Laura Chapter - Order of the Eastern Star

1942

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 23:15:44 GMT

W. Matron Ruth Holmes Marshal Ella Schwarte
W. Patron - Frank Lackore Organist Margaret Buck
A. Matron Artina McCurdy Adah Jean Hug
A. Patron Albert E. Moser Ruth Loree Merrill
Sec Alice Griffith Esther Ethel Davis
-Florence Halden
Treas Frances Nelson Martha Vera Day
Cond. Lois Nelson Electa Celeste Starr
A. Cond. Elizabeth Turner Warder Ila Wells
Chaplain Grace Stouder Sentinel Jennie Everts

16 Meetings held
Initiations
Mrs. Cheryl M. Dickinson
Mrs. Margaret Gilchrist (Miller)
Mrs. Florence Wolf
Mrs. Rex E. Purviance
Mrs. Ralph E. Lawrence
Mr CC. W. Albright
Mrs. Cora Kroll
Mrs. Maude McDowell

Affiliations
0rs. Marian Dorothy
Mrs. Edna Sjolander
Mrs. Marian A. Heywood (Flauher)
Mrs. Pearl Thomas
Mrs. Margaret Marston
Mrs. Vera McMillen
Mrs. Vera Easter Baird
Mr. John T. Rutherford
Mrs. Catherine Rutherford
Mrs. Lilly Belle Couch (Smith)
Mrs. Ada M. McGriff
Mrs. Ada Throckmorton

Reinstatement

Mr. Earnest C. Tripp
Mrs Anita Meltzer Cave

Fifty Year Members

Mrs. Ruby Rich
C. A. Aplin

376 Chapter members 65,842 Grand Chapter Members
Grand Chapter Dues $299.20 ( 374 @ $.80
467 Iowa Chapters
Given to Rainbow Girls Advisory Board for the work of Rainbow Girls $15.00
Past Officers conferred degrees in November
Chapter Golden Anniversary celebrated. Invited Grand Chapter Officers as Guests. May 26, 1942 Around 115 for dinner at Sheldon0Munn Hotel. Around 300 for the program at the Temple.

Continued support of activities of Armed Forces in connection with Wrld War II. $200.00 War Bonds purchased. 12,000 plus hours of Red Cross work by members.
Three Masonic-Eastern Star gatherings. Annual picnic with Masonic ball team winning the cup from the Eastern Star Team. An evening Party with Bridge and other games. Christmas Parth with music and movies and treats and gifts for the children.

Initiation ceremony done at the District Group Meeting.

Grand Chapter
The sale of War Stamps and bonds at the Grand Chapter Sessions amount to $28,275.00
After working for 65 years without a Charter , the Most Worthy Grand Matron presented the Charter to the Grand Chapter of Iowa , at Cedar Rapids.

1941

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 22:44:45 GMT

W. Matron Stella Prather Marshal Myrtle Roberson
W. Patron - T.J. Link Organist Margaret Buck
A. Matron Ruth Holmes Adah Vera Day
A. Patron Frank Lackore Ruth Elizabeth Turner
Sec Alice Griffith Esther Lois Nelson
Treas Jessie Darlington Martha Grace Stouder
Cond. Artina McCurdy Electa Beryl Morris
A. Cond. Eva Stokes
Lois Nelson Warder Elsie Luglan
Chaplain Ella Schwarte Sentinel Jennie Everts

18 Meetings held Cora Erickson appointed to Grand Chapter Committee
for Chartered Chapters and Chapters Under
Dispensation.

