has ever since its organization been recognized as a "live one," and many a council in this grand jurisdiction has measured its prosperity by Albert Lea Council. The membership has been steadily on the increase, and December 1, 1910, Albert Lea Council had a membership of ninety-seven. The aim has always been "quality and not quantity," and the result is that the council is in keeping with the tenets of the order, which are : Unity, Charity and Temperance.

One year following the organization, AY. B. Clarkson, J. E. Fitch and Martin Blacklin were sent to the grand council meet¬ ing at Sioux Falls, S. D., with instructions to invite the grand body to meet at Albert Lea in 1906. Their efforts were success¬ ful, and on June 8-9 the grand council held their annual session in Albert Lea. This session was so ably handled by the Albert Lea Council, assisted by the Commercial Club, that it went on record as the best and most successful meet of this Grand Body.

Clarkson was elected grand sentinel, and has been advanced each year, and now holds the office of senior grand counselor, which is next to the highest gift within the grand body.

Owls And Eagles

Albert Lea Lodge No. 734, Fraternal Order of Eagles, is a growing organization with a fair membership among the young men of the city. The Order of Owls also has a nest in this city and maintains some pleasing social features for its members.

Fraternal Insurance Orders

Many fraternal insurance orders are represented in this city, all having large memberships and being in a flourishing state. Among them are: Ancient Order of Workmen, Albert Lea Lodge, No. 71; Independent Order of Foresters, Court Albert, No. 1950; Knights of the Maccabees, Browning Tent, No. 28 ; the Ladies of the Maccabees, Albert Lea Hive, No. 28; Modern Brotherhood of America, Dimick Lodge, No. 574; Modern AYoodmen, Chincapin Camp, No. 835; Royal Arcanum, Albert Lea Lodge, No. 1406; Royal Neighbors, Rose Leaf Camp, No. 354.

Albert Lea Lodge, No. 71, A. 0. U. W., was organized Novem¬ ber 14, 1881, the charter officers being: R. C. Van Vechten, P. M. W. ; R. N. Parks, M. AY.; G. AY. Rutan, foreman; J. AY. Dalton, overseer; Chauncey Burtch, recorder; James A. Fuller, financier; M. M. Dodge, receiver ; George Gardner, guide ; C. L. Alueller, in¬ side watchman; Martin Oleson, outside watchman. That this lodge has prospered and that it has well taken care of the widows and orphans of its deceased brothers, the records eloquently tes¬ tify. During its life of nearly thirty years there have been thirtytour deaths and the total of $65,000 has been cheerfullv and promptly paid to the beneficiaries. During the tenure of office of the present recorder, Thomas I. Bergen, a period of five years, the lodge has paid out to the beneficiaries the sum of $29,000. The lodge at the present time has a membership of 150 and is in a very flourishing condition. There is also an auxiliary lodge, known as the Degree of Honor, which has been of great help to the local lodge in many ways, but especially along social lines. From the time of its birth in this city down to the present time, this pioneer of all fraternal insurance orders has enjoyed a membership of men in all walks in life, and some of Albert Lea's best business and professional men are now, or have been, members of this lodge. FolloAving is a list of the master workmen of this lodge from the date of its organization: M. M. Dodge, S. S. Stauss, Adam Wiegand, Alex McNeill, William Tweedy, W. J. Taylor, W. S. Casey, J. E. Staclheim, S. S. Strauss, M. F. Donahue, Adam Wiegand, C. R. Brundin, H. F. Korfhage, John Doerr, II. F. Korfhage, William Barneck, H. F. Korfhage and J. H. Menefee. The recorders have been: Aug. Peterson, F. AY. Barlow, 0. Knudson, Jr., John AY. AYood, Ole J. AYulff and Thomas I. Bergen. *0. J. Wulff has an honorable record as recorder from 1894 to 1906, when the present recorder took office. The present officers are : P. M. AY., H. F. Korfhage ; M. AY., J. H. Alenefee ; foreman, Fred Urfer ; overseer, Walter E. Bickford ; recorder, Thomas I. Bergen ; financier, A. F. AYohlhuter; receiver, 0. J. AYulff; guide, Carl Jacobson; inside watch, Nels Nelsen; outside watch, AY. AIcNeill; medical examiners, Drs. J. P. von Berg and R. G. Stevenson; trus¬ tees, C. R. Brundin, H. F. Korfhage and Alex AIcNeill.

