The First 100 Years

Shawano Masons

http://www.gwmemorial.org/

George Washington, the Mason and Father of our Country

THE FIRST 100 YEARS

SHAWANO LODGE #170 F. & A. M.

1868 – 1968

By Ronald Campbell

Celebrates its’ 100^thbirthday, it is a proud and memorable moment in history. That moment has arrived for Shawano Lodge #170 of Free & Accepted Masons, as your presence here today so appropriately signifies. It is therefore, fitting and proper, that we should re-call and commemorate some of the outstanding individuals who conceived and nourished the original idea of a lodge in Shawano, and the many deeds our Brothers of the Masonic order so willingly proffered.

When an individual, organization, institution, or lodge

    The fact that I, a Master Mason of only six months, should be asked to offer these observations is recognition for which I felt unworthy and unqualified, but accepted with honor and pride. However, I would be remiss if I did not thank two Brothers for their valuable assistance: Brother Roy Sieber for summarizing the minutes and Brother Rolland Kuckuk for providing the historical data and documents.

    You have in your hands a copy of the souvenir program, which traces some of the highlights of the early history of Shawano County and the Masonic Lodge. Not to be redundant, I will only touch lightly on this period, but will relate some of the early happenings preceding the establishment of the lodge were chartered.

    Early records show it was in 1843 when Samuel Farnsworth paddled up the Wolf River from New London to explore this vast, virgin timber area, and returned to Neenah to interest Charles Wescott in starting a sawmill. This was done, and most of the crew consisted of Indians.  1844 and 1845 saw trading posts established in the surrounding area, and 1848 before the first family joined their husband and father at the mill. Other families followed slowly, and in 1853, Shawano County was incorporated and the first Town Meeting held.

    By 1854, there were six families located in the local settlement in what is now the northwest corner of Shawano, consisting of thirty children and twelve adults, for a total of 42 people. That year the first school was started, and a tote road was built from New London to Shawano, offering the first land route from the south. In 1855 there were 254 people in all of Shawano County and the first meeting of the county board of Supervisors was held in November.

    Between 1855 and 1860, more people came – a blacksmith shop was built; a hotel, saloon and supply stores were constructed and by 1860 there were 829 people in the County.

    The first Protestant church service, Methodist, was held in 1865, and in 1866, Rev. Z. Clark Colburn came to Shawano as the first pastor of the Methodist Church. It was also in1866 when Brothers Henry Durrin, Z. Clark Colburn, R. W. Lambert, and C. W. Bennett had several meetings for the purpose of organizing a Masonic Lodge in Shawano. (Quite obviously these men were already Master Masons before coming to Shawano.) Late that year a petition was presented to the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin for a dispensation to organize a Lodge, to be known as “Star of the Frontier”.

    In January 1867, the dispensation was granted, and they proceeded to rent a Lodge Room from Herman Naber in his store building for $12.50 a year. (This is the site of the present Dreier Pharmacy.) The Lodge provided its own stove and wood for heat and kerosene lamps. Lodge furniture consisted of a few chairs, an old table, several spittoons, a dry goods box that served as an alter and a Kerosene Lantern with the Masonic Emblem painted on the chimney served as an outside light at the entrance. This was the first home of the lodge!

    February 7, the first communication was held. Brother G. W. Washburn of Oshkosh Lodge #27 presented the dispensation, in which Henry Durrin was named Worshipful Master; Z. Clark Colburn, Senior Warden and D. H. Pulcifer, Junior Warden. By-Laws were read and adopted, and six applications for membership were presented: A. G. Rockwell, C. M. Upham, John Wiley, D. A. Andrews, Marion Wescott and M. H. McCord.

    Optimism prevailed at their March 16 meeting, as a bill was allowed for the printing of 100 petitions. It follows that the six petitioners were given their degree work promptly, as on May 4^ththey were all passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, with the help from Brothers of Waupaca Lodge #123, and on June 1^stand 3^rd, five were initiated and raised to Master Masons, and the sixth one raised August 5^th. Later in the year the Worshipful Master appointed the following Brothers to act as officers during the continuation of the dispensation: Marion Wescott, Treasurer; D. P. Anderson Secretary; M. H. McCord, Sr. Deacon; R. W. Lambert, Jr. Deacon; and C. M. Upham, Tyler. During 1867, a total of 25 stated and special communications were held, and they closed with 13 members.

    April 18, 1868 saw tragedy strike when death took Henry Durrin, who was Master of the little Lodge and its guiding spirit. On May 26^th, Brother J. Slingerland was raised to Master Mason, with assistance from Brothers from Green Bay Lodge #21, and a Brother from Worchester, Conn. Lodge #10.