Elizabeth Turner, Mother Advisor of Rainbow for Girls
Initiations
Mrs. Anna F. Allen
Miss Barbara Davis (Buffington)
Mr. Edward M. Effler
Mrs. Harriett R. Chandler
Miss Alberta Kline
Mrs. Ethyle M. Ring
Miss Jean Hug (Proctor)
Miss Frances Johnson (Wilkes)
Miss Elizabeth J. Michaelson (Record)
Mrs. Ruth S. Kershner
Mrs. Nettie Fritsch
Mrs. Dorothy R. Hatch
Mrs. Laura Sowers

Affiliations
Mrs. Nettie Elliott
Mrs. Loree Merrill
Mrs. Emma Roemer
Mrs. Elsie R. Pickett (Townsend)
Mr. Francis M. Tilton
Mr. Otis P. Wright
Mrs. Rubetta Wright
Mrs. Vera Lowman
Mrs. Nannie O. Ferrell
Mrs. Celeste Starr
Mr. Albert Halden
Mrs. Florence Halden
Mr. Frank Vilimek
Mrs. Ethel Vilimek
Frs. Faye Vilimek
Miss Dorothy Neuman (Duncan)
Mrs. Marjorie Mason
Miss Gail McClure (Proffitt)
Mrs. Gertrude Utter
Miss Cathering N. Miller
Miss Phila E. Taylor
Mr. Clarence B. Brooker
Mrs. Delores D. Brooker
Mrs. Ferne Neuman

Reaffiliation And Reinstatement
Mrs. Anna Crosier Mrs. Lena Ballard Ide

367 Chapter members 64, 846 Grand Chapter Members
Grand Chapter Dues $ 276.00 (345@ $.80)
467 Iowa Chapters

Eastern Star and White Shrine buy two new stoves for the Temple Kitchen.
(Prorated according to membership)
April 30, 1941 – Host to District Group Meeting (17 Chapters) with the initiation of a Laura Chapter Candidate. Dinner at Church of Christ. Around 400 present for the meeting.

Chapter furnished refreshments at Rainbow Girl Dance.

Secretary purchased a new seal (Probably the small hand one.)
New Sheaf donated by Caro Erickson.

Grand Chapter
“A ‘Traveling Star’ was started by the Instructor in each of the twenty-five districts. Chapters were requested to prepare programs to be offerend as entertainment as they presented the Star to another Chapter. Silver offerings taken at these meetings created a fund used in bringing added comfort and furnishings to our Eastern Star Home at Boone which could not be provided otherwise.”

1940

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 22:13:07 GMT

1940

W. Matron Caro Ericksen Marshal Lois Nelson
W. Patron - Frank Horning Organist Margaret Buck
A. Matron Stella Prather Adah Myrtle Roberson
A. Patron T.J. Link Ruth Ella Schwarte
Sec Alice Griffith Esther Elsie Luglan
Treas Jessie Darlington Martha Elizabeth Turner
Cond. Ruth Holmes Electa Frances Brouhard
A. Cond. Artina McCurdy Warder Jennie Everts
Chaplain Mildred Smith Sentinel J. B. Kooser
Frank Lackore

17 Meetings held
Initiations
Mr. Leland Allbaugh
Mrs. Cora E. Allbaugh
Mrs. Blanche V. Simpson
Miss Betty Jean Robinson (Merkley)
Miss Helen Louise Baird (Wessman)
Mrs. Agnes L. Teeter
Mrs. Beryl H.Tague
Miss Ethel Davis (Ute)
Mrs. Neta E. Davis
Miss Dorothy Moser (Swain)
Miss Caroline Nelson

Affiliations
Mrs. K. Fell Frazier
Mrs. Iva Frazier
Mrs. Cecile Stearns
Mrs. Elizabeth Lackore
Mr. Frank R. Lackore
Mr. Elic L. Walllace
Mrs. Marjory M. Wallace
Mrs. Ethel Coon
Mrs. Edith Lawrence
Miss Martha Naumann

Reaffiliation And Reinstatement
Mrs. Lula Ash Mrs. Margaret Sabatka

332 Chapter members 65,461 Grand Chapter Members
Grand Chapter Dues $273.60 (342 @ $.80)
466 Iowa Chapters

Add to Home Room Furnishings: Linens, Drapes, Chair pads, Bed Lamps Folding Screen.
To International Temple Endowment Fund $5.00\Buy new frame for Chapter Charter. Repair 5 officers chairs.
Covered dish dinner honoring Worthy Matron on her birthday with a gift from the officers of canned fruit.
Annual picnic in August at the OES Home.
Toward expenses for District meeting of Rainbow Girls, $10.00
A flag presented to the Chapter by Mrs. Helen Bates.
Two fictionbooks purchased for the OES Home Library

Grand Chapter - To present pins to the Fifty Year Members.

