USA > Michigan > Oakland County > History of Oakland County, Michigan, a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume I > Part 44
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The original quarters of the association were in the Jackson block on east Lawrence street and the rooms opened on May 15. 1899. At the close of the fiscal year so well had the new project been received that the enrollment numbered 292 members. The association was in- corporated under the laws of the state on March 27, 1900.
In 1904, at a meeting of the board of directors in February, it was decided to adopt plans for the erection of a home for the association, but the movement was not carried to a successful culmination. In September of that year Secretary Arthur resigned and he was succeeded by E. C. Van Ness. In January of 1905, a meeting was called to con- sider the building of a gymnasium, the work previous to that time hav- ing been conducted solely along lines of religion and education. A suit- able location was secured and that phase of the work was prosecuted with much vigor during 1906.
This period of activity was followed by a depression induced by the low financial ebb of the affairs of the association, but the concerted efforts of the board of directors were sufficient to overcome the situation and the work continued as before. In February, 1907, the first physical director was engaged, to give a part of his time to the work of the asso- ciation. In September, 1909, the present general secretary, R. J. Ritz, was called to assume charge of the association. About this time the financial status of the organization again became involved, and the dif- ficulty was met and overcome by the generous responses of the citizens of Pontiac, when they subscribed $3,000, which amount covered all out- standing indebtedness and carried the association for one year. In
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February, 1910. a campaign to raise funds for a new building was in- augurated and in ten days' time a sum of $30,035 had been subscribed. The campaign committee was composed of Arthur Pack, E. L. Kayser, Harry Coleman, Dr. J. F. Spring, Dr. E. A. Christian, and R. A. Palmer. The association then made a purchase of the John Dudley Norton prop- erty on west Pike street, which was complete and modern in every re- spect and suited to the needs of the association, with the exception of its lack of baths and gymnasium, a defect which the board of directors proceeded to repaid in October of the same year by the erection of the present physical quarters, consisting of gymnasium, swimming pool, locker rooms and shower baths. The work was completed and the build- ing opened for use on March 30, 1912. The property, complete with furnishings and the new building with its equipment cost the association approximately $25,000, and the home is in every respect modern and suitable.
The association has been fortunate in the personnel of its director- ate, always having men of resource and energy, with the necessary courage to bring to a successful culmination any movement they actu- ally inaugurated and thought best for the good of the cause. The officers of the association since its organization have been as follows: In 1899. Hon. J. S. Stockwell, Sr., president; H. H. Snowdon, vice- president ; J. B. Draper, recording secretary; E. J. Greer, treasurer ; Frank Arthur, general secretary. In 1900, same officers held over. In 1901, Hon. J. S. Stockwell, Sr., president; A. L. Moore, vice-president ; Archie McCallum, recording secretary; P. H. Struthers, treasurer. In 1902, same president and vice-president ; George A. Bell, recording sec- retary; P. H. Struthers, treasurer. In 1903, same president : Dr. J. F. Spring, vice-president ; George Ryder, recording secretary ; P. H. Struth- ers, treasurer. In 1004, no change in presidency ; Dr. Eher Charles. vice-president ; E. V. Allison, recording secretary ; P. H. Struthers, treasurer. In 1905, Dr. J. F. Spring became president to succeed Hon. J. S. Stockwell, Sr .; E. V. Allison, vice-president ; C. E. Passell, record- ing secretary ; J. L. Sibley, treasurer. In 1906 there was no change in the office of president; G. E. English, vice-president ; same recording secretary and treasurer. In 1907, J. L. Sibley, president ; A. H. Phinney. vice-president ; C. A. Passell, recording secretary; Dr. Elmer Charles, . treasurer. In 1900, 1). 1 .. Kimball, president ; E. J. Tinney, vice-president ; E. B. Linabury, recording secretary; Dr. Elmer Charles, treasurer. In Ig10, the same president continued ; George .\. Hormer, vice-president : 11. B. Davenport, recording secretary ; Dr. Elmer Charles, treasurer. In 1911, D. L. Kimball was again elected president ; R. J. Brace, vice-pres- ident ; C. A. Harris, recording secretary; Dr. Elmer Charles, treasurer. In 1912. R. J. Brace, president ; C. A. Trask, vice-president ; C. A. Har- ris, recording secretary, and Dr. Eher Charles, treasurer.
