Adams County, Nebraska - Chapter 14: Fraternal and Other Organizations, 1916

Chapter 14: Fraternal and Other Organizations

The history of organized INIasonry in Adams County begins with the organization at Juniata in June, 1873, of Juniata Lodge No. 42. A few months later, August 14, 1873, a call was issued to all JNIasons in good standing to attend a meeting at the store of E. Steinau in Plastings. This call was signed by G. W. IMowery, James Corbin, Sam Sadler, E. Steinau, L. D. Reynolds, L. W. Spier, R. V. Shockey, F. S. Wells, W. M. West, William L. Smith and L. C. Gould. At this meeting a lodge was organized, but a charter was not granted until June 26, 1874. The number given the lodge was No. .50.

The first officers were : L. C. Gould, W. :M. ; C. E. Forgy, S. W. ; J. li. Parrott, J. W. The lodge held its first meetings in the school house or in the I. O. O. F. Hall; in fact, many temporary quarters were used until the fall of 1879, when it moved into the second story of the first brick building to be built in Hastings. This was located on North Hastings Avenue and is generally referred to as the "old Masonic Building." This lodge room served its purpose until 1887, when the various jNIasonic lodges moved into the Masonic Temple, at 6I9I0 West Second Street. This building was remodeled in 1913 at a cost of about $65,000. The Temple Craft Building is one of the best in the City of Hastings, and the lodge rooms are commodious and elegant. The property of the ^Masonic organization in Hastings is estimated to be worth $100,000. The masters of the Blue Lodge for some few years were selected from the charter members. The following are the names of the Past JNIasters: Alexander D. Buckworth. ]874: Lucius C. Gould, 1874; Thomas M. Abbott, 187o: Emanuel Steinau. 1876; G. W. Mowery, 1877-8-82; John J. Wemple. 1879; Fred J. Benedict, 1880; George H. Pratt, 1881 ; David INI. JNIcElHinney, 1883-.5-90; Joseph JNIeyer, 1884; Edwin C. Webster. 1886; C. C. Rittenhouse, 1887; William S. McKinney. 1888; ^Villiam F. Buchanan, 1889; A. R. Van Sickle, 1891-2-3; Charles K. Lawson, 1894;

22, A. D., 1881, with the following Sir Knights as officers and members; John J. Wemple, E. C; John J. Raymaker, G. ; Joseph S. Alhson, C. G.; Benjamin F. Rawalt, P.; J. W. Small, S. W.; T. F. Pardee, J. W.; Oswald Oliver, Rec.; Robert W. Oliver, Treas.; INIorris E. Alexander, S. B.; E. H. Bartlett, S. B., and Jacob Fisher, W.

Fiducia Lodge of Perfection No. 3. A. and A. S. R.. was founded October 0, 1883, and chartered December 20, that year, with the following charter members:

Eastern Stars

Acacia Chapter No. 39, O. E. S., was organized June 17, 1891, with thirty-six members. JNIeetings were held once a month in the jMasonic Temple. The first officer was Mrs. Hartigan, Worthy Matron, and the charter members were: Hattie Alexander, Clara Barnes, INIay Buchanan, Ella Cramer, Ellen Cramer, Fannie Crane, Sarah Cline, Alice Collins, Kittie Creeth, Alice Dilworth, Clara Harris, jNIartha Hartigan, Jennie Hayzlett, INIinnie Howard, Alice Hurst, Caroline Kay, ]Mrs. LalNIonte, Anna Marshall, Addie JNIorrill, Sarah JMcWhinney, ]Maud IMcWhinney, Eliza Nellis, Lucy Nellis, Lucy Partridge, Clara Pease, Pet Reed, Elvina Rittenhouse, Eva Schaufelberger, Eva Sherrard, INIaria Sims, Ida E. Stewart, Eva Van Sickle. Rose Webster, Phoebe Williams, and Verna Yetter.

The present officers are: W. M., Mrs. Ray Damerell; W. P., Harry Proffitt; A. iNI., INIrs. Grace Sims; secretary, Mrs. Ed Francis; treasurer. Elizabeth Alford. The membership now numbers 215.

Odd Fellows

Hastings has two lodges of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 50 and Lodge No. 350. Lodge No. 50 was organized August 13, 1874, with Fred Forcht, Noble Grand: Alfred Berg, V. G.; Benjann'n E. Boyer, recording secretary; C. M. Wright, treasurer: Melville Griffith, W.; D. W. Dalton, C; G. E. Grant, R. S. N. G.; J. T. Ross, R. S. V. G.,

The first meetings were held in the schoolhonse, which was located between JNIinnesota and Colorado avenues, near Second Street. Afterwards, the lodge met in a frame building on Second Street, between Hastings and Denver avenues. In 1880. the lodge occupied rooms in the old jMasonic Building, on North Hastings Avenue. In 1884, the Odd Fellows of No. 50 built and occuiJied a brick two-story building of its own at 216 North Lincoln Avenue, which is still the home of the lodge. In 191G the lodge purchased the adjoining building and comijletely remodeled the lodge rooms. It is in a flourishing condition and has about 12.5 members.