Albert Lea Council, No. 1406, Royal Arcanum, was instituted April 21, 1900, with a charter membership of thirty-seven, by Deputy Grand Regent Frank R. AIcDonald. The first officers and charter members were as follows : Regent, Henry C. Carlson ; vice-regent, Dr. AY. C. Alerrill ; orator, J. AY. Olson ; sitting past regent, J. D. Dauterman ; secretary, Salsick Halverson - collector, C. A. Briggs ; treasurer, C. A. Ransom ; chaplain, John P. Klemme ; guide, Julius E. Fitch; warden, Frank Thompson; sentry, E. AY. Blaisdell ; trustees, C. AY. Ransom, A. AlcCullock, Charles S. Prentice. Other charter members were : D. C. Armstrong, AYalter Carlson, C. H. Day, A. Erickson, E. A. Foote, J. H. Griffin, F. A. Hauge, G. R. Jennings, P. C. Jensen, P. C. Johnson, George AY. Johnson, J. L. Klemme, E. H. Korfhage, J. A. Lietz, H. A. Alorgan, AY. AY. Parker, J. C. Sheffer, C. AL Simonson, J. G. Skinner, C. E. South wick, S. G. Thompson, Dr. AY. E. Todd and Prof. G. AI. AYilcox. Of the charter members, J. D. Dauterman joined by card from a council in Iowa ; J. E. Fitch, from St. Paul Council, No. 656, and G. M. Wilcox from Faribault Council, No. 1506.

in the order of their election: Claude E. Southwick, D. C. Arm¬ strong, Julius E. Fitch, S. Halverson, S. K. Swenson. Leslie A. Hanes and Joseph P. Hurley. The following members from Albert Lea Council have held office in the grand council, namely : D. C. Armstrong, grand sentry, 1901 ; grand warden, 1902 ; mem¬ ber of committee on appeals, 1903-4. Julius E. Fitch, grand war¬ den, 1903-4 ; grand guide, 1905-6. S. K. Swenson, grand orator, 1908 ; grand vice-regent, 1909-10.

No deaths have occurred in the membership of Albert Lea Council since its institution; but two members that transferred to other councils have died, namely, Edward A. Foote, who became a member of Sisseton Council, in Fairmont; and Ira L "Weeks, a member of Sioux Council, No. 1308.

Albert Lea District Court of Honor, No. 478. The first meet¬ ing of this organization was held September 27, 1897, and at that time the following officers were duly elected: AY. J. Anthony, chancellor; Mrs. Hattie Greenwood, vice-chancellor; Mrs. Jennie Reynolds, past chancellor; Mrs. Cora Styve, chaplin; Charles Greenwood, conductor; J. AY. Stage, recorder; Carl C. Jorgenson, guard; Theodore Jorgenson, sentinel; Oluf Styve, treasurer; Myron Reynolds, E. Greemvood and Arthur Nelson, directors.

The order is composed of both men and women and, aside from its purpose of advancing fraternity and promoting benevo¬ lence and charity, provides death benefits and assistance to mem¬ bers who are totally and permanently disabled' by accident. It is a subordinate body of the Court of Honor, organized under the laws of Illinois, having its lieadcpiarters at Springfield.

The present officers are : Chancellor, Airs. Ruth N. Petitt ; vicechancellor, Airs. Martha Clark ; past chancellor, AI. Reynolds ; recorder, Airs. Della Elben; chaplain, Airs. Hattie Greenwood; conductor, Scott Elben ; sentinel, Edson Petitt ; guard, Airs. Emma Luesman; directors, AI. Reynolds, Edson Petitt and Ed. Green¬ wood; medical director, Dr. J. P. von Berg.

The Knights of the Maccabees of the World. The applicants for a charter to form a subordinate tent of the Knights of the Alaccabees met at the Knights of Pythias hall, Albert Lea, on the evening of February 22, 1895, and were called to order by Deputy E. N. Crittenden. Owing to the small number present, no formal organization was made. The name chosen for the tent was Browning. On Alarch 1, 1895, several more were added and offi- cers elected, with S. AY. Skinner as commander and J. J. Reid as record keeper. C. J. Johnsrud took office September 30, 1895. During the year 1895 the tent had some difficulty in retaining its dispensation for a charter, hut grew from four to about twenty members at the close of 1895, the majority of the members, how¬ ever, carrying mostly sick and accident benefits. In the early part of 1896 an effort was made to close the charter with fifteen life benefit members, and on April 23 the charter of Browning Tent, No. 28, was granted, with T. V. Knatvold as commander and H. E. Skinner record keeper. From that time until the pres¬ ent the tent has enjoyed its share of usefulness to the community and has been the means of rendering aid in many cases to mem¬ bers in need, beside paying beneficiaries of deceased members - T. K. Olson, $1,000; C. H. Dills, $1,000; J. P. Madson, $1,000; C. G. Johnsrud, $1,000, and S'. J. Wells, $1,000. The life member¬ ship on January 1, 1911, was ninety-seven, carrying insurance amounting to $108,750. The names of the commanders and record keepers from 1896 who have served a majority of months in any one year, or until successors qualified, are as follows : Command¬ ers - 1896, T. V. Knatvold; 1897, C. G. Johnsrud; 1898, M. L. Olson; 1899, C. H. Dills; 1900, J. H. Menefee; 1901, C. M. Wilkin¬ son; 1902, AY. E. Hammond; 1903, AY. H. Miniely ; 1904, 1905, 1906, J. E. Murtaugh; 1907, 1908, 1909, Lewis Larson; 1910, AAT. E. Bickford ; 1911, Lewis Larson. Record keepers - 1896 to 1900, Andrew Haugen; 1900 to 1903, J. E. Murtaugh; 1903, R. E. Dills; 1904 to 1906, J. K. Stoa ; 1907 to 1910, J. E. Murtaugh ; 1910 and 1911, H. M. lrates.