RED RIBBON CLUB OF PONTIAC
The Red Ribbon Club of Pontiac was organized on Easter Sunday, April 2, 1877, with the following officers : George Reeves, president : Wil- liam Blair. first vice-president : John Fitzpatrick, second vice-president ;
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Edward Barton, third vice-president ; H. W. Lord, Jr., secretary; Rich- ard H. Elliott, treasurer.
For a number of years the club was in a most thriving condition and at one time its membership exceeded five hundred. Since 1881, however, there has been a gradual decline in membership, and of recent years it is difficult to arouse the old-time interest. The club was a temperance or- ganization, but the decline in enthusiasm with regard to this club in par- ticular is by no means an indication of a lack of interest in the cause of temperance, as the recent period of local option in Oakland county will witness, the activities of the people being directed to the work along other lines.
The club was organized by Dr. Reynolds, as was also the W. C. T. U.
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CHAPTER XXV
PONTIAC'S FRATERNAL SOCIETIES
MASONRY IN PONTIAC-THIRD LODGE IN TERRITORY-PONTIAC LODGE NO. 21-PAST MASTERS-PONTIAC COUNCIL NO. 3. R. & S. M .- OAKLAND CHAPTER NO. 5. R. A. M .- PONTIAC COMMANDERY NO. 2, K. T .- PONTIAC CHAPTER NO. 228, O. E. S .- MASONIC TEMPLE ASSOCIA- TION-CANTON PONTIAC NO. 3. I. O. O. F .- PYTHIAN KNIGHTS AND SISTERS-DICK RICHARDSON POST, G. A. R .- KNIGHTS OF COLUM- BUS-ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA-B. P. O. E .- OTHER LODGES.
Pontiac is classed as a strong city in its support of the secret and fraternal orders and societies. Its Masonic lodge was the third to be established in the territory of Michigan, and still flourishes like a "green bay trec," while its societies of later birth, like those of the Elks and Moose, have been firmly planted and are rapidly growing.
MASONRY IN PONTIAC
The history of Masonry in Pontiac is so well covered in the Masonic Roster of 1910, compiled and arranged by Leo L. Thomas, that the arti- cle appearing in that little booklet is here given in its entirety :
TITIRD LODGE IN TERRITORY
The third lodge established in the territory of Michigan was called Oakland Lodge, No. 343, and located in the village of Pontiac. Decem- ber 15, 1821, a petition to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York for a lodge to be established under this name was signed by the following:
Judah Church, William Morris, Tiba Swan, Enoch Hotchkiss, Joshua Davis, Jr., Aaron Webster, Samuel Beaman, Jonathan Perrin, John H. Davis, Amasa Bagley, Oliver Williams, David Stanard, Daniel LeRoy, David Perrin.
Warrant was granted March 7. 1822, to Oakland Lodge, No. 343, and its officers were installed July 16, 1822.
Nothing of great importance transpired until November 2, 1825. when the W. M., Leonard Weed, wrote the Grand Lodge as follows :
"The Lodge is moved from Pontiac to the village of Auburn more in the sentre of its members, and if it meets the approbation of the Grand Lodge we wish it mite be inserted in the Charter to that efect as the Town
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or Village at present is left a blank in the Charter. The returns are maid out from the instalation up to 27 of Dec. 5825 as inserted in the letter. "LEONARD WEED."
This was the pioneer country lodge, the other two in the territory of Michigan being in Detroit.
In July, 1826, the lodge was represented at the organization of the first Grand Lodge by Leonard Weed, W. AL., as "proxy for Oakland Lodge and entitled to three votes." Weed was elected First Junior Grand Warden. A letter from the Grand Lodge of New York acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, with which Oakland Lodge, No. 3, was now associated. Brother Smith Weeks, probably the first Methodist preacher in Oakland county, was such an enthusiastic member of Oakland Lodge that he walked twenty-five miles to Detroit to be present on this occasion. He was elected first grand chaplain.
The house of Leonard Weed, in the village of Auburn, remains 1in- changed to this day, a landmark of Masonry in this state. The lodge met in a small chamber barely high enough for one to stand erect. Upon one occasion a young man came to be initiated and waited-while prepara- tions for his reception were made in the room above-in the kitchen with Mrs. Weed and her daughter. Said Mrs. Weed: "I understand they are going to make some Masons up stairs tonight. You had better get the gridiron on the stove so as to have it ready." The daughter brought the old gridiron and placed it on the stove, to the evident discomfort of the young man. He soon took his hat and left and was not to be found when sent for by the lodge.