Lodge No. 3.50, I. O. O. F., was organized February 21, 1910, at Fraternity Hall, now Brandeis Hall, on the corner of Burlington Avenue and Second Street. The greater number of the charter members were drawn from Lodge No. 50. These members were J. F. Heiler, U. S. Rohrer, J. H. Vastine, Adam Grass, Henry B. Huckfeldt, Arthur C. Kanatzar, A. K. DefFenbaugh, C. C. Keith. Dr. James V. Beghtol, G. P. Eastwood, E. A. Francis, JNIilton B. North, W. O. Vastine, D. M. NefF, Ed M. Dorwart, H. M. Vastine, C. I. Van Patten, Eugene Battan, J. H. RifFe, J. H. Hoagland, J. M. Dailey, M. L. IMcBride, D. B. Parsill. Jr., J. E. Dennis. George W. INIaxwell, Herman Kohlbry. ]\Iulford M. Haynes. O. R. Palmer. A. V. Cole, G. A. Wheeler, E. J. Herring, Fred D. James, David Bryson, C. A. Doj^en, A. I. Battan, Adam Breede, C. A. Heartwell, David J. Lewis, J. B. Pizer and W. B. Hartigan.

The first officers of No. 350 were: James V. Beghtol. noble grand: D. B. Parsill. Jr.. vice grand; E. A. Francis, secretary, and C. C. Keith, treasurer. The present officers (1916) are: B. F. Rohrer, noble grand; John D. Goudy, vice grand; H. F. Favinger, secretary, and D. ]M. NefF. treasurer. The membership of I^odge No. 350 is about one hundred.

Rebekah Lodges

Schuyler Rebekah liodge, No. 52, was organized July 14, 1890. Tlie charter members Avere Jennie Dalby, Anna JMarshall, Catherine Heiler, Addie L. Brown, Teana Doyen. Elizabeth Kempel, INIary C. jMarian, Frances L. Kimball, Kathleen Hartigan, Delia I. Brown, Ada C. Michael, Fannie A. Schilling, Lulu B. Upton, ^Nlaiy C. Goodin, Annie C. demons, Lizzie F. Coons, Harriet M. Hickman, C. I^illis Tennant, Amelia Lustig, Jennie Furstenau, Eliza A. Bates, Sophronia M. Ferguson, Martha C. Hartigan, Belle Rhodes, Caroline Kay, Phoebe J. Morledge and ^Martha E. "White. The first officers Avere: Addie L. Brown, noble grand; Jennie Dalby, vice grand; Lulu B. Upton, recording secretary; Catherine Heiler, financial secretary, and Ada JNIichael, treasurer. The present officers are: ]Mrs. Elsie Haubrock, noble grand; ]Mrs. Anna Bohnet, vice grand; U. S. Rohrer, secretary; Mrs. Catherine Heiler, treasurer. The present membership of the lodge is 56.

Rebekah Lodge No. 312 was organized August 26, 1914. jMeetings are held in the I. O. O. F. lodge rooms at 216 North Lincoln Avenue. The charter members were Elsie Haubrock, Anna Campbell, P. J. Greuter, Harry Smith, L. L. DufFord, F. D. Campbell, Lilly Hibbard, Blanch C. Lavine, Pauline Smith, Ed Livingston. Lou Lavine, T. J. Ralston, Alice Hibbard, Leah Rosenberg, Eva Derricks, Dave Rosenberg, P. J. Peterson, Henry Congers, Ella Jacks, Sarah Greuter, Hattie Garratt, Albert E. Williams, H. A. Kelley, A. F. Copeyon, Emma Jacks, Amanda Orton, Ethel Keith, Fern Reider, INI. J. Plnmmer, C. S. Woodworth, IVIyrrel Legler. The officers from the time of organization are:

JMrs. Lilly Hibbard, noble grand; ISIrs. Sarah Greuter. vice gi-and; Miss Elsie Hibbard, secretary; ]Mrs. Blanche Levine, treasurer, and ]Mrs. I^eah Rosenberg, chaplain.

December 31, 1913, To June 30, 1914

Mrs. Sarah Greuter, noble grand; INIrs. Anna Campbell, vice grand ; INIiss Ella Peterson, secretary ; ]\Irs. Blanche Levine, treasurer, and ]\Iiss Hattie Garratt, chaplain.

June 30, 1914 To December 31, 1914

Mrs. Anna Camjibell, noble grand; jNIrs. Blanche Levine, vice grand; ]Miss Ella Peterson, secretary; ]Mrs. Leah Rosenberg, treasurer, and ]\Irs. Edith Sinclair, chaplain.

January 1, 1915, To July 1, 1915

Mrs. Blanche Levine, noble grand; ]Miss Alice Hibbard, vice grand; ]Mrs. ]\Iinnie AVillianis, secretary; JNIrs. Leah Rosenberg, treasurer, and JNIrs. Edith Sinclair, chaplain.

July 1, 1915 To January 1, 1916

JNIiss Alice Hibbard, noble grand; JNIrs. Edith Sinclair, vice grand; Miss Ella Peterson, secretary; JNIrs. JNIartha White, treasurer, and JNIrs. Lottie Dufford, chaplain.