In case a Charter was granted this Lodge, they elected by ballot on June 6^th, to recommend Rev. Z. Clark Colburn, Worshipful Master; M. H. McCord, Sr. Warden; and D. P. Andrews, Jr. Warden. On June 10, 1868, the Charter was granted.

CHARTER MEMBERS WERE:

1. Z. Clark Colburn                                          Preacher

2. D. H. Pulcifer                                                Postmaster and Postal Inspector

3. R. W. Lambert                                             Probably a Lumberman

4. C. W. Bennett                                              Surveyor

5. J. E. Breed                                                    Probably a Lumberman

6. M. H. McCord                                             Lumberman

7. Marion Wescott                                        Lumberman

8. C. M. Upham                                                Merchant

9. A. G. Rockwell                                           Printer & Editor of Venture (paper)

10. D. P. Andrews                                         Lawyer

11. John Wiley                                                Supt. Of Schools

12. J. Slingerland                                          Preacher and Teacher

13. J. L. Hewitt                                              Farmer (1^stin the town of Wescott)

    1868 saw a total of 19 stated and special convocations, with a total of 13 members (1 deceased and 1 raised)

    1869 saw one member demitted; a committee appointed to procure a seal and furniture for the Lodge; several visitors from New London, Waupaca, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and Weyauwega. A number of applications were received and voted, but none raised, leaving the membership at 12. (13 less one demitted). Reported indebtedness of the Lodge on December 4, 1869 was $285.62, all of which was owed to 10 Brothers of the Lodge.

    In 1870 a number of applications were accepted and several candidates received their degree work; hence, the lodge started to show growth!

    1871 brought a petition from Clintonville, WI., signed by seven Master Masons, requesting permission to establish a Lodge at Clintonville. In March, 1871 Shawano was incorporated as a village, and in April the first election was held. Elected to the Assessors post was Brother M. H. McCord. Three years later, in March 1874, Shawano became a City, and in April the first charter Elections were held. Elected first Mayor was Brother D. H. Pulcifer, who in addition to working in the postal Dept., also served in the State Legislature, and was the Grandfather of our Brother Rolland Kuckuk. Brother R. W. Lambert was elected the first Alderman of the 1^stward of Shawano; Brother H. M. Loomer, Justice of the Peace; and Brother M. H. McCord, 1^stSupervisor in the 2^ndWard. Brother McCord was later elected Congressman from his District, and was then appointed Governor of the territory of Arizona. Brother John Wiley later became Treasurer of Shawano County. The Shawano County Journal, was started by Brothers, M. H. McCord and A. G. Rockwell in 1862, and McCord sold his interest to Brother C. M. Upham. Successive owners were D. H. Pulcifer, Gust Gorham and Wooster.

Under Worshipful Master H. M. Loomer in 1876, the Lodge purchased Jewels and Columns for Lodge use. It appears Brother Loomer was the first Mason, following the death of Brother Henry Durrin in 1868,to become sufficiently posted to carry on degree work without outside assistance and is substantiated by a letter from him dated 1913, which related some of the Lodges early struggles.

    Following Brother Loomer as Worshipful Master in 1877 was D. E. Wescott, who, according to Brother Loomer’s letter, became very proficient in giving degrees and from then on, the Shawano Lodge was never again afraid to undertake degree work, even in the presence of visitors. Brother D. E. Wescott was to continue in a very active way in the Lodge, especially in the role of Worshipful Master, serving a total of 17 times; again in 1881, 84, 85, 87, 90 92 and finally nine consecutive years from 1898 to 1906.

    1878 saw the erection of Shawano’s first High School, and 1879 a new Court House, with a committee from Shawano Lodge making arrangements for laying of the cornerstone. In 1880, the Odd Fellows built a new Lodge of their own, and in turn invited the Masons to share in the new hall rented from the Odd Fellows, believed to be the building on the Southeast corner of Main and Division Street. This was the Masons second home.

    1884 saw the first Railroad coming through Shawano, from Oconto to Clintonville. That same year , the Lodge purchased a sword and Belt for their Tyler. 1887, the Masons started considering building a new lodge for themselves. In 1888, Shawano had its first telephone, with the switchboard located at Brother Antone Kuckuk’s Jewelry Store. (Brother Rolland’s Father.)

   1893 saw the consummation of the new Masonic Lodge, which is now the north half of Chaimsons Clothing store, at a total investment of $4,272.15, with the dedication held December 27^th. This was the Shawano Masons third home. However, it seems quite apparent that the pressure of the mortgage and lack of funds was quite severe, June 1894; there was already discussion about selling the new lodge building for no less that the original investment. No doubt, these were trying times for Worshipful Master G. C. Dickinson in 1894, and Antone Kuckuk in 1895 & 1896, but through a series of loans, refinancing, and personal sacrifice, they were able to meet their obligations.