was organized August 30, 1898, with twenty-three charter mem¬ bers, three of whom were benefit members. The first officers were : Past commander, Helen Cady ; commander, Airs. E. J. Alenefee ; lieutenant commander, Airs. Sarah J. Skinner ; record keeper, Grace Skinner; finance keeper, Volberg Bjelland; chaplain, Airs. Annie Sullivan ; sergeant, Airs. Lillian Anderson ; sentinel, Gerda Kaas; picket, Grace Lackore; mistress at arms, Airs. Ella Olson. Albert Lea Hive has lost four benefit members by death, and

The present membership of Albert Lea Hive, No. 28, is fiftysix, and fortv-five of that number are benefit members. The officers are: Commander, Airs. Atinnie Larson; lieutenant com¬ mander. Airs. Cora B. Hill; past commander, Airs. Julia AAaldin; chaplain, Airs. Bessie Ringham ; record keeper, Airs. E. J. Alenefee ; finance auditor, Airs. Arra Jeffries Calhoun; lady-at-arms, Sophia Tolby; sergeant, Anna Skophammer; sentinel, Caroline Narveson; picket. Airs. Afinnie Solheim ; official prompter, Airs. Atatilda Alur-

Albert Lea Camp, No. 835, M. W. A. This camp was insti¬ tuted February 25, 1889, with a membership of nineteen. Of this membership six are still members of the camp. The following were the first officers: Consul, J. R. Holverson; adviser, T. F. Thurston; banker, M. TY. Sawyer; clerk, C. TY. Haynes; escort, TY. H. English; watchman, Ben Barragan. This was the second fraternal insurance organization to be established in this city, and while it had to pass through the same struggles that all such societies must contend with, yet its success was assured from the start, as its growth and prosperity has been regular and con¬ stant. Known as "the poor man's insurance" because of its low rates and efficient management, all kinds of business and profes¬ sional men of the city were attracted to it, and it now has a membership of more than three hundred. In casting about for a suitable name, at the organization of the camp, Dr. H. H. TYilcox proposed the name "Chincapin," the name of a kind of wood growing where his former home had been, and this name was adopted. In December of last year the camp decided to change the name, and the camp is now known as "Albert Lea Camp." M ith so large a membership one would expect to find a large death list to mark its twenty-three years of existence, but such is not the case, as the camp has lost but nine members by death. The list is as follows : H. R, Fosson, Fred D. Dudley, L. J. Okre, M. C. Ruden, TYilliam Larsen, G. G. Chamberlain, TYilliam Sorenson, Charles Marpe, and L. Stadliem. On these deaths the society has paid in claims $17,000.00. Besides, it has assisted neighbors in distress to the extent of about $2,000.00 more. As the office of clerk is considered the most important, the collection of all funds as well as distribution being made through that office, a list of those holding the office at various times is here given in the order of their election : C. TV. Hayes, Charles Drommerhausen, R. E. Barragan, J. R. Holverson, C. L. Swenson, C. E. Brainard, C. J. Dudley, and Art. R. Jensen, who now holds the office. There have been few things of special prominence to mark the progress of the society, but all can testify to the many good times had as social affairs. In the summer of 1897, the Southern Minnesota Picnic Association held its annual picnic at Albert Lea as the guests of Camp 835, and thousands of members of the M. TV . A. assembled here for the G'ood time which thev are always sure to have. In December, 1907, a class of 130 was adopted under the county class plan, all the camps of the county joining. The jmesent officers, who are now ably conducting the affairs of the camp, are: Consul, E. S. Hammond; adviser, TY. C. Anderson; clerk. Art. R. Jensen; banker, R. E. Barragan; escort,