January 1, 1916, To July 1, 1916

Mrs. Edith Sinclair, noble grand; Mrs. JNIartha White, vice grand; JNIrs. Fern Rider, secretary; JNIrs. Leah Rosenberg, treasurer, and JNIrs. Belle Goudy, chaplain.

July 1, 1916, To January 1, 1917

Mrs. JNIartha White, noble grand; JNIrs. Belle Goudy, vice grand; JNIrs. Xeonia Hutchinson, secretary; Miss Lena Olson, treasurer, and JNIrs. Blanche Levine, chaplain.

Modern Woodmen

The JNIodern Woodmen of America maintain two lodges in Hastings and have witnessed stirring scenes, particularly during the great fight that was made in 1912 against the action of the head camp in raising the rates. Queen City Cam]), Xo. 4201, took a leading part in that memorable movement and furnished in the person of Dr. James V. Beghtol a national president of the insurgent movement.

Hastings Camp, Xo. 277, JNIodern Woodmen of America, however, is the elder of the two lodges and was chartered June 6, 1887. The first officers were: J. F. Ballinger, venerable consul; Wes JNIontffomerv, wortliv adviser; J. H. Hanev, excellent banker; A. J.

Nowlan, clerk; Fred Reimer, escort. The present officers are: J. A. Rose, venerable consul; Dr. F. J. Schaufelberger, worthy adviser; H. C. Kerr, banker; W. A. Pielstick, clerk. The membership of this camp at present is thirty-seven.

Queen City Camp, No. 4201, of Hastings, took a leading part in tlie insiu'gency movement in Nebraska to protest against the raising of tlie insurance rates of the ]Modern Woodmen as pro2:)osed by the head camp officials in Chicago in 1911. It was contended by the officials that unless the rates should be increased the order would encounter a crisis in 1917, because of the increase in the death roll that might ])e expected by that time. Among the leaders to protest against the raise from the Hastings camp were Dr. J. V. Beghtol, Walter I^ivingston and Z. B. Shreve. The movement, which can be said to have started in Hastings so far as Nebraska was concerned, soon became statewide.

On ^March 20, 1912, a state meeting of the insurgents was held at the Kerr Opera House. The meeting was attended by 376 delegates, representing 219 Nebraska camps. A^enerable Counsel Walter Livingston presided throughout the convention, and the keynote of insurgency was sounded by Dr. J. V. Beghtol in a notable speech, in which he charged that Woodmen were face to face with the problem of taxation without representation.

The following resolutions committee was chosen: M. L. Corey, Clay Center; R. D. Sutherland, Nelson; F. A. Anderson, Holdrege; Alexander JNIcFarland, Friend, and A. J. Van Every, Hastings. The resolutions drafted by this committee became the foundation of insurgency throughout the state. The resolutions demanded the sub- mission of the rate question to the entire membership for a referendum vote. If the J' should fail in tliis, it was resolved to endeavor to secure a meeting of a nevvlj^ elected head camp for the reconsideration of the rate question, and if this, too, should fail, it was resolved to institute legal i^roceedings to prevent the enforcement of the new rates pending consideration of the question by the next regular head camp. Failing in all these, it was determined to call another meeting to take such action as the circumstances warranted.

An executive committee of nine, with Doctor Beghtol as chairman, was chosen to put in operation the resolutions of the convention. Doctor Beghtol later became national president of the insurgents and had the latter gained control of the national convention at Toledo, Ohio, in 1914, it was generally understood by insurgent Woodmen throughout the United States that Doctor Beghtol would be elected head consul. Delegates sent from insurgent camps, however, were in many instances contested, and the old guard controlled the gathering.

The rates have not been raised. Injunctions obtained from the courts of Des JMoines, la., Springfield, 111., and Hastings, Neb., prevented the Chicago rates from going into effect as scheduled for January 1, 1913, and by the time of the Toledo convention in 1914 the officers had receded from their position and advocated the maintenance of the old rates.

Head Consul A. R. Talbot, of Lincoln, was himself present at the convention held in Hastings in 1912. and led the bolting delegates out of the convention hall to the Bostwick Hotel, now the American House, M'here they held a convention and elected delegates. The increase in assessments as proposed by the Chicago rates would have raised the obligation of Nebraska Woodmen a million dollars. The activities of the insurgents in Hastings were probably the most momentous that ever came liefore a fraternal order in Adams County.

Eoyal Neighbors Knights Of Pythias

Hastings Lodge, No. 28, Knights of Pythias, is the j^ioneer of Pythianisni in ^^^estern Nebraska and was organized in Hastings May 7, 1883. This lodge is still in a flourishing condition and has a nienibershi]) of 136. Since May 10, 1907. a purely social organization of Pythianisni, the Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan, with a present niembershii) of 31.5, has been maintained.

July 1, 1886, a number of the German members of No. 28, seeing that there was a sufficient number, organized an exclusively German organization, which was given the name Teutonia Lodge, No. .59. This lodge existed for a number of years, but finally disbanded.

