Organization: Loyal – Early Eastern Star

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Wehe, Trindal, Lesta, Hales, Warner, Raab, Theisen

----Source: Family Scrapbook

The Order of the Eastern Star is in its forty third year of organization in Loyal. In the memories of many; the name of Mrs. Minnie Haslett stands out as the one person who was chiefly responsible for the formation of a chapter in Loyal. At the time a complete corps of officers numbered 17, so at least that many persons had to indicate a desire for a local chapter before their wish would be recognized by the State Chapter.

On February 24, 1927, the evening of the first official meeting in Loyal, a 6:00 banquet was held at Mrs. Baker’s restaurant, later known as the Wehe tavern. The Masonic meeting room was on the second floor of the building and here Iris Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, was instituted. Twenty persons became members of the chapter by affiliation. A special dispensation was read, permitting 6 persons to be voted upon and initiated that same evening, bringing to 26 the total number of charter members. Of that number, the following are still members: Mrs. Hazel Trindal, Lesta and Roy Hales, and Mrs. Beatrice Warner.

These were not prosperous times in our nation, and this was reflected in the organization. Slowly, and sometimes with small assessments, the necessary equipment was acquired.

In March, 1930, the Masonic meeting place was moved to the second floor of the Raab building. A "housewarming” banquet was decided upon. The ladies prepared and served it in the Chapter room and charged $1.00 per plate.

In February, 1932, the Star cooperated with other organizations in town by putting on a George Washington bi-centennial program which was initiated by the American Legion.

In reading the minutes of the meetings over the years it seemed to be indicated that "when all else failed" to bolster the finances, a social" evening for Masons and their wives, "Stars," and their husbands was planned, serving a lunch and charging 25 cents or perhaps a meal and fine program and charging 75 cents or $1.00. Visiting dignitaries were usually housed at the Hotel Johnston where overnight lodging and breakfast were supplied for a maximum of $1.75. One meeting in 1935 had to be cancelled because Main Street in Loyal was being paved, and it was impossible to get into the meeting hall.

During the war years members of the chapter worked closely with the Red Cross, supplying funds and doing sewing. The organization purchased bonds, took an offering each month for many months to help support servicemen's centers in Wisconsin, baked cookies and bought gifts for the men in the Camp McCoy Hospital and in various other ways tried to be of assistance. Another interesting project was the "adoption" of a Chinese War orphan by providing his support for a year.

In 1945 the meeting place was again changed. This time the Masonic Lodge rented the second floor of the old "fire hall" from the school district. This was the "home" of the Star until the Theisen Hardware building on Main Street was purchased and remodeled. The history of the Order of the Eastern Star over the years is a composite of pleasant social times, interesting programs, and valuable services rendered.