Brother Ebenezer Smith, in 1826, deeded a lot in the village of Au- burn to Gov. Lewis Cass, and his successors in office, for the use of a public school and a Masonic lodge. The deed is recorded in the register's office, and is an interesting document. The lot has remained vacant to this day.
In July, 1827, when Stony Creek Lodge was organized, an effort was made to have Oakland Lodge brought back to Pontiac. However, it remained at Auburn until 1829, when the Grand Lodge, under Grand Master Cass, recommended that Masonic work be suspended in this state.
When called to labor again in 1841, Oakland Lodge was one of the first to resume the tools of the craft, this time at the original station of the lodge, in Pontiac. The original records having been burned, in 1840, together with the charter, a meeting was held at the Hodges House on February 3, 1841, for the purpose of reorganization. There were present at this meeting : Jacob Loop, chairman ; Daniel V. Bissell, Calvin Hotch- kiss, Josiel Smith, Henry L. Rinehart, David Hollenbeck, Charles AF. Eldridge, Schuyler Hodges, Julius Dean, Phineas Silsby, Amasa Green, Mahlon Hubble.
Brothers Weed, Rinehart and Hotchkiss were appointed a committee to draft by-laws. The following officers were elected and their names placed in the petition asking for a dispensation : Leonard Weed, W. M .; Jacob Loop, S. W. ; Daniel V. Bissell, J. W.
Jacob Loop was appointed a committee to visit the grand master with the petition for a dispensation. The meeting was then adjourned to
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meet at the Hodges House on the 18th of February. At the second meet- ing Brother Loop reported his success and presented a dispensation worded as follows :
"To All Free and Accepted Masons on the Surface of the Globe :
"Know ye that 1, Martin Davis, do hereby authorize and impower Our Masonic Brothren of the Town of Pontiac, County of Oakland and State of Michigan to form a new Lodge Known by the Name of Pontiac Lodge No. 8 To be Located in Said Township.
"And 1 do hereby appoint Leonard Weed to be their first Master and Jacob Loop To be their first Senior Warden and Daniel V. Bissil to be their first Junior Warden And I do hereby fully authorise and Impower Said Lodge to make Entered apprentice Masons Pass Fellow Crafts and raise them to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason according To the antiant usages and Custom of the Fraternity. I do further order and Command the brotheren of Said lodge to observe And Obey the Consti- tution of the Grand Lodge of the State of Michigan together with the Rules and regulations of the Same.
"In Testimony hereof I hereby Set my hand and Seal this 13th day of Feb. in A. D. 1841 and In the year of Masonry, 5841. "MARTIN DAVIS, Grand Junior Warden."
The lodge continued to work in Pontiac, leaving very complete rec- ords until its charter was forfeited.
On June 24, 1842, the lodge celebrated St. John's day by services at the Presbyterian Meeting House, followed by a banquet at the Hodges Hlouse. Toasts to "Masonry in America-like Daniel in the lions' den it has escaped unhurt," and "The Ladies-the brightest jewels of the craft," were drunk in "iced water," Washingtonian style.
When it became known that the Grand Lodge of Michigan could not obtain recognition because of its irregular formation, Oakland Lodge applied for and received a new charter from the Grand Lodge of New York under the name Oakland Lodge, No. 101. A period of inactivity and indifference followed.
On September 17. 1844, Brother Calvin Hotchkiss was present as the representative of Oakland Lodge, No. 101, at the convention of dele- gates that re-organized the present Grand Lodge of Michigan.
From this time interest died down until the Grand Lodge demanded the charter in 1847 because of non-payment of dues.
On November 12, 1847, a dispensation was granted for a new lodge and Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, sprang into existence and has since occupied the field formerly held by Oakland Lodge. The jewels and furniture of Oakland Lodge, which had been surrendered, were loaned to the new lodge, which thus became fully equipped for work.
For fifty years Pontiac Lodge has enjoyed a healthy growth, result- in a present lodge membership of four hundred. Since 1897 it has been located in a comfortable home of its own.
PONTIAC LODGE NO. 21
Pontiac Lodge No. 21, FF. & A. M., was organized July 16, 1822. as Oakland Lodge No. 3 under jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New
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York, and on November 12. 1847, as Pontiac Lodge No. 21. under juris- diction of Grand Lodge of Michigan. The present officers and member- ship of the lodge are as follows: J. G. Newton, worthy master; HI. H. Fox, senior warden: Ralph W. Mccullough, junior warden ; Chauncey Brace, treasurer ; William H.I. Davey, secretary. Membership, 575. Char- ter members of the lodge are: Charles M1. Eldridge, Horace C. Thurber, Francis Darrow, Levi Bacon, Jr., Alfred J. Boss, Julius Dean, James A. Weeks, Henry S. Rinehart, George W. Rogers, A. W. Hitchcock and David Hollenbeck.