May 21, 188.5, Uniform Rank, No. 4, Knights of Pythias, was instituted with thirty-six members. The first commander was John M. Dungan. W. A. Dilworth succeeded him, and subsequently Stephen Schwaibold and Ed N. Thacker occupied that position. This division of Pythianisni disbanded about six years ago, some retaining their membership, but there are no meetings of the rank held.

The Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan, Delhi Teniiile No. 109, the Shrine of the Knights of Pythias, was organized IMay 10, 1907. It is a state organization, and has only one temple in the state. A meeting is held twice a year. The first officers and charter members were: G. A. Weirick, royal vizier; F. A. Pemiall, mahdi; Welley Williams, satrap; Peter Hempel, grand emir; J. JNI. Tennant, secretary; J. jNI. Conoughy, sahib; C. A. Phillijis, sheik; L. Hoagland, treasurer.

Pythian Sisters

Pythian Sisters, Queen City Temple, No. 25, Hastings, then called the Voung Assembly. No. 1, Pythian Sisterhood, of Hastings, was organized April 30, 1889. The first officers were: Mrs. John Harris. JMrs. W. A. Dilworth, JNIrs. George Tyler, Mrs. Curt Alexander, Mrs. J. C. Williams, Mrs. A. E. Allen, Mrs. D. A. Guldin, ^Irs. Saddler, Mrs. S. S. Schwaibold, Mrs. D. Barlass, INIrs. J. M. Tennant and jNIiss Anna Breed. The charter members, fifteen in number, were: INIrs. W. Breed, INIiss Louise Engle, ]Mrs. H. H. Gilbreth, ]Mrs. J. E. Gant, JNIrs. G. Heitkemper, IMrs. C. Hoeppner, Mrs. T. Hoeppner, IMrs. S. S. Johnson, Mrs. J. L. Kent. JMrs. Jim JNIoore, JMrs. Otto Otten, Mrs. Jack Mines, JMrs. J. J. Raymaker, JMrs. G. Tyler and JMrs. William Saunders.

Tlie clubroonis were located at what was then called the K. P. Hall, above the Gastons' JMusic Store, then located at the corner of Second Street and St. Joseph Avenue. This building was destroyed by fire and all records of the organization were bm-ned. The clubrooms were then moved to Brandeis Hall, on the corner of Second Street and Burlington Avenue. The membership now numbers thirty ladies, and the present officers are: Past cliief, JMrs. JMay B. JMadgett; most excellent chief, JMrs. Francis Holt; excellent senior, Mrs. JMinnie Hoffman; excellent junior, Mrs. Erdine Elinor; manager, JMrs. Lou Harrington; mistress of records and correspondence, Beulali Erwin; mistress of finance, Mrs. Clara Manning; protector, JMrs. Sadie Erwin; guard. JMrs. Cynthia Anderson; musician. Miss JMaude Cravens.

Knights of JMaccabees, South Platte Tent, No. 18, have a membership iji Hastings of thirty-six. Authority to form and institute a lodge was received JNIay 2, 1896.

The Woman's Benefit Association of the INIaccabees was organized in the G. A. R. Hall, Hastings, February 15, 1894, under the name of Hari'ison Hive. No. 4, which in recent years was changed to the present name. ]Mrs. ]NLiggie McKain was the instituting officer and appointed ]\Irs. May Wheeler to act as record keeper pro tern. The lodge was organized with tlie following charter members : ]Mrs. Alice Thompson, INIaud Thompson, Mrs. JNIary Hart, Mrs. Hannah Kammelohr, Miss Belle Humphrey, Mrs. Jane A. Wheeler, ]Mrs. ]\Iay Wheeler, Mrs. Elizabeth JVIorrow, Mrs. Rachel Reinhart and jNIrs. Laura A. Edwards. The first officers were: P. L. C. I\Irs. Elizabeth Morrow; L. C, ]Mrs. Alice Thompson; Lt. C, Mrs. Rachel Reinhart; R. K., Miss Belle Humphrey; F. K., Mrs. JNIay Wheeler; physician. Dr. Laura A. Edwards; chaplain, Mrs. Jane A. Wheeler; sergeant, ]Mrs. Hannah Kammelohr; ]Mat. A., Miss Maud Thompson; sentry, JNIrs. Mary Hart: picket, Miss Caroline Hammil.

The present officers are: JNIrs. Sarah Cramer, Lieut. Com.; JNIrs. Louise Proffitt, record keeper; JVIiss Elizabeth Croushorn, finance creditor; JNIrs. Nellie Cantwell, official prompter.

Ancient Order Of United Workjien Degree Of Honor

Degree of Honor, Butler Lodge, Xo. 6, was organized August 7, 1891, and the charter was granted to Carrie I. Butler, P. C. of H.; Georgia E. ^Marquis, L. of H.; Alma Chapman, recorder; Amanda Rose, I. W.; iNIinnie E. ]Moran, C. of H.; Emma Scherick, C. of C; Elizabeth E. Foote, financier; Eva E. Work, L. U.

The i^resent officers are Mrs. Anna Gay, P. C. H.; JNIrs. Sarah Gruther, C. H.; Mrs. Anna Herring, L. of H.; JNIrs. Spath, C. of C; X'^ina Robare, recorder; Albina Hempel, financier; JNIary Beach, receiver.