1939

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 21:45:11 GMT

W. Matron Katharine Diehl Marshal Artina McCurdy
W. Patron - Roy.E. Roudebusch Organist Elizabeth Turner
A. Matron Caro Ericksen Adah Elsie Luglan
A. Patron Frank Horning Ruth Frances Brouhard
Sec Alice Griffith Esther Mildred Smith
Treas Eva Stokes Martha Ella Schwarte
Cond. Stella Prather Electa Myrtle Roberson
A. Cond. Ruth Holmes Warder Jennie Everts
Chaplain Lois Nelson Sentinel J. B. Kooser

16 Meetings held
Initiations
Mrs. Vera M. Day
Miss Virginia Gilchrest (Kuncl)
Mrs. Rena Ball
Miss Isaphene Dailey
Miss Margaret Jane Dailey (Wells)
Mr. John Buttolph

Affiliations
Mr. A. E. Moser
Mrs Mae Moser
Mrs. Jessie H. Gilliland

Reaffiliation And Reinstatement
Mrs. Gladys D. Griffen Mrs. Nettie Miller

332 Chapter members 69, 095 Grand Chapter Members
Grand Chapter Dues $274.40 (343 @ $.80
466 Iowa Chapters

Coin March used for OES Home.
Buy new shades and drapes for west hallway. Leather brief case for Secretary $8.00
Buy Fire proof filing cabinet for records $60.00
12 dozed cocktail cups donated by Jennie Everts and Katharina Diehl.
New coverings for transoms in dining room donated by Katharina Diehl.

Past Officers on their special night presented with red roses.
Gift to W.H. Priestess at White Shrine was basket of flowers.
$10.00 for innerspring mattress for our Home room at Boone.

Grand Chapter - Star Points face the Altar during any ceremony at the Altar.
Officers stop pointing to their badges.
Decision to discontinue Secretarial Group Meetings with the Grand Secretary.

1939 By-laws

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 21:06:24 GMT

To be added later.

1938

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 21:03:52 GMT

W. Matron Hilda Been Marshal Ruth Holmes
W. Patron - A. w. Minott Organist Elizabeth Turner
A. Matron Katharine Diehl Adah Helen Harrington
A. Patron Roy.E. Roudebusch Ruth Mildred Smith
Sec Lulu Pettibone
Alice Griffith Esther Myrtle Roberson
Treas Eva Stokes Martha Frances Nelson
Cond. Caro Ericksen Electa Jennie Everts
A. Cond. Stella Prather Warder Marguerite Minott
Chaplain Artina McCurdy Sentinel Glenn C. Fancher

15Meetings held Elizabeth Wilkinson appointed Grand Adah

Violet Robinson, Mother Advisor of Rainbow for Girls
Initiations
Mrs. Hannah Buttolph
Miss Opal Louise Buttolph (Hazeltine)
Miss Phyllis Buttolph
Mrs. Nettie Hoppins
Mrs Ruth Confare Straka
Mrs. Genevieve Thompson
Mr. Russell Thompson
Mrs. Mrtyle Sowers
Mr. George Sowers
Mrs Bess Shriver

Affiliations
Mrs. Grace Zanias (Alex)
Mr. F. E. Robinson
Mr. Lauren McIntosh
Mrs Nellie McIntosh
Nrs. Mable Gross
Mrs Elsie Luglan
Mr. Harold w. Anway
Mrs. Wilma Anway
Mrs. Maude R. Cox
Miss Veda Rulifson (Kelsey)
Mrs. Alice Barnes

Reaffiliation And Reinstatement
Mrs. Lucy Perry Miss Vivian Vifquain

343 Chapter members 64,793 Grand Chapter Members
Grand Chapter Dues $268.00 (335@$.80)
467 Iowa Chapters

Sunshine Money (Coin March) being used for the OES Home.
A suggested amount of $ 0.25 pwer member for the Home from Iowa Chapters netted $12,660.00

Following an April 13, meeting a reception was held with Birthday cale and a gift from the Chapter for the Birthday that day of the Secretary, Lulu Pettibone, who had served the chapter as secretary for 17 years. (Before the May meeting Sister Lulu died suddenly from a heart attack.)