PAST MASTERS
Chas. M. Eldridge, 1848; Francis Darrow, 1849; Alfred Treadway, 1850; Nelson J. Smith, 1851 ; Francis Darrow, 1852; Alfred Treadway, 1853: Oscar F. North. 1854: Francis Darrow. 1855-58; Abram B. Mat- thews, 1859-61; Francis Darrow, 1862; Mark Walter, 1863: Francis Darrow, 1864-65; A. B. Cudworth, 1866; Mark Walter, 1867; Henry M. Look, 1868-69; Mark Walter, 1870-71 ; A. C. High, 1872-75 : J. E. Saw- yer. 1875-77; Nicholas Laurent, 1878; S. H. Norton, 1879-81 ; E. C. Smith, 1882; Lafayette Bostwick, 1883-86: A. B. Avery, 1887-88; Lafay- ette Bostwick, 1889-91 ; J. C. Allshouse, 1892; Geo. J. Stull, 1893; E. C. Smith, 1894; F. 1]. Carroll, 1895; G. W. Dickinson, 1896-98; R. J. White- sell, 1899: J. C. Allshouse, 1900; Fred E. Walker, 1901; Jas. S. Gray, 1902-03 : E. E. Hymers, 1904; E. F. Oberlin, 1905; Judson Fredenburgh, 1906; C. D. Morris, 1907; Louis B. Arnold, 1908: William H. Davey, 1909: F. H. Newton, 1910; A. E. Wright, 1911 ; J. G. Newton, 1912.
PONTIAC COUNCIL No. 3. R. & S. M.
Organized May 14, 1857, as Pontiac Council No. 25, under jurisdic- tion of Grand Lodge of Connecticut, and on January 15, 1858, as Pon- tiac Council No. 3. under jurisdiction of Independent Grand Council of Michigan.
PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS
Past thrice illustrious masters are as follows: Theron A. Flower, 1857; Francis Darrow, 1858-63; A. B. Cudworth, 1863-65: Francis Dar- row, 1865-67: Robt. W. Davis, 1867-70; Henry M. Look. 1871 ; S. S. Matthews, 1872; Mark Walter, 1873; Theron A. Flower, 1874-75; Sam- uel H. Norton, 1876-85; E. C. Smith, 1886-87; J. E. Sawyer, 1888; L. F. Bostwick, 1889-97; F. H. Carroll, 1898-99; G. W. Dickinson, 1000-01 ; A. A. Corwin, 1902; J. C. Allshouse, 1903-04: Jas. S. Gray, 1905; J. E. Brondige, 1906; L. F. Bostwick, 1907-08; John Parkinson, 1909-11.
Officers for 1912 are: Arthur E. Wright, thrice illustrious master ; J. L. Wardell, deputy master; Arthur G. Newton, principal conductor of work; Chauncey Brace, treasurer; W. II. Davey, recorder. Mem- bership. 300.
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OAKLAND CHAPTER NO. 5. R. A. M.
Oakland Chapter No. 5, R. A. M., was organized under dispensa- tion. September 23, 1848, from Grand Charter of Michigan, and char tered January 3, 1850.
Charter members of the chapter are: A. Flower, F. Belding. J. Niles, J. Chase, W. Brown. C. Hotchkiss. G. Bigelow. C. M. Eldridge, and T. Johnson.
Past high priests: Andrew Flower, 1848-50; Chas. M. Eldridge, 1851; Greenleaf Wadleigh, 1852-54: Francis Darrow. 1855-58; A. B. Cud- worth, 1859: Francis Darrow, 1860-61; A. B. Cudworth, 1862-64; Mark Walter, 1865-67; John P. Foster, 1868; Daniel G. Thurber, 1869-70 Mark Walter, 1871; Samuel H. Norton, 1872-76; Thos. F. Gerls. 1877- 78; Henry A. Norton, 1879-81: E. C. Smith, 1882-83: Jos. E. Sawyer, 1884: J. Henry Bange, 1885-86; L. F. Bostwick, 1887; E. C. Fuller, 1888-89; John S. Miller, 1800-92; A. B. Avery, 1893: F. C. Walker, 1894; Arthur H. Smith, 1895-97; H. C. Guillot, 1898-99: A. A. Corwin, 1900: G. W. Dickinson, 1901 ; H. C. Guillot, 1902; 1. F. Bostwick, 1903 ; Jas. S. Gray, 1904-05 ; John Parkinson, 1906-07 ; John C. Allshouse, 1908; L. B. Arnold, 1909: Arthur G. Newton. 1910-11.