On August 23, 1892, the first grand lodge was held in Hastings, and the twelve lodges represented were Hebron. South Omaha, JNIcCook, Plattsmouth, St. Edward. Hastings, Holdrege, Geneva, Lincoln, Chester, Bloomington and Republican City. The present membership is 128.

P. C. of H.; Ali^ha Haines, L. of H.: Lucy C. Guthrie, recorder; Nina Ramsey, receiver: Warren Brennenian, I. W.; Emma Battan, C. of IT.; Sarah High, C. of C; Cora Smith, financier; Louisa Schatz, U. ; Cornelia Geyer, O. W.

Hastings Lodge, No. 27.), now has 147 members. The present officers are Louisa Schatz, C. of PL; Ivy LaBrie, P. C. of H.; Anna Ray, L. of H.; Grace Rathbun, C. of C; Clara Shaaf, U.; Lucy Guthrie, recorder; Fannie Wanzer, financier; Clara LaBrie, treasurer: ^Martha Bremser, I. W.

January 22, 1889, W. H. Lynn, O. H. Gordon and George B. Tyler received a dispensation to organize a lodge of Elks. Hastings Lodge. No. 1.39, was organized February 22, 1890, and the charter was granted July 10th of the same year. The charter members were Dr. W. H. Lynn, O. H. Gordon, George B. Tyler, A. H. PhiUips, W. II. Elledge, C. L. Alexander, Richard Thompson, Nat JM. JNIiller. J. B. Patterson, Harry Brewer, F. C. Babcock, R. A. Barr, J. A. Casto, G. J. Evans, C. A. Diamond, John Musselman. William Snyder, A. H. Farrens, R. B. Wahlquist, Charles H. Kipp. C. L. Rose, L. B. Partridge, W. H. Dillon, George Wood, S. V. B. Hollaway, J. B. Dallas, C. A. Turner, F. E. Hewitt, Charles Schaufelberger, H. C. Haverly, L. H. Gurnsey. D. B. Welpton. F. M. Crow, and C. D. Thurman.

The present officers are: Exalted ruler, H. C. Haverly: leading' knight, Thornton Thornberg; loyal knight, W. F. Norris; lecturing knight, JM. A. Hartigan; esquire, Louis Stein; inner guard, Ross Sexson; secretary, Roy E. Churchill; treasurer, Bowne S. Koehler. The membership at the present time is 240. In connection with the lodge rooms the Elks maintain clubrooms, which have been finely furnished, at an expenditure of $2,500. Among the furnishings are pool and billiard tables, Victrola and piano. During the winter many social functions are given.

Tlie first lodge room of the Elks was in the G. A. R. Hall. They remained there a short time and afterward secured quarters of their own in the Stone Block. The next move was to rooms above Wolbach & Bi-ach's, before the present store was built. In 1905 the order secured the commodious rooms which they still occupy, on the third floor of the First National Bank Building. In 1908 the Elks bought a lot with a 75-foot frontage on the east side of St. Joseph Avenue, between Second and Third Streets, and upon this they plan some time in the future to erect a building.

Wallace, W. H. Edwards, Phil Hempel, J. C. Saucerman, Percy Renner, E. A. Shaffer, A. L. Twidale, C. J. Miles, J. W. Turpit, J. Tilger, J. H. Spotts, R. L. Sabin, W. S. JMcAuley, W. A. Young, Fred Biitzirus, Mark Levy, C. P. Rhodes, W. J. Biles, A. J. Townsend, L. G. McKnight, H. M. Eves, C. W. Nelson, George E. Keller, A. Rinderspacher, Julian Lumbard, Andrew Pederson, F. Schaufelberger, A. J. Kanimerlohr. The present membership is 231.

Knights Of Columbus

Hastings on a special train upon that day and was in charge of the ceremony. The organization was perfected at Germania Hall, corner of St. Josejih Avenue and Third Street. In the evening a notable banquet was jjartaken of at the Bostwick Hotel. The council purchased Germania Hall and for a number of years met at that place. In 1914 the lodge rooms were removed to 111 North Hastings Avenue, where the council still meets. Germania Hall still remains the property of the order. The membership at present is 4.00.

Gemutlichkeit Lodge

O. D. H. S., No. 44, Gemutlichkeit Lodge, was granted a charter December 13, 1905. JNIeetings were held in the Germania Hall until the lodge rooms were moved to the G. A. R. Hall, the present meeting place.

The first officers were: Karl Kauf, president; Emil Polenske, vice president, and A. A. Lembach, secretary. The charter members were Andrew J. lA'])inski, Henry Gartner, A. J. Kamnierlohi", William J. Falk, Anthony A. Lembach, Peter Erwin, Fred Day, Ernest Butzirus, Herman Stein, Fred Butzirus, Philip W. Yager, William S. Schellak, Anthony TTreling, Karl Kauf, Leo Brobt, George A. ]Mann, Jr., Emil Polenske, George H. Brandt, George W.

There are now 103 members, witli ten social members. The present officers are: Emil Polenske, president; Jacob Schatz, vice president, and E. Hartmann, secretary.

