New Clubhouse for the Iroquois Tribe No. 476 of the Improved Order of Redmen in North Peham in 1929

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

On Thursday, November 4, 1909, three hundred members of the various Lodges of the Improved Order of Red Men from Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Port Chester, and Mamaroneck gathered in Firemen's Hall in the local firehouse on Fifth Avenue in the Village of North Pelham for a solemn, yet grand occasion.   That evening, the Lodge from Port Chester formally installed a new Lodge in the Village of North Pelham:  Iroquois Tribe No. 476 Improved Order of Red Men.  

The Improved Order of Red Men is a fraternal and charitable organization established in 1834.   Its rituals and regalia reportedly are "modeled after those assumed to be used by Native Americans."   Although membership in the organization reached a high of about half a million in 1935, its membership today reportedly has declined to "a little more than 15,000."

I have written before about the early history of this fraternal and charitable organization established in the Village of North Pelham.  See Fri., Oct. 21, 2016:  Iroquois Tribe No. 476 of the Improved Order of Redmen in the Village of North Pelham. 

By the end of the Roaring Twenties, in 1929, the ranks of the Iroquois Tribe No. 476 Improved Order of Red Men had swelled to 90 members.  Additionally, the group began a membership drive to expand its membership to 150 members.  It was time for the group to acquire a clubhouse.

Only a week or two before the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929 that began on October 24, 1929, the group formed a corporation named the Iroda Building Corporation, obtained a certificate of incorporation from the New York Secretary of State, and purchased a residential property located at 20 Third Avenue for renovation to create a new clubhouse.  (The home that stands at that location today is not the same structure, having been built in 1945.) 

The Iroda Building Corporation had a capitalization of $20,000 in $10 shares.  Its directors were North Pelham residents Louis Kurtze, Irving J. Wallach, and George Lambert.  

In early December, the organization announced that it expected to have its new clubhouse ready for occupancy "in about a month."  The building committee planning the work was led by Irving J. Wallach of North Pelham.  Renovation work was scheduled to begin in mid-December to turn the second floor of the structure into a meeting hall.  Plans for the first floor included rest rooms, a parlor and a reading room.  A "modern kitchen" was planned for the basement. 

The clubhouse was completed as planned.  Meetings, dinners and events were held there throughout the 1930s.  By at least 1941, however, the Red Men were holding their meetings in the local Masonic Temple and, by 1945, another residence was built on the site of the structure that once had served as their clubhouse.

Once again, the face of Pelham was changing.

 

 Example of 1889 Membership Certificate of the Improved Order

of Red Men. NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"CORPORATION WILL OWN REDMEN'S CLUBHOUSE
-----

Certificate of incorporation was issued this week by the Secretary of State for the Iroda Building Corporation of North Pelham.  This organization recently purchased a dwelling house at No. 20 Third avenue, which will be used as a clubhouse for Iroquois Tribe, Order of Redmen and Degree, of Pocahontas.

Capitalization is $20,000, in $10 shares.  Directors are:  Louis Kurtze, No. 518 Fifth avenue; I. J. Wallach, No. 212 Fifth avenue; and George Lambert, No. 52 Sixth street."

Source:   CORPORATION WILL OWN REDMEN'S CLUBHOUSE, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 18, 1929, p. 5, col. 3.

"RED MEN WILL HAVE NEW HOME
-----
Purchase Jackson Residence for Pelham Quarters
-----

The Iroquois tribe of Red Men of Pelham will have its new home ready for occupancy in about a month.  The building purchased by the Pelham Red Men recently, was formerly the Jackson residence at 20 Third avenue.  Work will be started next week on the alterations and additions necessary to convert it into a modern club house. 

The second floor will be turned into a meeting hall.  On the first floor will be rest rooms, a parlor and a reading room.  A modern kitchen will be fitted up in the basement.  Irving J. Wallach is chairman of the building committee.

