“I would have to say this is my favorite page to have constructed.  Being a history buff, I enjoyed the research of where the Fraternal Order of Eagles came from and the significance of using the Eagle as our symbol.  My research came from Wikipedia, the FOE website and the Seattle Times NWSource Now and Then pages.  Thank you for taking the time to read about our history.”  Katie Collom

History

Leave it to the ladies to say “We’re not waiting for you….”

Eagle Auxiliaries existed long before the “Grand Auxiliary” was formed in 1951.  The first dating back to March 24, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Kansas.  Three days later another was formed in Frontenac Kansas.  965 local auxiliaries were in existence by March 1951 recording 130,000 members.  In August 1951 at the Grand Aerie convention in Rochester, NY the Grand Aerie passed unanimously to establish a Grand Auxiliary. 

Above is a photograph of the 1st national banquet in 1952

Life was not easy in the beginning.  Less than 5 years since the Eagles were founded, it was reported to have more than 1,000 members with enough cash to purchase the building on the S.W. corner of 7th Ave. and Pine Street.  It was named Aerie #1.

In February 1898, after deciding to fire their bands and use pianists exclusively, the founders formed “The Independent Order of Good Things” and their motto was “Skin Em”.

During the 2nd meeting, the founders decided to change their name to “The Fraternal Order of Eagles” and dropped the motto all together.  According to history, about a third of the original management “were the toughest crowd that could be dug up in Seattle.”

So many of the members were entertainers and were always on the move.  This contributed greatly to how the Eagles grew in membership.

Eventually, the hazing for membership was dropped and when John Cort became the first president he explained “we want to make life more desirable by lessening its evils and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope” which has become a part of our mission statement. 

Eagles popularity also grew because of their concept of brotherhood.  No Eagle member was ever to be buried in a Potter’s Field which was what U.S. and Canadians called an unknown burial site.

Noteworthy Auxiliary Members:

Bess Truman               Wife former U.S. President

Eleanor Roosevelt     Wife former U.S. President

Virginia Graham         Radio & TV Personality

Noteworthy Aerie Members:

 Theodore R. Roosevelt        Former U.S. President

Franklin D. Roosevelt           Former U.S. President

John F. Kennedy                    Former U.S. President

Bob Hope                                 Comedian/Actor

Max Baer                                 Heavy Weight                                                           Champion Boxer

Arnold Palmer                        Golfer

Gordie Howe                           Hockey Hall of Fame

Aerie Group Picture in 1929

Over the years, the Eagles have continued fighting and winning battles on behalf of their members.  The results have been the Worker’s Compensation Act, Mother’s Day, Old Age Pensions, Social Security Law changes and Jobs After 40.

The Eagles continue their fight for social benefits while raising funds for life threatening disease through sponsorships.

In 1903, the Eagles purchased the building for $11,500 located on the S.W. corner of 7th Ave. and Pine Street.

Ladies Auxiliary Dinner

Currently, Aerie membership exceeds 850,000 with local Aeries located in over 1,500 cities throughout U.S. and Canada.

 

Auxiliary members have over 1,300 locations with more than 250,000 members.

 

The F.O.E. donates more than $100 million dollars per year to local communities, fundraising charities and many more.  Much of the success is contributed to both hard and dedicated work of both the Aerie and Auxiliary members and officers. 

There is not extensive written explanation as to why the Eagle was selected as the official emblem of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Only that the participants at the time, selected it when the name was changed. 

 

After reading about these majestic, spiritual birds, I now understand why the founding members chose the Eagle.  No matter which culture I read about throughout history dating back to early Greek and Roman times, the Eagle has always been a symbol of power, loyalty and peace. 

 

 

According to the Eagle Spirit Ministry, the Eagle represents great power, balance, dignity with grace, a connection with higher truths, intuition and a creative spirit achieved through knowledge and hard work.

 

Some Native American cultures believe that the Bald Eagle, who had direct contact with the upper world of the sun, is a symbol of peace and carries prayers to the creator.

 

Eagles have very large hooked beaks, strong muscular legs and powerful talons.  They have extremely keen eyesight.  Their life expectancy is 30 years or more in the wild.  When Eagles build their nests they do so in tall trees or on high cliffs.  Their nests are called “eyries”.  I believe this is why the fraternities are named “Aeries”.

Bothell Eagles 2609