Catholic Orders

St. Theodore Court, No. 1286, Catholic Order of Foresters, was organized March 10, 1902, by J. N. Hollers, then a resident of this city, with a membership of twenty-two. The first officers were: Chief ranger, Henry Stotz; recording secretary, J. A. Farry; financial secretary, J. P. Morton; treasurer, M. 'L. Devaney. In 1903, T. F. Rogers was elected chief ranger. He served until 1905 and was followed by J. A. Farry, who occupied the office three years. Since then the chief rangers have been James Tuberty, William Walsh, F. N. Kilbride and Theodore Speltz. J. A. Farry has always been recording secretary, with the excep¬ tion of the years 1905-08, inclusive, when W. H. Murphy occupied the office. The present officers are : Chief ranger, Theodore Speltz ; recording secretary, J. A. Farry ; financial secretary, Arthur Speltz; treasurer, FI. Stotz. The society opened club rooms on January 1, 1911, at the corner of Broadway and Clark street, and here maintains a pleasant society home.

Patriotic Orders

There are two patriotic orders in Albert Lea, the Robson Post, No. 5, Gf. A. R., and Robson Corps, No. 93, AY. R. C. Both are treated elsewhere.

Scandinavian Lodges

The Scandinavian element in Albert Lea is represented by the following societies : Sons of Norway, Normanna Lodge, No. 52 ; Dannebrog Lodge, No. 75, and Dagmar Lodge, No. 60.

Normanna Lodge, No. 52, Sons of Norway. This lodge was organized by an officer of the head lodge on July 26, 1905, with a membership of about fifty-five. The first officers elected and qualified were: Judge, A. S. Molstad; president, John Bessesen; vice-president, Carl Mickelson ; secretary, Iver J. Dahl ; treasurer, W. W. Gravlie ; financial secretary, Nels Logan; medical ex¬ aminer, Dr. G. Biornstad ; regent, Andrew Haugen ; marshal, Peter Wallum; inner guard, Mathias Hagen; board of trustees, O. K. Takle, B. Skjonsberg and Even Johnson. The present offi¬ cers are : Judge, Oluf Hellie ; president, S. S. Tveit ; vice-presi¬ dent, P. O. Olsen ; secretary, Peter Fosse ; treasurer, Andrew Boyum; financial secretary, B. Skjonsberg; medical examiner, Dr. J. R. Nannestad ; regent, O. K. Takle ; marshal, S. Austerheim ; inner guard, I. J. Hove ; outer guard, Theodore Bell ; board

The Order Sons of Norway has at the present time about 10,000 members all over the Northwest, with head offices at Min¬ neapolis, Minn. The order has three classes of members - insur¬ ance, 11011-insurance and social members. The insurance features of the order are of the very best, being thoroughly established on the American experience table. The order is gradually grow¬ ing and includes the very best of Norwegian element in this country.

In addition to the insurance feature the great aim of the order is to promote and maintain the high standing of the Norwegian people in America, to make them better Norwegian- Americans, worthy of the sturdy Norse race.

Affiliated with the Order of Sons of Norway is the Order of Daughters of Norway, which is doing great work in the same line and with the same object as the Sons of Norway.

1910 the Danish Brotherhood organized into a corporate body and purchased a lot on the corner of Clark and Newton streets in the city of Albert Lea and erected a two-story brick building, the second story being occupied by the Danish Brotherhood and nine other lodges, the cost of the lot and building being $21,000, a part of this being donated by the Danish Brotherhood, this being the only building owned and occupied in the state by that order.

Dagmar Lodge, No. 60, of the Danish Sisterhood, was organ¬ ized July 24, 1902, with the membership number of twenty-one. The names of the first officers are as follows : Exalted president, Mrs. C. P. Engen ; president, Mrs. Ole Olsen ; vice-president, Mrs. A. L. Nielsen; secretary, Mrs. C. Christensen; treasurer, Mrs. L. Madsen; trustees, Mrs. Henry Larsen, Mrs. J. T. Svendsen, Mrs.

S. Nielsen ; conductor, Mrs. C. Pedersen ; inner guard, Mrs. A. Larsen; outer guard, Miss J. Jensen. The organization of this lodge is to care for the members of same in sickness and give others of their own nationality help when it is needed. This lodge has a membership now of thirty-eight, and its officers in 1910 are as follows: Exalted president, Mrs. N. C. Lunde; president, Mrs. C. Pedersen; vice-president, Mrs. C. Christensen; secretary, Mrs. T. C. Jensen; treasurer, Mrs. C. P. Engen; trustees, Mrs. J.