A membership drive has been launched by the Pelham tribe under the direction of membership chairman, Louis Kurtz.  The present membership of 90 will be swelled to 150 if the plans of the tribe are realized.  The Pelham Red Men will hold their next meeting on Thursday night when reports will be heard on membership and on the progress of the building committee."

Source:   RED MEN WILL HAVE NEW HOME -- Purchase Jackson Residence for Pelham Quarters, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 3, 1929, p. 12, col. 3.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Fascinating Summary of Organizations and Clubs in the Pelhams on the Eve of the Great Depression

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

In 1927, the Roaring Twenties were well underway.  The Town of Pelham was in the midst of a massive real estate boom and a population boom.  Indeed, between 1920 and 1930 the population of the town more than doubled from 5,195 to 11,851.

As the town grew, so did the number of fraternal, social, civic, and patriotic organizations that served the town.  Thus, on the eve of the Great Depression, there were dozens and dozens of such organizations each with hundreds of members.  These organizations, of course, form an important part of the history of the little Town of Pelham.  

On January 19, 1927, a lengthy article entitled "PELHAM KNOWN AS ATTRACTIVE SOCIAL CENTER" listed dozens of such organizations and provided information and, at times, a little history on each.  The article, with no byline, most certainly was a real estate puff piece intended to attract attention to, and interest in, the growing town of Pelham, New York.  Nevertheless, the article provides a fascinating glimpse of a time in Pelham's history when Pelhamites had fewer demands on their time and fewer entertainment alternatives.  This may explain why the town had so many such organizations with so many members and why so few of those organizations have survived to the present day.

Among the organizations addressed in the article are:  the Men's Club (with 600 members), the Manor Club (with membership limited to 500 members), the Winyah Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Winyah Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Fellowcraft Club, the Comfort Society, the Degree of Pocahontas, the Iroquois Tribe 476 of the Independent Order of Redmen, the Parent-Teacher Association, the Pelham Chapter of the League of Women Voters, the Pelham Branch of the Red Cross, the Young Men's Republican Club, the Democratic Club, Post 50 of the American Legion (and its women's auxiliary), the Walsh-Marvel Post of Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a variety of Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations.  The article did not even attempt to address church-related organizations and other small social and philanthropic groups throughout the Town.  

The article is a quick read and provides fascinating insight into a variety of Pelham organizations, what they did, who led them, and when they were founded.  It should be required reading for students of Pelham history.

*          *          *          *          *

"PELHAM KNOWN AS ATTRACTIVE SOCIAL CENTER
-----
Numerous Fraternal, Social, Civic and Patriotic Organizations In the Town Are Active
-----
WIN MUCH ATTENTION
-----
Manor Club's Work Gains Wide Recognition -- Has Interesting Groups
-----
600 IN MEN'S CLUB
-----
Political Associations Progress, Too -- Many Church Societies in Three Villages
-----

There are enough fraternal, social, political, or patriotic organizations in the Pelhams to appeal to everyone.  The mere enumeration of these -- the Men's club, the Manor club, Winyah chapter, O. E. S., Winyah lodge, F. and A.M.; Fellowcraft club, Comfort society, Degree of Pocohantas [sic]; Irokuois [sic] Tribe 476, Independent Order of Redmen; the Parent-Teacher association, league of Women Voters, Pelham branch of the Red Cross, Young Men's Republican club, the Democratic club, Post 50 American Legion and its auxiliary, Walsh-Marvel post, Veterans of Foreign Wars -- is sufficient to give one an idea of the wide range of activities covered by these groups.

No account is made here of the other small groups or church organizations, including young people's societies and women's organizations of various kinds which contribute much to the social and church life of the Pelhams.