    Shawano’s first library was established in 1899, and that same year each member of Masons was assessed $1.00 for the benefit of the New Richmond Brethren. The first electric plant was established in Shawano in 1900, and the Shawano Masons wasted little time in taking advantage of it, as electric lights and fixtures were installed in the Lodge in 1901.

    A contribution was made to Wm. McKinley Lodge #431, Canton, Ohio, for the McKinley Monument in 1902, and the Lodge also received a special communication for the burial of Brother Col. W. S. Woods ashes sent from Detroit, Michigan, E. E. Bronson, a relative of Brother Col. Wood deeded the block in Shawano cemetery where Col. Wood was buried to Shawano Lodge the following year, on the condition the lodge would look after and keep the grave in good condition,, which they agreed to do.

    $15.00 was donated to suffering Brethren in California in 1906, and in 1907 the Shawano Chapter No. 167 Order of the Eastern Star was Chartered. Economic conditions had apparently improved by 1909, as fees were set at $50.00 for the three degrees, but perhaps other areas of the State were not faring so well, as in 1911, $25.00 was sent for the aid of our Black River Falls Brethren. The ravages of floods also took their toll, and in 1914, money was sent to the Grand Lodge for the relief of Ohio Flood sufferers.

    A group from Shawano journeyed to Oconto Falls in 1915 to attend dedication ceremonies, laying the corner stone of the new Oconto Falls public School. In the following year, 1916, the Lodge donated $50.00 to the City for new street lights; gave $50.00 to Brother Fred Howe, who had to go west for his health; and attended special ceremonies for laying the corner stone for a new High School in Shawano.

    1918 saw dues increased from $2.00 to 3.00 per year; the lodge’s 50^thyear celebration postponed until after the war; and Shawano Chapter #95, Royal Arch Masons Chartered. After a bitter struggle to retain ownership of their new Lodge Building in 1894, it was sold in 1919 for $9,500.00 to Chaimsons, with 18 months free rent, but a search was begun for a new site.

   Our Brothers from Clintonville may wish to note that in 1871 their petition for the organization of a lodge was referred to Shawano Lodge for recommendation and favorable considered. In October 1921, Shawano Masons attended the laying of the cornerstone of Clintonville’s new lodge, then hurried home to complete plans for their own new facilities. It was finally decided to purchase the LaLeikel Meat Market and a lot South of it, on the Southwest corner of Main and Division Street. After remodeling and building an addition, this became our present, and fourth, Masonic Home. It was dedicated June 22, 1922, at an original cost for building and real estate of $36,259.48, and held their postponed 50^thyear celebration.

    Calvary Shrine #18, White Shrine of Jerusalem was chartered in 1923. A delegation from the Lodge accepted an invitation to be present at the cornerstone laying of the new Methodist Church in Shawano in 1925; attended the dedication of the Neenah Lodge in 1926; and sent $20.00 to Grand Lodge for relief of storm victims in Florida, Continued improvements followed in the Lodge, with more acts of Brotherly love performed, and in June 1943, the 75^thanniversary was observed.

    In 1947, Bethel #43, International order of Jobs 

Daughters, was chartered.

    In 1960, dues were raised to $10.00 per year and a new electric sign was purchased for the front of the lodge, and in 1964, $194.50 was paid to the Grand Lodge for the George Washington Memorial.

    Several recent occurrences in 1968 are worthy of note. The installation of a son by his Father is not uncommon, but the installation of John Tincher as Worshipful Master by his son Past Master George Tincher, is so far as known, unique in the history of Shawano Lodge. In April 1968 we welcomed the opportunity to participate with our friends, the Knights of Columbus in the joint sponsorship of a dinner for the benefit of the Shawano Community Hospital.

This in brief, covers some of the highlights of the past one hundred years. The total number of members that have signed the by-laws of Shawano Lodge since 1868 is 490. We began this year of 1968 with 169 members. It has been impossible, of course, to name every name and list every deed performed, but to everyone we are grateful. And as we look back and picture the conditions, and the people, who were in the 1860’s, some of us have wondered why these early pioneers would start a Masonic Lodge in such a forsaken outpost in the wilderness? One conclusion we draw, which seems plausible, was that there was a very distinct difference in the caliber of men present in this settlement and surrounding area. Many were rough, rowdy types, interested only in personal gain, and of questionable character; while others were of high morals and ideals, compassionate, and fine character. A Masonic Lodge offered this latter group an environment of peace, solitude, and Brotherly love unavailable elsewhere.

    From this inauspicious beginning, these early Brethren withstood the odds and the elements to lay the groundwork for a Masonic Lodge, when men of lesser fortitude would have weakened and fallen. These were men with visions – dreams – and vibrant ideas. They gave unselfishly of their time, talents and labor to aid and assist their Worthy Brethren in distress – both at home and away; to help all mankind in need; to add strength to the civic, cultural and community development. This is why it is here today! And it is why the impact they made is still felt today – 100 years later.

