Name/Title
The Naomi Rebekah Lodge No. 33Scope and Content
Historical information on Naomi Rebekah Lodge No. 33 for 1976 Bicentennial Celebration in Waupun, WI.
*Facts are handwritten and was scanned with mistakes, if any, left uncorrected.
HISTORY OF THE NAOMI REBEKAH LODGE NO. 33
The Naomi Rebekah Lodge No. 2 is the oldest fraternal organization for women in Waupun having been chartered 105 years ago on January 21, 1870.
Founded on the fudamental principles of Christianity in friendship, love and truth, a meeting had been called April 8, 1869 by the IOOF Telulah Lodge No. 33 of Waupun to institute a new lodge for the ladies.
Thirty-one men and twenty-two women signed the charter. Among them: Messrs and Medames R. W. Wells, H. L. Butterfield, M. J. Althouse, Dennis Morse, F. F. Zimmermann, John Manz, Martin Geidel, E. E. Newton, George Gee, David Graves, Robert and James McElroy and Philancy Beardsley, Mary Hill and Rhody Pierce.
First officers were James McElroy, Noble Grand; Lucinda Mosher, Vice Grand; Mrs. Robert McElroy, recording Secretary; W. H. Parsons, Permanent Secretary and Sarah McElroy, Treasurer.
It was not until 1879 that a Sister Rebekah was elected Noble Grand with Mrs. Dennis (Laura) Morse being extended that honor. Following Mrs. Morse's one-year term was Mrs. W. S. Germain and Mrs. J. S. Morris.
Byron Anderson was the first to be elected Degree Staff Captain. A succession of Captains followed, including Henry and Lenora Wakeling, Henry and Gertrude Meenk, Mattie Gunnison, George Girling, Barbara Alderman, Eva Brennaman, Alice Clough and Mertie Geidel.
By 1914 the membership totaled 51 members with Mrs. R. W. Wells the only living charter member.
In 1923 a Past Noble Grands Society of 18 charter members was organized by Mrs. Edna Meenk.
In the early days, committees were formed to visit the town and learn of those who needed assistance. Already in that first year a widow received a washing machine, a brother Odd Fellow's note was brought up, money and gifts given. Until a benevolent society was started in Waupun the lodge continued benevolence for all Waupun residents.
Throughout the years the Rebekah Lodge has given generously to worthy causes including the Odd Fellows Home at Green Bay and all charitable drives whenever possible.
Money for benevolence work was earned in a variety of ways, including quilt sales, 10cent socials in the early days, dinners, food sales, card and bingo parties. One time a Sister Rebekah needed coal so a Social was held and $15.40 netted for the cause. Other times doctor bills and grocery bills were paid for the needy.
The social side of the Rebekahs was not forgotten. Dances, surprise showers and anniversary parties and picnics were held regularily.
Charter members were among the prominent leaders in the city. R. W. Wells, the first charter signer, was a druggist and city treasurer. Taxes for the poor were paid from his own pocket and the needy received free drugs from him.
Pioneer Dr. H. L. Butterfield was rather lacking in funds when he first came to the city and one day, Mr. Newton begged the doctor to visit his sick wife at home. As the physician's clothing was shabby, Newton loaned his trousers to the doctor. Newton more or less regreted the offer as the Doctor made several house calls, wearing Newton's trousers while the generous friend sat in the doctor's office fumming.
When musicians failed to appear at dances, Dennis Morse would whistle while a friend beat a pan. After one dance, Morse asked a Mr. Bruce, an implement dealer, if he would credit him with a plow. Bruce consented. In the spring Bruce sued Morse for the plow whereupon Morse went to court, whistled while his friend beat the pan and he won the suit.
Mrs. L. B. (Lena) Hermann, had the distinction of having six daughters in the Rebekah Lodge at one time. She and two of her daughters served as Noble Grands. Sister Hermann was a 26 year member and one daughter, Mrs. Mertie Geidel at present, is a 61 year member, of which she has devoted 38 years as Financial Secretary, 26 years as Degree Staff Captain and countless years as musician.
Only one member, Mrs. Edna Browne, has amassed membership of a longer duration. She has been a member for 63 years and served as Treasurer for the last 23 years.
In 1941 the Naomi Rebekah Lodge hosted the State IOOF Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly. Meetings were held in the new high school gymnasium (now the Middle school) and the City Hall, with the local Degree Staff playing an important role in the convention.
In 1930 the Degree Staff presented work for the State Rebekah Assembly held in Stevens Point. Money for the Staff bus fare was raised in numerous ways - but even by bus, travel was slow in those days. The group did not get back to Waupun until 4 A.M. the following day.
Present membership totals thirty-one of which one, Mrs. Ada Tanner, is an Associate member. Nineteen are Past Noble Grands and two of the local members have served as State Rebekah Assembly presidents, Mrs. Tanner and the late Mrs. Hattie Lubitz.
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The photo was taken in IOOF Hall; no date is indicated.
The Naomi Rebekah Lodge No. 33 Degree Staff that played an important part in the 1941 State IOOF Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly held in Waupun and hosted by the local lodges.
Pictured left to right:
Lack row: Mrs. Ora Allen, Mrs. Edna Meenk, Mrs. Mae Schulz, Mrs. Laura Ganz, Mrs. Dorothy Edmunds, Mrs. Grace Mielke Ertl, Mrs. Stella Corrigan, and Mrs. Adolyn Johnson.
Middle row: Mrs. Alice Clough Allen Mrs. Stella Fleming, Mrs. Myrtie Irwin, Mrs. Gladys McGrath, Mrs. Thelma Southard, and Mrs. Alice Wright Shannon.
Front row: Mrs. Galdys Fleming Bradford, Mrs. Callie Hazen, Mrs. Mable Idhe, Mrs. Ruth Folzman Welsh, Mrs. Helen Landaal, Mrs. Dorotha Schuhardt, Mrs. Edna Browne, and Mrs. Mertie Geidel. Seven of those pictured are still members today, including the Mrs. Johnson, Southard, Browne, Geidel, Landaal, Shannon and McGrath.
**Home Location for photo - Photo Box 013Acquisition
Accession
2016.0075Source or Donor
Waupun Area Chamber of CommerceAcquisition Method
Donation