600 in Men's Club

One of the largest and most representative men's organizations in this section is the Men's club of Pelham, which has a membership approaching 600.  Non-sectarian and non-political, this draws Pelhamites from virtually all walks of life into its membership.  Its only goal is neighborliness and co-operation, and at any of the monthly meetings of the organization, this spirit is as refreshing as are the arranged programs of diversion and entertainment.  Well known speakers address the monthly meetings, and there is usually an exceedingly meritorious program of music.  Once or twice a year, there is a ladies' night, such as was recently held when the Princeton musical clubs gave a concert under the auspices of the club.  The Men's club first started as a small group organized by the Rev. Herbert H. Brown, of the Church of the Redeemer, but it was later reorganized as a non-sectarian social club which because of its large membership and real spirit of camaraderie is unique.  The officers of the Men's club are:  Ralph C. Angell, president; Lockwood Barr, vice president; Kenneth C. Ogden, secretary; Thomas F. Diack, assistant secretary; Elliot C. House, treasurer; and George Kirch, jr., assistant treasurer.  Meetings are held in the Memorial High school auditorium on the evening of the second Tuesday of each month.

The executive committee includes the Rev. Herbert H. Brown, William L. Chenery, A. F. Decker, Col. Charles S. Haight, William W. Hawkins, Ralph Hess, Walter H. McIlroy, Frank Mann, Earl Newsom, J. H. Redding, Robert H. Shaw, Milton Towne, Stacy Wood, Arthur Van de Water, and Theodore C. Young.

Manor Club Widely Known.

The largest social organization of women in the Pelhams, and one of the most widely known in the county, is the Manor club, which includes in its membership, women of fine taste and talent in virtually every field of art.  The membership of the club is limited to 500.  Mrs. James F. Longley is president.

The clubhouse, a charming and most artistic structure, is located on the Esplanade, near Penfield Place, in Pelham Manor.  A theatre and a large reception hall are features of the building.

Art, music, drama, gardening, literature, and other activities are included in the doings of the members of the club.  Each of these subjects is taken up by a special section of the club, which conducts a regular program of activities during the club season.  The art section, of which Mrs. George N. Hersey is chairman, meets regularly at the club or at the residence of one of the members, and a discussion of art and the history of art is held.  Several noteworthy exhibitions of the arts and crafts are held at the Manor club for the public during the season.  

The music section, of which Mrs. Carroll B. Haff is chairman also meets regularly for a musica [sic] or for a study of classic or modern music.  A special feature of the musical activities at the club is the formal concert given by the choral.  While several informal recitals or musicales are given at the club on occasions, the big work of the choral consists in the regular rehearsal of the big concert which winds up the season.

Another activity which hundreds are interested in at the Manor club is that of the garden section, which makes a study of horticulture in its relation to the beauty of the home.  Planning of gardens, and the study of various forms of flower and shrub for home decoration are included in the business of the garden section.  There is also the annual flower show, in which many take part, and in which prizes are awarded.  Last fall, the garden section successfully staged its first fall flower show.  Mrs. J. E. Ackland is chairman of this section.  

One of the most active sections in the club is the drama section.  This group, in addition to making a study of drama in an academic way, stages several plays during the season, the most recent production being 'The Road to Yesterday,' which was staged at the Manor club two evenings.  A special afternoon performance was also given for the children of the community.  The drama group also takes part, with honors in the annual Little Theatre tournament held each year in Westchester county.  Histrionic talent of much merit is displayed by the members.  The chairman of the drama section is Mrs. G. Munro Hubbard.

Literature Section

Original poems and short stories comprise the most interesting feature of the work done by the literature section, the chairman of which is Mrs. H. G. K. Heath.  At regular meetings, conducted at the residence of the chairman or at the club, special literary programs are arranged for the afternoon.  A study is also made of modern writing and the classics, and book reviews are also made by members of the section.  One of the interesting events during the season is the gathering of original short stories or poems written by the members for what is called the 'Unpublished Magazine.'  These articles are read by the authors at a special gathering of the club.  During the latter part of the season, prior to the closing the club activities, a series of porch readings is conducted at the clubhouse.