    I hope we all concur when I say, “God Bless them, and may he endow us with the same wisdom and perseverance to endure”!

DANIEL HAIGHT PULCIFER

     Born in Vergennes, Addison County Vermont on November 16, 1834 in his early youth Daniel Haight Pulcifer was responsible for the entire economic support of his family, which consisted of his Father, Mother, and twelve siblings. His formal education was limited and at age 20 he could not write and could read only with great difficulty.

    He became a “printer’s devil” and at age 21, in 1855 he migrated from Whitehall, New York to Oasis in Waushara County three years later, his self education had advanced to the stage where he would become a journalist.

    He became editor, successfully, of the pine river Argus. (Pine River Waushara County) the Plover Times (Plover, Portage County). The Columbus republic (Columbus) and the commonwealth (Fond Du Lac). In February 1865 he came to Shawano and became editor of the Shawano County Journal, then owned by Myron McCord and A. G. Rockwell. Subsequently the three men joined with 11 others and formed Shawano Lodge #170 F. & A. M.

    He was elected deputy sheriff of Shawano County. The following year he was elected Sheriff and served with distinction, arresting armed felons and on one occasion receiving a wound which required painful and dangerous surgical operation. He was: Deputy U. S. Marshal, State Assemblyman, Compiler of the State of Wisconsin Blue book in 1879, and in 1874 became Shawano’s first mayor. He served three terms. Other Masons who were the first elected officials of the City of Shawano include: (Spencer Wiley, R. W. Lambert, G. W. Gibes, C. L. Wiley, M. H. McCord, H. M. Looker and Hiram Bruce.) Pulcifer was also: Hotel owner, Stagecoach operator, Land developer, Merchant (Kuckuk and Pulcifer) founder of the village of Pulcifer, owner of Shawano County Journal, and a Republican active in local, State and National politics. 

    In 1882 the Postmaster General of the United States appointed him Postal Inspector. In this office he traveled in all the States in the Union. Despite political changes he continued to serve in that position for thirteen years. An 1895 publication of the J. H. Beers & Co. (Chicago), referring to D. H. Pulcifer stated:

“Such is a brief sketch of one of Wisconsin’s typical self made men and represenitive successful business citizens, one possessed of much natural ability, supported by a due allowance of courage, acumen, and perhaps best of all sound judgment in all his acts and to be relied upon as a friend in all circumstances.

CHARLES M. UPHAM

     Charles Upham was born in 1937. As a young man he worked in the Weed and Gumaer General Store in Weyauwega, Wisconsin. In 1867 when he was 21 years old he walked to Shawano from New London (32 miles) and opened Shawano’s first major General store. His goods and provisions were p0led up the Wolf River by Indians on barges from New London.

    The Upham General Store was later incorporated as Upham & Russell. Russell was Upham brother in law and one of the very few male employees of the company who was not a Mason.

The original building was 16 foot by 18 foot and was located where the Wright Broiler Company now stands. From these modest beginnings the Upham and Russell Company grew until it was described in 1875 as “the largest general merchandise (store) in Northern Wisconsin”.

    Charles Upham was the brother of William Upham, a mill owner in the town of Angelica. Who after the Peshtigo fire moved to Marshfield, and later in 1894, was elected Governor of the State of Wisconsin.

    Charles Upham was more than a successful merchant. He was a civic leader:

1861 – Postmaster of Shawano County.

1862 – Purchased an interest in the Shawano County Journal from Masonic Brother Myron McCord and became its editor.

1865 – Purchased a hotel at the northeast corner of main and green bay streets.

1868 – Founder of Shawano Masonic Lodge #170

1875 – Elected Shawano’s second mayor (Shawano’s first mayor was Brother D. H. Pulcifer).

The editor of the newspaper (Western Advance) of Portage city wrote on April 20, 1875: (We have known Shawano when their was one salon for every 50 inhabitants and it was one of the worst places we ever saw; though being a lumber town, most of drunkenness was with the transient population. All honor to the first two mayor’s of Shawano who have dared not only to enforce the Sunday law, but prohibit the sale of liquor altogether.)

1876 – Temperance law fights became so heated, three aldermen and mayor Upham resigned.

1881 – Organizer of Shawano’s first bank (Shawano County Bank)

1887 – Owner of Murdock hotel once located at the corner of Main and Green Bay Street’s.

1891 – Organizer of Shawano waterpower and river improvement Company. The company built a dam across the wolf for waterpower purposes.

1893 – Became the owner of water-powered gristmill where the Shawano paper mill now stands.