Danish Brotherhood

Danish Erotlierhood. Frederich d: 7de Lodge No. 93, was organized 3Iarch 27, 1896, for the purjiose of keeping in touch with the life in Denmark.

Tlie Loyal Mystic Legion of America is a national beneficiary order organized by Hastings men and maintaining the head office in Hastings. The articles of incorporation were filed February 24, 1892. The incorporators were George O. Churchill, G. A. Wigton, James T. Ogden, Dr. F. J. Schaufelberger and James B. Heartwell.

The by-laws of the society provide for a supreme or governing body called the supreme council, and subordinate councils to be organized in different localities. The first supreme officers elected were: James B. Heartwell, supreme councilor; James T. Ogden, supreme vice councilor; George O. Churchill, supreme secretary; G. A. Wigton, supreme treasurer; Dr. F. J. Schaufelberger, supreme medical director. Since 1910, Doctor Schaufelberger has been supreme councilor and J. E. Watkins supreme vice councilor. The other officers are the same as at the beginning.

In 1900 the order erected its own brick office building upon the southeast corner of Second Street and Burlington Avenue. The building and the site are valued at $40,000. In insurance the standard rate is maintained. The order has paid to the beneficiaries of deceased members more than $1,000,000 and has invested in farm and other securities more than $100,000. Subordinate councils exist in Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, INIichigan, Indiana, Iowa, i\Iin- nesota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. Pioneer Council, No. 1, of Hastings, was the first subordinate council to be established.

Woodmex Of The World

Camp 46.5, W. O. W. was organized in Hastings March .5, 1914. This order occupied the same hall with the Eagles for some time, but in the last few months the order has had no lodge rooms, though an organization is maintained with a membership of about fifty. The present officers are: Counsel commander, George A. Volland: vice counsel commander, Boyd Hensman; clerk, G. O. Schellenberger ; banker, C. H. Fergus; escort, Julius Hartmann; watchman, S. P. Barewin.

The Voung Glen's Christian Association of Hastings was organized JNlay 1, 1881, with a membership of thirty- four. The rooms first occupied were located upstairs at 7'20 West Second Street. After a few months the association removed its location to somewhat larger quarters in the basement of the building now occupied by the German National Bank. In 1885 the growth of tlie organization is indicated by its activity in erecting a building costing $5,000, at 214 North Lincoln Avenue. This building was tlie first in the state to be erected for the exclusive use of the Y. M. C. A. November 20, 1885, the importance of Hastings as an association center is shown by its selection as the location for the state convention of the organization, which met upon that date. One week before the assembling of the convention, the new building had -been dedicated to its purjioses. The building was built under the direction of Samuel Alexander, George F. ^Vork and I>. INI. Campbell.

The first Iniilding erected was in 1889. exchanged for pro])erty in the disposal of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian Churcli, and in this transaction tlie association acquired the site upon which the present building stands and the Presbyterian Churcli l)uilding which was the home of the Y. ]M. C. A. until the present building was erected.

The contract for erecting the present building was let in ]March, 1906. Building and lot is estimated to be worth between $30,000 and $40,000. Money for raising the present building was derived largely through subscriptions. The features of the building are natatorium, "vmnasium. reading room and men's aj^artments in the second story.

Y. M. C. A. Building, Hastings

The charter members of the Y. JM. C. A were: J. B. Heartwell, L. M. Campbell, Rev. D. S. Schaff, Olb Hewitt, John Reese, J. W. Wigtoii, George Wigton, W. Snook, L. A. Royce, Davis Lowman,

President John Snider; secretary, J. S. Daniels; dii'ectors, Thomas ^^arah, M. M. Haynes, W. H. Adams. Dr. E. A. Wier, John Snider, Hans Hansen, Dr. JVI. Thomas, R. A. Bawder, and

President, Dr. E. A. Thomas: secretary. E. JNI. Eobb; directors. Dr. E. A. Tliomas. J. II. Rifle. Roy Carter. E. C. Ilnxtable, W. II. Adams. C. C. Christopher. Thomas Varah. C. W. Foote, Dr. C. K. Strnble. J. E. Addie. Raymond Bawder. and O. A. Riley.

President, Dr. E. A. Thomas; secretary. M. M. Lobb; directors, J. H. RifFe. O. A. Riley. Roy Carter. Raymond Bawder, C. W. Foote, C. C. Christopher, Dr. C. K. Struble,"and J. E. Addie.

their society on the minds of the puhlic, the organization soon died out. Not until February, 1916, was the question again agitated, and the result was the establishing of a Young Women's Christian Association, on February 25, of that year, under the direction of ^Nliss ]Marguerite O'Connel, field secretary from Minneajiolis.

The first meeting was held in the clubrooms, at 213 North Denver Avenue, with a pledged membershij) of .509, of these 77 were sustaining members. Within six months the membership reached 543, with the same number of sustaining members. The clubrooms were furnished a little at a time; some of the articles were donated, and others purchased with money earned by different activities among the members.

A cafeteria was opened in connection with the Young Women's Christian Association, on JNIay -1, 1916, meals being served in the basement of the club rooms.