Present officers are : F. H. Newton, high priest ; L. S. Wardell, king ; A. E. Wright, scribe; Chauncey Brace, treasurer : William H. Davey, secretary. The present membership is four hundred.
PONTIAC COMMANDERY NO. 2. K. T.
Pontiac Commandery No. 2 was organized under dispensation from General Grand Encampment of the District of Columbia, March 25. 1852. Charter from General Grand Encampment of the District of Columbia. October 27. 1853. Dispensation from Michigan Grand Encampment, April 7, 1857. Charter from Michigan Grand Encampment, June 1. 1858.
Past eminent commanders :
Theron A. Flower, 1852-53; Andrew Flower, 1854; Bela Cogshall, 1855: A. B. Matthews, 1856: D. C. Jacokes, 1857; Francis Darrow. 1858- 60; Erastus Thatcher, 1801; A. C. Baldwin, 1862; Theron A. Flower, 1863-04: Francis Darrow, 1865; Theron A. Flower. 1866-69; Henry M. Look, 1870-73; S. S. Matthews, 1874-75; John l'. Foster, 1876; Daniel G. Thurbur, 1877-78; Samuel II. Norton, 1879; Thos. F. Gerls. 1880-81; Ed. C. Smith, 1882-84; J. E. Sawyer, 1885-86; J. A. Harris, 1887-88; Geo. Il. Foster, 1889-00; J. A. Harris, 1891; A. B. Avery, 1892; Jas. H. Harger, 1803-04: Fred Walker, 1895-96 ; AAlbert E. Curdy, 1897-98; F. II. Carroll, 1898-1900; Wm. II. Morgans, 1901; A. E. Collins, 1902-03 ; G. W. Dickinson, 1904-07; F. 11. Carroll, 1908-11.
Present officers are : Fred R. Graves, eminent commander ; Charles II. Newton, generalissimo; Andrew W. King, captain general; Rev. 11. 11. H. Fox, excellent prelate: J. L. Wardell, senior warden; Ilomer 11. Colaten, junior warden ; James S. Stockwell, treasurer; William HI. Davey, recorder.
The present membership of Pontiac Commandery is two hundred.
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PONTIAC CHAPTER No. 228, O. E. S.
Pontiac Chapter No. 228 was organized October 13, 1898, under jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, State of Michigan.
The first officers of the chapter were as follows: Mrs. Gennette II. Payne, W. M .; Reuben G. Whitesell, W. P .; Mrs. Mary E. Morgans, A. M .; Chauncey J. Payne, secretary ; Mrs. Catherine Dickinson, treas- utrer ; Mrs. R. G. Ward, conductor ; Mrs. Hannah E. Stull, assistant con- ductor ; Mrs. Emma Malcolm, chaplain ; Mrs. Anna Losee, Adah; Mrs. Mittie Hollister, Ruth; Mrs. Fannie Walker, Esther; Mrs. Archie Gil- lis, Martha ; Mrs. Elizabeth Whitesell, Electa ; Mrs. Hulda Bell, warder ; Charles B. Ilunt, sentinel.
Present officers : Mrs. Ida Eveland, W. M .; A. J. Ruby, W. P .; Mrs. Emma Colvin, A. M .; Miss Lillian E. Rayner, secretary ; Mrs. Eliza Waddell, treasurer ; Miss Elizabeth Hutton, conductor ; Mrs. May Har- ger, associate conductor ; Mrs. Esther Calvert, chaplain ; Mrs. Anna Wright, Adah; Mrs. Olla Steinbaugh, Ruth; Mrs. R. W. McCullough, Esther ; Mrs. Alice Hutton, Martha ; Mrs. Cora Gordon, Electa.