Mrs. James F. Longley, the president of the club, is assisted by the following staff of officers in the management of the club activities:  Mrs. Edward C. King, vice-president; Mrs. Henry E. Day, second vice-president; Mrs. H. Washington Fairfax, treasurer; Mrs. Harry D. Wright, secretary; Mrs. William B. Shaw, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Robert C. Black, honorary chairman of the board of directors; Mrs. Edwin C. King, chairman of the house committee; Mrs. Walter B. Parsons, chairman of the program committee; Mrs. G. B. Davies, chairman of the press and printing committee; Mrs. Stanley D. Pearce, chairman of the junior committee; Mrs. Northrop Dawson, chairman of the social committee, and Mrs. William B. Randall, custodian of records.

The Manor club, of which Mrs. James F. Secor, honorary president, was for many years the leader, is the scene of many activities in addition to those enumerated.  One of these is the holding of a series of interesting lectures each season, on current world politics.  These are open to the membership at large and are a prominent feature of club activities.

Junior Committee

The junior committee of the club, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Stanley D. Pearce, has as its function the providing of a series of dances for the young people of the Pelhams.  These are most enjoyable functions and are attended by hundreds.  The largest event arranged by the junior committee is the Christmas dance staged at the clubhouse during the holiday season, this function drawing upon the hundreds of young people home from prep schools and colleges for the Christmas vacation.

Masonic organizations include Winyah chapter, F. and A. M.; the Fellowcraft club of Winyah lodge, and Winyah chapter, Order of Eastern Star, the latter having been lately granted a charter.

These organizations stage their social functions and meetings in the Masonic temple in Sixth avenue, North Pelham, and are among the most active groups in the Pelhams.  Meetings of Winyah lodge are held on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays.  The following new officers were just installed on the evening of January 4:  Uel R. Piersall, master; Benjamin W. Hobson, senior warden; Walter B. Robinson, junior warden; John M. Shinn, treasurer; Harry Hamilton, secretary.  The Fellowcraft club is composed of members of the Masonic order in Pelham, and was organized recently to take care of the recreational activities of the Masons.  Sidney C. Smith is president, and Benjamin W. Hobson, secretary, of the Fellowcraft club.

Winyah Chapter Active

An active organization in the social life of the Pelhams, is Winyah chapter, Order of Eastern Star, which was organized on March 10, 1925, and instituted on November 10 of that year.

Under the leadership of its founder and present matron, Mrs. Elfreda M. Schminke, the organization has grown from a membership of 32 to 68.  Dances, card parties, children's parties, and other activities occupy the season of the chapter.  During the past summer, the members of the chapter staged several delightful parties for the children of the Pelhams.  Among the most interesting of these being outdoor parties for the children at the North Pelham school playground.

The officers, installed on January 5 last, include the following:  Mrs. E. A. Schminke, worthy matron; John P. W. Ceder, worthy patron; Mrs. Grace L. Rice, associate matron; Mrs. S. Anna Lyon, treasurer; Mrs. Adella M. Wirth, secretary; Mrs. Reine M. Donzel, conductress; Mrs. Louisa M. Berle, associate conductress; Mrs. Luisa J. Weser, Mrs. Charlotte Payne, and George N. Rice, trustees.

Organized during the World War for the entertainment of wounded war veterans, the Pelham Comfort society has continued to be a source of happiness and cheer for hundreds of convalescent veterans who are still in government hospitals in this section.  The society was founded by Mrs. Edwin L. Adair, who remained its president for seven years.  Mrs. Minnie Godfrey Oden, now president, has been in office for two years.  While the organization was in the presentation of the 'Pelham Follies,' given at the High School during the presidency of Mrs. Adair.  Mrs. Oden has continued the activities of the society in a capable manner, and during her reign, many theatre parties and dinners have been held, the latest being the annual Christmas entertainment, which was held for 400 men at the Kingsbridge hospital last month.

The present officers of the Pelham Comfort society are:  Mrs. Minnie G. Oden, president; Mrs. Adam Berle, vice-president; Miss Charlotte Kurtze, recording secretary; Mrs. Grace Logan Lyon, corresponding secretary; Miss Dorothy Kurtze, treasurer; executive committee, Mrs. Godfrey Keller, Mrs. E. Schaefer, Mrs. Jennie Pickard, Mrs. Joseph Carraher, and Mrs. Mathew Herman; sick committee, Mrs. Frank Chaloux, Miss Lucia Mannberger, and Miss Margaret Merian.