The Hastings High School girls at once became enthusiastic in their support of the society, and a branch was organized for them about the same time as the main association, with a membership of seventy-two. Miss Latta Snider, a member of the high school faculty, was jolaced in general charge, and JNIiss Glades Smith was elected first president. The high school girls have had various entertainments for the raising of funds.

A tennis club was started INIay 1, 1916, in connection with the high school Young Women's Christian Association, with a total membershi]) of sixty-five. JNIiss Ena Hamot Avas elected president, Eloise Barlass, secretary, and JNIrs. A. D. JNIarvel, treasvu-er. The tennis court is located at the northeast corner of Denver Avenue and Third Street. Each girl is required to pay 10 cents a month toward tlie keeping up of the court.

ings are held once a week for a period of eight weeks. Different subjects are taken up for study, and if tlie chib comes up to standard in its work, a certificate of commendation is received from the National Young Women's Christian Association headquarters, which is signed by ]\Irs. Jessie Wilson Sayres, who is a member of the National Board, and especially interested in Young Women's Christian Association work.

A Ladies' Band was organized February 18, 1916, by Mr. J. S. I^eick. The instrumentation was as follows: Clarinets - Latta Snider, Viola Grounds, Clara Tompkins, and Mrs. IMay Henkins ; cornets - Irene Wieckleman, Ketha Barth, oNIrs. Joe Hershey, Lula Anderson, iMrs. Zimmer and jNIrs. Charles Snider; altos - Alta Carson, Dora Carriker, and Emma Carriker; trombones - Marjorie Shreve, Jessie Reinders, IMrs. Ira Herring, Florence Sliger; baritones - JNIrs. Clara Allison and Bonna Luick; bass - JMrs. H. J. Lantz.

Hastings Castle No. 69, Royal Highlander Lodge of Hastings, Neb., was organized December 2*3, 1897. At that time there were no ladies connected with it. Their meetings were held in the G. A. R. Hall.

Isabella Castle, the Women's Highlander Lodge, was organized about the same time as the men's lodge, the meetings being held in the rooms above Clark's Drug Store, located at 713 West Second Street.

The two lodges consolidated on December 26, 1901, and the G. A. R. Hall was kejjt for the lodge rooms. The lodge rooms were afterward moved to the K. of P. Hall, and later to the Brandeis Hall, 904 West Second Street, the present meeting place.

The first officers were: Illustrious jjrotector, Samuel J. JNIattocks; chief comiseler, William S. jVIcKinney; worthy evangel. Rev. John G. Power; secretary, Jolm P. JNIadgett; treasurer, Percy A. Wells; valiant guide, George Wheeler; valiant herald, George Myers; first worthy censor, Jasper A. Kennedy; second worthy censor, Albert E. Wildenson; chief of archers, Turner Power; chief of spearsmen, Le Roy Royce; warden, Charles F. iMacJMillen; sentrj% Thomas A. Seifken; first prudential chief, Frank Watkins; second prudential chief, John A. Simmering; third prudential chief, Benjamin G. Urquhart; physical examiner. ^Villiam H. Lynn; physical examiner. Frank L. King.

The officers, in the following order, past illustrious protector, illustrious protector, chief counselor, worthy evangel and secretary, were elected as follows: January 2, 1899, A. E. Wilkinson, E. C. Johnson, Lem Tibetts, E. Van Dyke Wight, M. M. Abbott: January 1.",, 1900, E. C. Johnson, W. T. Johnson, Lem Tibetts, H. C. Pagenkoph, jNI. :M. Abbott; January 10, 1901. W. T. Johnson, T. A. Seifken, J. E. Elinor. H. C. Pagenkoph. Omar Lepley; December 26, 1901. A. P. Brown, Aurelia Tibetts, Sue Falkner, Lola Holmes, Laura A. Alibott : December 9, 1903, A. P. Brown, ]Mrs. Gaines, Mrs. Fisher, ]Mrs. V. B. RoUins, Miss Alma Chapman; December 27, 1905, Lem Tibetts, Mrs. A. P. Brown, JNIrs. C. E. Holmes, Dr. Alma Chapman; December 12. 1906, ]Mr. Lem Tibetts, "Sirs. S. A. Gaines, ]Mrs. J. E. Elinor. 3Irs. Lem Tibetts; January 9, 1907, jNIr. Lem Til)etts, Mv. S. A. Gaines. INfrs. C. E. Holmes", Mrs. Lem Tibetts; December 11, 1907. A. P. Brown. Mrs. D. L. Barlass, Mrs. Lem Tibetts, ]Mrs. V. P. Rollins; December 8. 1909, Harry Shultz, INIrs. C. E. Holmes, Mrs. S. A. Gaines, and I\I. :M. Abbott; March 9, 1910, Harry Shultz, Mrs. C. E. Holmes, ]Mrs. S. A. Gaines, Mrs. L. A. Abbott; June 8, 1910, J. E. Elinor, ]Mrs. C. E. Holmes, Mrs. S. A. Gaines, Mrs. L. A. Abbott; June 10, 1911, Ed Igao, JNIrs. C. E. Holmes, ]\Irs. S. A. Gaines, ]Mrs. L. A. Abbott; June 14, 1911, T. H. Williams, Mrs. C. E. Holmes, :Mrs. S. A. Gaines, ]Mrs. L. A. Abbott; December 13, 1911, T. H. Williams, Mrs. C. E. Holmes, Mrs. S. A. Gaines, ]\Irs. L. A. Abbott; June 11. 1913, Dr. Alma Chapman, INIrs. C. E. Holmes, IMrs. Gaines, Mrs. L. A. Abbott. Present officers.