Past worthy matrons and past worthy patrons :
Mrs. G. H. Payne, 1898; Mr. R. J. Whitesell, 1898; Mrs. Mary E. Morgans, 1899: Mr. H. H. Snowdon, 1899; Mrs. G. Il. Payne, 1900; Mr. John B. Matthews, 1900; Mrs. Hannah Stull. 1901; Mr. G. W. Dickinson, 1901; Mrs. Hannah Stull, 1902; Mr. G. W. Dickinson, 1902; Mrs. Minnie Morris, 1903; Mr. E. H. Lincoln, 1903: Mrs. Minnie Mor- ris, 1904; Dr. J. D. Riker, 1904; Miss Eva Hossler, 1905; Dr. J. D. Riker, 1905; Mrs. Carrie Newberry, 1906: Mr. E. V. Allison, 1906; Mrs. Carrie Newberry, 1907; Mr. J. C. F. Hollister, 1907; Mrs. Alice Hutton, 1908; Mr. G. W. Dickinson, 1908; Mrs. Alice Hutton, 1909; Mr. D. H. Calvert, 1909; Mrs. Ida Eveland, 1910.
Secretaries of the chapter since organization have been: Mrs. Lucy J. Mathews, Mrs. Emma B. Kuttler, Miss Lillis Harris and Miss Lot- tie MI. Stanton.
MASONIC TEMPLE ASSOCIATION
This association was organized for the purpose of erecting the build- ing in which the different Masonic bodies hold their meetings and of managing the property in the interests of the order. The organization was effected on December 2, 1865, and the membership of the associa- tion consists of those members of Pontiac Lodge No. 21, who enroll themselves as such with the secretary of the association.
The present officers of the association are: Frank H. Carroll, presi- dent ; Fred R. Graves, secretary ; and Carlton D. Morris, treasurer. The trustees are: John W. Rockey, F. H. Newton, A. E. Wright, E. B. Oberlin and A. G. Newton.
The past presidents of the association are as follows: A. B. Mat- thews, 1865-73: Mark Walter, 1874-77; John P. Foster, 1878-86; Henry E. Allison, 1887-95 : Jos. E. Sawyer, 1896: Geo. W. Dickinson, 1897-1902 ; Jas. S. Gray, 1903-06; Chas A. Harrison, 1907-08; Frank H. Carroll, 1909-II.
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Membership consists of those members of Pontiac Lodge. No. 21. who enroll themselves as such with the secretary of the association.
CANTON PONTIAC NO. 3. I. O. O. F.
Canton Pontiac No. 3. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was in- stituted in March, 1886, by Major-General Harry Soule, of the De- partment of Michigan, with headquarters at Ann Arbor. Twenty-six members signed the roll at that time and Peter Betzing was chosen cap- tain, with Robert Callow as clerk. Captain Betzing held the office for two years. Lieutenant Bessey was the next captain and he held the office for three years. The canton prospered under the rule of Captain Bessey and at that time was known for the best drilled canton in the state, taking the first prize as such.
Lieutenant Hungerford was elected captain in 1891 and held the office one year. In 1892 Lient. Theodore Collier was elected captain and reelected in 1893. proving a most efficient officer. About this time. the majority of the members, who were mechanics, sought membership elsewhere, and the number of members dropped to ten. Captain Betz- ing was at this time thought to be the most capable man to hold the canton together and he was accordingly elected captain again in 1894. and by his untiring efforts for ten years Canton No. 3 was held in good standing, and although the membership did not grow. it did not de- crease. In 1905 Captain Betzing was ready to render up his steward- ship, with the canton out of debt. In the year Major John Andrews was elected captain, and was reelected each succeeding year until 1911. The subordinate lodge had been taking in young members, so the canton commenced to recruit from them, and as a result of the untiring efforts of Lieutenant Hodge, the canton was again placed in the front ranks. In 1911 Lieutenant Hodge was chosen captain of the canton, holding the office with honor, and at the end of his term he withdrew in favor of Lieutenant Benedict, who was elected captain in 1911 and is the present officer. The canton is growing steadily and bids fair to rival its former reputation.
Welcome Rebekah Lodge No. 246 is the well organized auxiliary of Canton No. 3.
PYTHIAN KNIGHTS AND SISTERS
Pontiac Lodge No. 19, Knights of Pythias, was organized and granted a charter on March 13, 1889, when the following officers were elected : Richard W. Bell, past chancellor: Charles W. Salterbaugh, chancellor commander: Jerome W. Robbins, vice chancellor ; Delos D. Jayne, pre- late: Charles M. Crofoot, master of exchequer: Samuel E. Howlett. keeper of record and seals. The present officers of the lodge are: Roy E. Bailey, past chancellor; Henry Merz, chancellor commander ; T. D. Seeley, vice chancellor : Roy M. Campbell, prelate : Charles Merz. master of exchequer ; DeWitt C. Davis, keeper of record and seals.
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