At the OES Home, 132 Chapter members carried out a Halloween dinner party with suitable program.

For the Chapter’s 46th Anniversary, a special evening was celebrated with a Gay Nineties Costume Dinner Dance, with and Old Fashioned Box Supper. Proceeds from the boxes $11.85. Rainbow Girls typed the 250 invitations sent out.

Rainbow Girls celebrated their 10th Anniversary with Laura Chapter members as their guests. At Grand Assembly in Clinton in June, our Rainbow Girls Drill Team under the direction of G. C. Fancher, won first place in the Exhjibition at Clinton.

Masons assisted by Eastern Star and Rainbow Girls held a family Christmas Party.

Grand Chapter – A suggested amount of $ 0.25 pwer member for the Home from Iowa Chapters netted $12,660.31

1937

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 01:11:52 GMT

W. Matron Elizabeth Wilkinson Marshal Hazel Horning
W. Patron - F. E. Horning Organist Elizabeth Turner
A. Matron Hilda Been Adah Gladys Stewart
A. Patron A. W. Minott Ruth Ruth Holmes
Sec Lulu Pettibone Esther Stella Prather
Treas Artena McCurdy Martha Eva Stokes
Cond. Katharine Diehl Electa Mary Roudebush
A. Cond. Caro Ericksen Warder Violet Robinson
Chaplain Edna Hammer Sentinel R.E. Roudebusch

13 Meetings held Laura Heffernan appoionted Grand representative
of New Mexico (3 years)
Initiations
Mrs. Ida Campbell
Mrs. John A. Wilkinson
Mrs. Gertrude Chavis
Mrs. Ella Kay Schwarte

Affiliations
Mrs Lois Nelson (Stewart)
Mrs. Bertha Gloer
Miss Madaline Canvin
Mrs. Bertha Edmund
Mrs. Laura M. Runnells
Miss Mabel Anderson
Mr. F. Springsing
Mrs. Bertha Springsin

Reaffiliation
Mrs. Bernice McCracken
Mrs. Lucy Foster

332 Chapter members 65, 076 Grand Chapter Members
Grand Chapter Dues $271.20 (338@ $.80)
467 Iowa Chapters

Grand Chapter School of Instruction held in Ames. $70.60 Receipts for serving the luncheon. Three day session. Ten years since the last State School was held here.

G. C. Fancher thanked the Chapter for Venetian blinds and extended the use of the Temple to the Chapter at any time it was available.

Arcadia Lodge added 9 dozen soup spoons to the silverware taken care of by our Chapter.

On the day of the Chapter School of Instruction, officers and guests were entertained for luncheon in the home of the Worthy Matron (at noon)

Relief Committee divided into two sections: 1. Sick calls and flowers, 2. Relief and Home Admissions.

November 9. Special Reception and appointments for the two Grand Chapter Appointments Laura Heffernan and Elizabeth Wilkinson. Each received gifts from the Chapter

Grand Chapter:
Dedication of the West Wing od Eastern Star Masonic Home, jan 29, 1937
Dedication of International Temple in Washington D.C. Febbryary 25, 1937

1930

Sun, 26 Feb 2006 21:19:58 GMT

W. Matron Laura Smith Marshal Ruth Evans
W. Patron - F.E. Been Organist Margaret Buck
A. Matron Edna Churchill Adah Mary Allen
A. Patron Claude Smith Ruth Helen Tammen
Sec Lulu Pettibone Esther Faye Meyers
Treas Hilda Been Martha Verrdie Craven
Cond. Pearl Fields Electa Alice Rudnick
A. Cond. Laura Hefferman Warder Grace Gleason
Chaplain Ethel Buck Sentinel E. F. Burton