Parent-Teacher Association

The Pelham Parent-Teacher association, of which Mrs. Charles H. Stewart is president, was organized several years ago to secure cooperation between parents and teachers, toward the full development of the child along educational, and healthful lines.  The staff of officers are now doing fine work in the Pelham school activities, sponsoring among other things, a school playground, and a study of the needs of the child in the school and at home.  Interesting and instructive talks are enjoyed by the members of the Parent-Teacher association at their meetings.  The association is also divided into several groups, which take up separately the study of health in the home and at school; child psychology and home economics.  

General meetings of the Parent-Teacher association are held at the public schools, mainly at the Pelham Memorial High school, on third Wednesday afternoon of each month.  Mrs. Stewart has as her staff of officers, Mrs. Clarence Campbell, first vice-president; Mrs. E. G. Clemenson, second vice-president; Mrs. Edwin Van Riper, treasurer; Miss Katherine Ensign, recording secretary.  The chairman of the various committees are:  Mrs. Ralph Towle, social; Mrs. Walter Parsons, program; Mrs. Robert Adams, membership; Mrs. Frederick B. Davies, publicity; Mrs. L. B. Louis, playgrounds; Mrs. T. P. Stevenson, study groups.  The sub-chairmen of the study groups are:  Mrs. J. A. Migel, psychology group 1; Mrs. Benjamin Robinson, psychology group 2 (sex); Mrs. D. H. Grant, health; Mrs. R. H. Smith, economics; Mrs. Roy Sterne, librarian.

Iroquois tribe, 476, Independent Order of Red Men, is one of the active fraternal organizations in the Pelhams.  Meetings are held regularly at the North Pelham fire hall.  The order is headed by Henry Velon, sachem; James L. Caffrey, jr., senior sagamore; William Timbers, junior sagamore; Robert Penfield, chief of records; Louis Kurtze, keeper of wampum; John Rogaveen, prophet; and Ezra Daggett, trustee.

A sister organization to this is Nyods council 207, Degree of Pocohantas, which meets at the fire hall in North Pelham on the evenings of the second and fourth Thursdays.  The following officers were installed last Thursday:  Miss Johanna Milck, Pocohantas; Mrs. William Hamilton, winonah; Miss Anna Booth, prophetess; Mrs. M. Herman, collector of wampam; Mrs. M. G. Oden, keeper of wampum; Miss Charlotte Kurtze, keeper of records; Henry Velon, Powhatan.

Three Political Bodies

There are three political organizations in the Pelhams, namely:  The Pelham branch of the League of Women Voters; the Young Men's Republican club, and the Democratic club.

The woman's organization, of which Mrs. Henry E. Dey of Pelham Manor has been the leading figure, has just concluded a successful campaign to double its membership, under the leadership of the following officers:  Mrs. Henry E. Dey, chairman; Mrs. Carl D. Jackson, vice chairman; Mrs. I. Balch Louis, secretary; Miss Eleanor Seed, treasurer; Mrs. Frank Chaloux, publicity chairman.  While classed here as political, the organization is not associated with any one party.

The present Democratic club is a recent organization, which is at present occupied in building up a strong body for the town political activities in the fall.  At a recent organization meeting, Morgan Mann was elected chairman; Charles J. O'Reilly, vice chairman; Edward F. Campbell, treasurer; James Connolly, secretary.  The town democratic committee includes J. T. Kallenberg, Remington Schuyler, Edgar J. MacGregor, F. H. Allen, John F. Larkin, Frederick T. Head, George Walsh, Harry E. Kuhlman, Charles J. O'Reilly, John T. Fenlon, Morgan M. Mann, John T. Brook, John F. Shields, Joseph Ryan, Stephen Ryan, Edward F. Campbell, Richard Orchard, James Carroll, Ed. Browne, William McBride, C. W. Gaylor, M. J. Murphy, Edmund Von Hasein, Joseph McCarthy, Harry Tierney, and George P. Breckenridge.  

