Aerie History
Fraternal Order of Eagles: More Than a Century of "Good Things"
There was no fanfare when the Fraternal Order of Eagles was founded on February 6, 1898. The organization was formed by six theater owners sitting on a pile of lumber in Moran's shipyard in Seattle. They were competitors who had come together to discuss a musicians strike. After deciding how to handle the strike, they agreed to "bury the hatchet" and form an organization dubbed, "The Order of Good Things."
Early meetings were held on local theater stages and after taking care of business, attendees rolled out a keg of beer and enjoyed social time. As numbers grew, participants selected the Bald Eagle as the official emblem and changed the name to "The Fraternal Order of Eagles." In April 1898, the membership formed a Grand Aerie, secured a charter and developed a constitution and by-laws, with John Cort elected the Eagles' first president.
Touring theater troupes are credited with much of the Eagles' rapid growth. Most early members were actors, stagehands and playwrights who as they toured, carried the Eagles story across the United States and Canada.
Unparalleled Growth
The Eagles' popularity grew because their concept of brotherhood was so unique. The organization's success is also attributed to its sick and funeral benefits (no Eagle was ever buried in a Potter's Field), the provision of an aerie physician and many other benefits.
Responsibility to Its Members
As the Eagles grew, so did the organization's responsibilities to its members. Frank Hering, recognized as the "father" of Mother's Day, took the by-laws and customized them for the Eagles. He and other early members led the organization through difficult days at the turn of the century and built the solid foundation upon which the Eagles still rest.
Over the years, the Eagles have continued to meet member needs by fighting and winning many battles, with the results a Workman's Compensation Act, Mother's Day, old age pensions, Social Security laws and "Jobs After 40." The Eagles are still fighting to liberalize social benefits while battling life-threatening diseases through their sponsorships.
People Helping People
The Eagles claim many great social and political leaders on their rolls — from Theodore Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan. Harry S. Truman often reiterated that the Eagles was his type of organization — funded by and for the common man.
Today, the Eagles continue to strive to make the world a better place. We are proud, caring "people helping people" who understand that the needs of many will always outweigh the needs of a few.