1900 – Recognized Shawano County Bank as Shawano’s first national chartered under the laws of the United Stated. He was president of it and its successor (First National Bank for twenty years.)

Charles M. Upham, one of the founders of this Masonic Lodge, is an important part of our heritage as Shawano Masons.

BROTHER WILLIAM McKINLEY WALLRICH

    Brother William McKinley Wallrich was born in Shawano on October 28, 1894. He was the oldest son of Shawano Attorney Brother M.J. Wallrich.

    The United States entered World War 1 by declaration on April 6, 1917. On May 12, 1917, just 36 days after our entrance into the war, Brother William Wallrich enlisted in the U. S. Army. He trained at Fort Sheridan and received his commission as a first Lieutenant in November of 1917.

    He returned to Shawano for a few weeks furlough at the end of November.

    William McKinley Wallrich petitioned Shawano Lodge #170 F. & A. M. for the degrees of Masonry on December 6, 1917. On that same day he was elected to receive them.

    By special dispensation from the Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin, waiting periods had been waived and Brother Wallrich was initiated an Entered Apprentice on December 6, 1917. He was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on December 8^th, 1917 and was raised to the Sublime degree of Master Mason on December 11^th, 1917 – Having passed examination satisfactorily to the Master of Shawano lodge, which was Brother Ira Weeks.

    Brother Wallrich was raised a Master Mason five days after his petition was received. No one in our Lodge’s history – before or after – has been accorded such advantage. This speaks volumes for the esteem in which the Brethren of this Lodge held Brother Wallrich.

    Brother Wallrich petition to join the Order of Free and Accepted Masons was signed by Brothers W. H. Cantwell and Dayn E. Wescott. The committee investigating his bona fides was composed of Brother King Weeman, Anton Kuckuk and Ralph R. Hoeper.

    Brother Wallrich reported to Camp Green at Charlotte, North Carolina and remained there until March of 1918. He was a member of Company F, 38^thInfantry, and 3rd Division and served as Regimental Gas Warfare officer.

On July 23, 1918 – Some four months after leaving the United States and during the Aisne-Mame offensive at Joulgonne, France, Brother Wallrich was killed by shrapnel while carrying food to men who were lying in the field.

A memorial service for Brother Wallrich was held at the Shawano St. Johns Episcopal Church.  The newspaper report of that service included the following comment:

    “At a special meeting of the Masonic Lodge Thursday evening, fitting resolutions were adopted concerning the death of their member.”

    “Memorial services were held in the Episcopal Church on Monday afternoon for the late William McKinley Wallrich. The Church was crowded with friends and relatives and the Masonic Lodge attended the same in body. We are told there were 56 brothers present.”

In 1918 a street in Fort Sheridan was named after Brother Wallrich.

The Portrait of Brother Wallrich hangs in the lodge hall room as an appropriate memorial to a Brother fallen in the First World War.

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MEMO FOR OUR GUESTS AND MEMBERS

As we have indicated in the attached letter, we are celebrating our 100^thanniversary on Saturday June 15^th. We hope to make it an occasion you will remember and cherish.

PRESENTATION – To assist us in arranging our tables, and so that we may have a record of your attendance, all members, guests, and their Ladies are requested to register at the Sunday School Wing of the Presbyterian Church between 2 and 7 on the day of the Centennial.

PARKING – Parking near the Presbyterian Church as shown on the map on the reverse side of this sheet. Parking at the Peace Church is on street.

TILED COMMUNICATION – A special Communication of Shawano Lodge will be opened in the Fellowship Hall of the Presbyterian Church at 3:00 P.M. for the reception of Grand Officers, introductions of distinguished visitors, honoring of our 50 year members, and an historical account of the organization and growth of Shawano Lodge.

LADIES ENTERTAINMENT – Ladies headquarters will be in the Presbyterian Church Lounge Facilities for freshening up will be available. While the men are at Lodge, the Ladies will enjoy a tour of the beautiful Wolf River Country in Menominee County. Please wear walking shoes for this tour.

THE CENTENNIAL BANQUET – will be served by the ladies of the Peace United Church of Christ in their dining hall at 7 P.M. The newly elected Grand Master will be the principal speaker. A group from the Tripoli Chanters will furnish musical entertainment. A social period will follow the banquet.

RESERVATIONS – Sorry, but we cannot guarantee accommodations at the banquet table without reservations. Please return the enclosed card for banquet reservation, with your check for tickets at $2.50 per plate, by June 8^th. Pick up your tickets when you register.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS – Reservations, if desired, should be made directly with the hotel involved. The Bilmay Motor Hotel on Green Bay Street is recommended. Motels are the Shawano, Pine Acres and Siesta Villa, East on Highway 29; the Riverview at South City limits on Highway 22; and the Oakdale, one block off Highway 47 North.