16 Meetings held Alice Griffith appointed Grand Marshal for 1930
Initiations
Mrs. Katherine Kratoska (Bitsnet
Mrs. Zola Vifquain
Mrs. Eunice Pansy Douglass
Mrs. Loretta Lynch
Mrs. Violet Frances Robinson
Mrs. Lillian Peterson
Mr. Maxwell F. Smith
Mrs. Mildred K. Smith
Miss Catharine Morgan (Giffen)
Mr. Earnest C. Tripp
Mrs. Mary Tripp
Mrs. Georgia Doggett

Affiliations
Miss Elizabeth Dale
Mrs. Nettie Richie
Mrs. Edna Hammer
Mrs Katherine Halverson
Mr. F. W. Brokaw
Mrs.. Florence Brokaw
Mrs. Esther Carter
Mrs. Lula Oldsen

457 Chapter members 79, 901Grand Chapter Members
Grand Chapter Dues $358.40
472 Iowa Chapters

Chapter took care of the covers on the parlor chairs.
$20.00 allowed for kitchen equipment (Tea Kettle and spoons)
Used profits from serving the Masons dinners to purchase a Service Wagon for dining room use.
Buy curtains for the small top windows in the dining room and parlor.
Sponsored a party for the Rainbow Girls. Membership of 73. Ruth Cole, Grand Hope.

The Path That Leads to "Home"

Sun, 26 Feb 2006 21:02:37 GMT

“The Path That Leads to Home”

The first steps toward a Home were taken at Clinton in October 1891. When Brother George H. Jackson offered a resolution providing for the appointment of a Committee on Ways and Means to ascertain what could be done toward the creation of a home for indigent Masons and their orphans. The committee, consisting of Jennie E. Mathews, George H. Jackson, and T. R. Ercanbrack, reports at the next Session that they had consulted with Masonic bodies and concluded that the time had not yet come for definite action, but that preparations should be mad for the future. As a result of this report the “Grand Chapter Charity Fund” was created, and the sum of $500. of the funds in the Treasurry was set apart for that purpose and was the nucleus for the Home.

At our Silver Anniversary, definite action was taken to erect and maintain a home. The entire receipts of the silver offerings and mite boxes at that session were given to the Home Fund. Sister P. Jane Webber appointed a Committee on Ways and Means, Jennie E. Mathews, Jennie A. Rule, Mary Clements, O. C. Meredith and P. L. Severs.

This committee raised $2,000 and the next year was converted into the Home Board and authorized to receive bids and locate, build and maintain the Home. On October 24, 1904, a site near Boone, consisting of eighty acres, with a two-story brick building thereon was selected. The values, $15,000, of which the Masons and citizens of Boone gave $7,000, of the $8,000 left, $4,000 wa paid before dedication.

The House was remodeled and on October 18, 1905, was dedicated, the first Eastern Star Home in the world. While other states had Masonic and Eastern star Homes, it remained for the Eastern Star of Iowa to be the first to maintain a Home independent of Masonic Lodges.

On April 4, 1912, the Home burned and it was deemed wise to sell the land and build in Boone. The land sold for $1,000 more than the original price. A site was chosen in Boone and a beautiful Home costing $45,179.82 was erected and dedicated January 18, 1914. In 1917 a lot adjoining was purchased for $1,450.

In 1922 steps were taken to enlarge the Home. At the 1923 Session plans were presented but the matter was laid over until the 1924 Session, when the delegates authorized the Building committee to proceed with the additional wing.

On June 18, 1925, the Cornerstone was laidwith an impressive and beautiful ceremony, and on January 28, 1926, was dedicated the beautiful addition, making it a part of the Home, each a compliment of the other.

“It takes a heap o’ livin’ in a house t’ make it home,” says Edgar A. Guest, and that is what the Eastern Stars of Iowa are seeking to attain. Our home welcomed one hundred and fourteen into the Home Family. Sister Kate Jennings, one of the firs to enter the Home, is still with us.