Eari.V Fakjieus' Organizations

The Farnieis' Alliance was organized in Adams County, as indicated in the chapter dealing with politics in Adams County, in 1882. This was two years after the organization of the first alliance in Nebraska, in York County. August 31, 1889, the Adams County Alliance was reorganized with Francis Phillii^s, of Kenesaw, president: AV. I. Huxtable, West Blue, vice president; H. B. McGaw, Blaine, treasurer; John Shea, West Blue, sergeant-at-arms ; A. C. Tompkins, ^^'^est Blue, lecturer, and John Brechmer, Ayr, chaplain.

Interest in politics following the formation of the populist party tended to divert interest from the original objects of the Alliance, cooperative marketing and buying of farmers' supplies and products. The organization ceased to be about 1898.

Blue A^alley Grange was organized at Kingston in February, 1874, with E."d. Jones, A. W. Waldeck, W. H. Coultrin, J. B. McCleery, W. S. INIoote, C. G. Wilson, C. H. Edgerton, John Gray, ]Mary J. Heaps, x\da Snodgrass, Enmia Wilson and JMiss ]Martin tilling the offices in the order of rank.

Silver Lake Grange was organized in February, 1874', with J. P. Duncan. J. C. Wilson, R. K. Daily, J. J. Hoyleman. John Woods, Patrick Dimcan, J. B. Roscoe, INIrs. Woods, H. Humphrey. INLiss Mary Duncan, IMrs. Roscoe, ]Mrs. Blackledge and INIrs. Hoyleman officials.

Lone Star Grange was organized at the Hawley school house in INfarch. 1874. with I>. P. Hawley, I. Yocum, J. A. Innis, M. Van Fleet, H. Houghtaling, T. Boice.JMrs. L. P. Hawley. D. H. Holmes, S. E. Gardener. Mrs. T. R. Boice. Mrs. Innis and Mrs. C. L. Aldridge officers in the order of rank.

secretary. The charter members were the officers named, T. Wisdom, Josepli Bland, S. and N. Schoonover, John Connor, Robert "NVilhams, T. N. White, A. J. OrendorfF, James Kemp, James Purdy. "Sirs. Orendorff, E. Bower, Rhoda and Hannali Schoonover, Bertha Kemp, Jessie J. Connor, Sopliia White, Sue A. Pardee, Sarah Williams and ]Mrs. Pratt.

A County Council of Patrons of Husbandry was organized February 24, 18T4, with A. H. Brown, master; M. B. Kelley, O.; J. W. Holt, lectin-er ; James INIcCleary, steward : J. H. Vandemark, assistant steward; James McKelvey, chaplain; R. K. Daily, treasurer; A. D. Rust, secretary; J. ]\I. Cole, gate keeper; Miss Rose Kelley, ceres; Miss Edna Lowry, flora; Miss Ada Snodgrass, pomona: Julia A. Rust, lady assistant steward, and D. H. Freeman, agent.

The Central Horticultural Society was organized in September, 1878, Avith ]M. K. Lewis, of Adams, jjresident; J. W. Small, secretary; A. D. Williams, assistant secretary, and J. M. Flynn, treasurer. The vice presidents chosen were H. S. Kaley, of Webster; George F. Warner, of Clay: R. D. Granger, of Kearney; JNI. S. Budlong, of Franklin; A. X. Hall, of Adams; H. H. Williams, of Xuckolls; M. Creason. of Hall ; and O. P. Duncan, of Hamilton.

The Republican Valley and Central X'^ebraska St. Andrew's Society held the third annual meeting at the Lepin Hotel in December, 188S. H. Stevenson, of Inavale, was chosen president; John Allan, of Grand Island, vice president; Peter Fowlie, of Hastings, secretary; A. Richmond, treasurer; Dr. John Cooke, physician; Andrew Cosh, Grand Island; G. A. Kent, Hastings; James Ewing. Wood River, and John JNIitchell, of Riverton, directors.

The Bachelor's Club of Hastings was organized in X'^ovember, 1881. with fort}' members. "Carpe Diem" was the motto adopted. W. H. Lamiing was president; R. A. Batty, vice president; G. J. Evans, secretary, and E. Steinau, treasurer. The organization Avas abandoned through matrimony.

liardt. secretary; Leopold Hahn, treasurer, and IMessrs. Pade, Schwaibold and Landman, trustees. Liberal Hall was leased by the Gerniania Society in January, 188G, and named Germania Hall.

The Germania Society was formed by the Germans as a mutual benefit society. Social gatherings and dances were enjoyed. The society grew until the membershij) became about fifty. It existed for seven years.