MENS WASH ROOM – the Sunday School Wing of the Methodist Church has been reserved as the place where visiting Brothers can wash and change clothing, 2 to 7.

                                                                                             Sincerely and Fraternally,

                                                                                             Shawano Lodge #170 F. & A. M.

                                                                                             John W. Tincher W. M.

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SHAWANO LODGE No. 170 F. & A. M.

SHAWANO, WISCONSIN

Stated Communications 1^st& 3^rdThursday

1968 OFFICERS

John W. Tincher—W. M.                                              Roy Sieber—Chaplain

Willard Dreffein—S. W.                                                 William Popp—S. D.

Walter Mahl—J. W.                                                           George Koons—J. D.

Ivan Butler—Treasurer                                             Lawrence Taylor—S. S.

Otis Thomas—Secretary                                          Donald Schroeder—J. S.

Ed Wranosky—Tiler

R. K. Rickard, George W. Tincher, Leonard Brath, Trustees

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Centennial Committees

General—Rolland Kuckuk, Chairman; John W. Tincher,

Joseph F. Niemuth

Invitations & Reservations—George W. Tincher

Finance—Edwin Brauch, Joseph F. Niemuth

Banquet—Walter Mahl, Lester Otto, William Popp

Program—Louis White, Clifford Koeppen

Tiler—Ed Wranosky, Ray H. Finke, Willard Dreffein

Women’s Entertainment—Joan Patterson

Souvenir Booklet—-Rolland A. Kuckuk, Roy Sieber, Joseph Niemuth

Publicity—Wallace Voeks

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SHAWANO LODGE NO. 170 CENTENNIAL

Invitations & Reservations Committees

George Tincher, Chairman

Decide who to invite and who to have Complimentary tickets.

Prepare and mail preliminary invitations and final invitations.

Prepare and mail information sheet – Map – reservation sheet – reservation envelope.

Report dinner reservations to banquet committee.

Report bus ride reservations to Ladies committee.

Report hotel reservations to hotel.

Prepare and have reservations forms printed.

Arrange with Jobs Daughters to handle registration desk.

Prepare a card index for reservations.

Arrange a list of visitors in order of rank for introduction

At tiled Meeting and banquet.

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SHAWANO LODGE NO. 170 CENTENNIAL

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Louis White, Chairman

Arrange program for tiled meeting in the afternoon. The Grand Master probably will not arrive in time for the afternoon meeting in which case another speaker should be arranged for.

If any of the Grand Officers are going to be present, they should ceremonial be received and perhaps called on for a few informal remarks but the main speaker should be arranged for ahead of time.

Program should also be arranged for the banquet in the evening. John Tincher has informally requested part of the Tripoli Chanters, but letter should be written formally requesting that the Chanters come and be prepared to sing. We are unable to accommodate all of the Chanters both for financial reasons and that many voices would be to large for the Peace Church dining room, so it is important that only a part of them be invited.

The Grand Master will be present at the banquet and will give the principal address. It would seem that a few selections by the Chanters, the introduction of the visitors and the Grand Masters should be adequate for the program. 

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SHAWANO LODGE NO. 170 CENTENNIAL

Banquet Committee,

Walter Mahl, Chairman

Arrange with Peace Church for banquet.

Decide on menu.

Determine price of meal and ticket price.

Arrange for printing of tickets (suggest complimentary tickets

                                                      Be on different colored card stock)

Get dinner reservations from invitation committee (George Tincher)

Arrange dining room and seating – place cards for the Grand Officers.

Get order of rank from invitation committee.

Distribution and sale – of local tickets.

Timing and service of banquet.

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SHAWANO LODGE NO. 170 CENTENNIAL

LADIES COMMITTEE,

Joan Patterson, Chairman

The will use the lounge at the Presbyterian Church as headquarters. Several Ladies should remain on duty there from 10 in the morning on Saturday, June 15^thuntil people depart for the banquet.

It is planned to have a tour of Menominee County for the Ladies while the lodge meets in the afternoon. This committee should keep in touch with the reservation committee as to how many Ladies to expect and order proper number of busses from Grosskopf. These busses will seat approximately 40 persons. It is also suggested that the committee arrange for one of the Menominee Indian girls to be aboard each bus as a guide, and that one of the Ladies of the lodge also be assigned to each bus as a hostess.

The General Chairman will assist in arranging for the busses and the Menominee girls if desired, time of departure and entertainment before and after the bus ride is the province of this committee.

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SHAWANO LODGE NO. 170 CENTENNIAL

TILERS COMMITTEE

Ed Wranosky, Chairman

Arrange for use of Presbyterian Hall.

Get dispensation from Grand Lodge to use it.

Move officers chairs, pedestals, gavels, alter, Bible, Charter, candles, lights, officers aprons, rods, flag, to Presbyterian Hall.