“Of all the joys we can bring into our own lives, there is none so joyous as that which comes to us as the result of caring for others; let us extract the thorns and scatter roses in their paths.”

(Continued by Clinton Kastner, Secretary-Treasurer Home Board for the Diamond Jubilee Booklet)
1952

To briefly record the activities of the major project of the Grand Chapter, the Eastern Star Masonic Home, during the last twentt five years is quite a task, as it is full of the untiring efforts of so many to bring assistance to the Home and comfort and support to the Members of the Home Family.

During this period another addition was built in 1936 at a cost of approximately $134,000.00 and the rooms furnished by individuals and Chapters. The cornerstone was laid July 6, 1936 and dedicated January 29, 1937, each with appropriate ceremonies. With the addition, this now constitutes our beautiful Eastern Star Home of today.

But the wonderful foresight which prompted this most worthwhile project could not foresee the unprecedented demand which has grown up, during recent years, for the care of older people and the great need for such care. We are faced with the problem of either an enlarged infirmary or the building of additional rooms. We have such a long waiting list that it is just taking too long, after the request is made before the turn comes.

Our financial program for the support of the Home has recently been placed on a solid foundation, recognizing the greatly increased cost of operation. Our Endowment Fund has grown splendidly and does assist in the expense of operation. Through bequests, made in the wills of our sisters and brothers, much has been added to this growing fund. And we wish to express our deep appreciation of the growing practice of our members in remembering the Home, in their wills, with many fine bequests.

The generous giving has also enabled us to make many improvements and bringour home up to date in every way, including television sets and even an invalift. It has made a Home of which you may be proud.

But the thing of which we are most proud is what we like to call the “
Spirit of the Home.” It is that spirit of cheerfulness, that thoughtfulness of others and the spirit of helping one another, that is so prevalent among the members of our Home Family, which is so outstanding as to merit the notice and commendation of all who visit our Home. And this going for others has given many members a deep satisfaction and a new interest in life. Also that under the security of the Home and being away from many of the cares and worries of life, they may exemplify, to the fullest extent, the tenets of our beloved Order.

We have been fortunate in the selection of the Superintendents of our Home, as these policies have always been foremost in their minds. And, as before, out present Superintendent, Mrs. Edna P. Layton, and her capable assistant Miss Jean Tait, with their kindly consideration of the comfort and welfare of every member of our Home Family and their loves and understand of older people, has indeed made this a home in the truest sense of the word.

Another activity of your Home Board is the administration of our Relief Fund, as a Relief Committee and, while the fund is not large, it does assist in the care of our sisters and brothers in their home communities and many times to give much needed assistance until their turn comes for admission to the House.

1936

Sun, 26 Feb 2006 21:55:27 GMT

W. Matron Laura Heffernan Marshal Caro Ericksen
W. Patron - H.G. Buck Organist Margaret Buck
A. Matron Elizabeth Wilkinson Adah Stella Prather
A. Patron F. E. Horning Ruth Violet Robinson
Sec Lulu Pettibone Esther Ruth Holmes
Treas Helen Tammen Martha Artena McCurdy
Cond. Hilda Been Electa Hazel Horning
A. Cond. Katharine Diehl Warder Mary Roudebush
Chaplain Edna Bush Sentinel A. w. Minott

14 Meetings held Katharine Diehl, Mother Advisor of Rainbow Girls.
Initiations
Mr. R. E. Roudebush
Mr. George H. Graham

Affiliations
Mrs. Flora Miller
Mrs. Nina S. Hohberger
Mrs. Amie Rushing

Reinstaitment
Mrs. Myrtle Reid Mr. B. G. dyer

377 Chapter members 65,335 Grand Chapter Members
Grand Chapter Dues $272.OO (340@$.80)
467 Iowa Chapters
From Rainbow Girls – Gift of 50 Cups and Drapes for Dining room aned Parlor. Venetian Blinds purchased for the Lodge Room. (2/3 by Laura Chapter, 1/3 by White Sshrine
Past Officers did Initiation on the night of special recognition.
Laura Chapter, White Shrine, and Arcadia Lodge Christmas Party.