Arrange Hall as a Lodge Room – seal window shades.

Design and order souvenir aprons, arrange some way to recognize Grand officers and past masters and seat at east end of hall so far as possible.

At time of meeting, set up a table in ante room and have some assistance to help in passing members into the hall.

Suggest you get Ernie Hiegel to help you, as he will recognize most of the visitors.

Lock doors from kitchen into main hall, and post guard at hall entrance to Lodge Room.

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SHAWANO LODGE NO. 170 CENTENNIAL

Souvenir Booklet

Rolland A. Kuckuk & Joe Niemuth, Chairman

Prepare and distribute booklet.

Tentative arrangement;

Front cover – reproduction of Shawano County Journal article, February 1868

Inside cover – Dedication to War dead.

Page 1 – Welcoming remarks.

Page 2 – Afternoon program

Page 3 – Banquet Program

Page 4 – Cut and list of officers of Shawano Lodge & Centennial Committees

Page 5 – Easter Star material and begin history

Page 6 – Chapter material and continue history

Page 7 – White Shrine material and continue history

Page 8 – Jobs Daughters material and continue history

Page 9 & 10 – History

Inside back cover – Charter members

Back Cover – Past Masters

Booklets to be distributed to visitors at registration, to members at Lodge, afternoon meeting or State and County Historical Societies

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Shawano Chapter No. 167

Order of the Eastern Star

Chartered 1907

Stated Meetings 8:00 p. m. 1^st& 3^rdMondays September thru June

Worthy Matron————————————————————– ——-Carol Raeder

Worthy Patron———————————————————————–John Tincher

Associate Matron——————————————————————–Vera Mitchell

Associate Patron————————————————————————Allan Pitt

Secretary—————————————————————————–Isabel Tincher

Treasurer————————————————————————–Florence Parker

Conductress———————————————————————–Marion Teckum

Associate Conductress—————————————————-Audrey Campbell

Chaplain————————————————————————-Willard Dreffein

Marshall—————————————————————————-Phyllis Tincher

Adah———————————————————————————Helen Ledvina

Ruth——————————————————————————-Donabell Brauch

Esther—————————————————————————–Cynthia Dreffein

Martha—————————————————————————Mona Schroeder

Electa——————————————————————————-Joan Patterson

Warder—————————————————————————Viola Thoreson

Sentinel———————————————————————Rasmus Rasmussen

Musician—————————————————————————–Bes Cantwell

Trustees———————————Noma Bates, Helen Tonne, Floyd Thoreson

___________________________________________________________________

Shawano Chapter No. 95

Royal Arch Masons

Chartered 1918

Stated Communications: 2^nd& 4^thThursdays, September thru June

OFFICERS 1968

High Priest——————————————————————–E. N. Christensen

King———————————————————————————Louis H. White

Scribe——————————————————————————-Leonard Brath

Captain of the Host——————————————————–William F. Meyer

Principle Sojourner——————————————————Donald Schroeder

Royal Arch Captain—————————————————-Willard W. Dreffein

3^rdVeil———————————————————————————–Ivan Butler

2^ndVeil———————————————————————-George D. Huebner

1^stVeil————————————————————————–Shirley Thoreson

Organist—————————————————————-Rudolph Feuerschutz

Secretary—————————————————————————R. K. Rickard

Treasurer———————————————————————-R. S, Rasmussen

Sentinel————————————————————————-Otis W. Thomas

Trustees—————————–Clifford Koeppen, Roy L. Sieber, Allen A. Pitt

Ritual Director——————————————————————-Roy L. Sieber

_____________________________________________________________________

Calvary Shrine No. 18

White Shrine of Jerusalem

Chartered 1923

Stated Meetings: 8:00 P. M. First Wednesdays September thru June

Officers 1968-1969

Worthy High Priestess————————————————-Janell Carmichael

Watchman of Shepherds————————————————Carl Carmichael

Noble Prophetess——————————————————————-Ella Brath

Associate Watchman of Shepherds———————————–Leonard Brath

Worthy Scribe——————————————————————-Clare Rickard

Worthy Treasurer—————————————————————Mabel Wendt

Worthy Chaplain—————————————————————Lillian Blahnik

Worthy Shepherdess————————————————————-Joyce Koons

Worthy Guide—————————————————————Viola McCormick

Worthy Herald——————————————————————–Frieda Voeks

First Wise Man——————————————————————–R. K. Rickard

Second Wise Man———————————————————-Clifford Koeppen

Third Wise Man———————————————————————Ivan Butler

King——————————————————————————Robert Patterson

Queen——————————————————————————Joan Patterson

First Hand Maid——————————————————————-Edith Butler

Second Hand Maid———————————————————Florence Parker

Third Hand Maid———————————————————————Dora Pitt

Worthy Organist————————————————————-Mary Koeppen

Worthy Guardian———————————————————–Phyllis Tincher

Worthy Guard————————————————————–Orla McCormick

_____________________________________________________________________

Bethel No. 43

International Order of Job’s Daughters

Chartered 1947

Stated Meetings: 2^nd& 4^thMondays, September thru June

OFFICERS 1968

First Half                                                                                      Second Half

Sandy Kuckuk, Honored Queen                               Jane Meyer, Honored Queen

Jane Meyer, Senior Princess                        Kathy Korting, Senior Princess

Kathy Korting, Junior Princess                           Kathy Dey, Junior Princess

Other girls who have served the Bethel during 1968 are: Jeanne Hoffman, Sandy Gartzke, Connie White, Debbie Herrema, Carol Dey, Lynn Marsh, Sharon Thoreson, Susan Gartzke, Jan Neitzel, Vickie Winters, Carla Dey.

Frieda Voeks, Guardian                            

                                           Ivan Butler, Associate Guardian

____________________________________________________________________

TILED COMMUNICATION

Shawano Lodge No. 170, F. & A. M.

Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall

3:00 P.M. June 15, 1968

Opening. 

1. Reception of Grand Officers.

2. Introduction of Distinguished Guests and visiting Brothers.

3. Presentation of 50-year certificates – 

  Roger C. Cantwell, John Hogan, A. R. (Ray) Kuckuk, Theo. L. Vanderpool*

4. Observations on the History of Shawano Lodge – Ronald Campbell.

5. Remarks by Grand Officers.

6. Closing.

_________________________________________________________________

CENTENNIAL BANQUET

Shawano Lodge No. 170 F. & A. M.

Peace United Church of Christ

7:00 P.M. June 15, 1968

Invocation                                                                   Reverend Gerald Wick

Dinner Music                                                                               Bess Cantwell

Banquet, prepared by the ladies of the Peace Church of Christ

Welcome                                                                            John W. Tincher W. M.

Music by the Chanters

Introduction of Distinguished Guests

Music by the Chanters

Main Address                                                 Perry A. Risberg Grand Master

                                                                                       Of Masons in Wisconsin

Acknowledgements                                                        John W. Tincher W. M.

Benediction

Social Hour

The Chanters are a group from the Tripoli Chanters, a unit of Tripoli Temple

           AAONMS (Shriners), Milwaukee, under the direction of Clyde Parnell

____________________________________________________________

SHAWANO LODGE #170 F. & A. M.                                              Shawano, Wisconsin

                                                                                                             June 25, 1968

Dear Brother;

     Our Worshipful Master has asked me to write to those Brothers who were unable to attend our Centennial, and give them a report of the activities of the day. Even though you could not be in attendance, be assured our thoughts were with you as we engaged in the festivities that had been planned for this memorable occasion.

    The day was beautiful, with clear skies and the temperature hovered in the 70,s throughout. Our Lodge Hall took on the appearance of Grand Central Station commencing about 10:00 A.M. as the various chairman and their members began to congregate and lay out the work for the day. Our Senior Warden, Will Dreffein, along with his helpers moved our working tools into his van to be transported to be transported to the Presbyterian Church in preparation for our tiled meeting at three o’clock. Past Master George Tincher, our registration chairman, went through last minute correspondence to make sure our invited guests were accommodated and welcomed in a manner befitting our community and lodge.

    Our Junior Warden, Junior Mahl, checked out the reservation list for the banquet to be held in the evening and did everything possible to assure the prevalence of harmony. Firm commitments had been made for the program that evening, by our, Past Master Louis White and Master John Tincher checked with the planning committee to make sure that all details were accounted for. Our Past Master Rolland Kuckuk performed his function as “over all” chairman in admirable fashion, faced the problem of getting the souvenir booklets to the registration desk and made sure our guests, the Tripoli Chanters, were properly accommodated.

   The confusion at ten in the morning was replaced with decorum at three in the afternoon as our tiled session git underway. This was a fine session and many of the visiting Brethren told us afterward how much they had enjoyed themselves and the work which was on the trestleboard.

   The highlights of this session were the awarding of 50 year certificates, comments by our distinguished guests and a closing in due form by our Grand Secretary.

   After the tilled session, our visiting Brethren and their ladies had an opportunity to visit the shops in Shawano and just generally relax before attending the banquet in the evening. I have taken the liberty of enclosing a copy of the days events as they appeared in the Shawano Evening Leader on Monday, June 17, 1968, thinking that perhaps you would be interested in reading the account.

   Let me say again, how sorry we are that you were couldn’t be with us but knew you would be interested in the days events.

                                                                                               Fraternally,

George L. Koons

                                                                                                Junior Deacon