In February, 1926, the sentiment in Pelham seemed to favor the organization of a Young Men's Republican club.  Sponsored by Elmer S. Davis and Harry C. Jackson, meetings were held in the town and an organization was perfected, known as 'The Young Men's Republican club.'  During the year 1926 monthly meetings were held at the town hall.  

The members elected Elmer S. Davis first president of the Young Men's Republican club, and elected Harry C. Jackson, Walter Burnell and Harry Mela vice-presidents; and Robert Mullins, secretary and treasurer of the club.  A constitution and by-laws were adopted and the club functioned efficiently during the entire year.  At the monthly meetings of the club, speakers of prominence were in attendance.  Among those were Judge David A. L'Esperance, Judge Charles E. Rice, jr., Judge Anthony M. Menkel, Honorable Charles M. Miller, David L. Gorfinkle and other notables.  The membership grew from a small body to a membership of one hundred in the short period of a year.  The club served the Republican committee at the fall elections by providing workers at each of the five districts and providing automobiles for getting out the voters in all of the five districts on Election Day.

At the election of officers to succeed the initial officers of the club, President Elmer S. Davis, refused to continue as president, and Charles A. Hollister was duly elected to succeed him as president for the year 1927.  Other officers are:  Vice presidents, Harry C. Jackson, Sylvester Powers, A. P. Walker, jr.; secretary, J. Fisher, jr.; treasurer, Robert Mullins; committeemen, Fred Herzberg, Elmer S. Davis, chairman, Max Stoller, James B. Lawrence and Burgess B. Fields.

Looking back over the year 1926 the officers and members of the Young Republicans club of Pelham feel satisfied with the formation of the organization and the work they accomplished during the year.  They feel that the work accomplished is an acknowledgment of a need of such an organization and a need of aid to the Republican men in the town.  The new president, Charles A. Hollister, is admirably suited for the office to succeed the retiring president, Elmer S. Davis, as he has been in close touch for some time with the local political association.

Military Organizations

Military organizations in the Pelhams include Walsh-Marvel post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Pelham Post 50 of the American Legion, the latter being assisted in its activities by a women's auxiliary.

Walsh-Marvel post has in the past taken an active interest in the patriotic celebrations held in the town from time to time, and has cooperated in the setting up and care of suitable war memorials in the town.  Meetings are held at regular intervals, with county officers as the guests, at the North Pelham fire hall.  The officers include Gardner Minard, commander; Gorham B. Head, quartermaster; and A. M. Telford, adjutant.  

Pelham Post 50, American Legion, began the year 1926 with Commander Raymond C. Smith succeeding himself as commander of the post for the second consecutive year.  The legion post functioned monthly in the same manner that it functioned the previous year.  Monthly meetings were held at which increasing attendance of legionaires [sic] was noted and a spirit of co-operation shown, which spoke volumes in behalf of the legion.  The legion cooperated with the village and town officers during the year in the holding of patriotic and memorial services throughout the town.  Commander Smith and Adjutant Elmers Davis during the year 1926 were among the hardest working legion officers of the post, and to Commander Smith is due the credit of upholding the standards of the legion post during the year.  

In October, 1926, new officers of the Legion Post 50 were elected:  Commander, Richard L. Gulatsi; vice commander, Sidney C. Smith; vice commander, Maxwell Nesbit; vice commander, F. B. Fahrbach; adjutant, Russell Clegg; treasurer, Frederick Wirth.

Commander Gulatal appointed strong committees for the ensuing year and for the remainder of 1926 held exceptionally fine meetings.  Notables in the Legion world and business world and official worlds were obtained as speakers for the balance of the year, and meetings attended by over one hundred members.  Commander Gulatsi started the new year 1926-1927 with a vim that bespeaks a wonderful year for Pelham Post 50.

Post 50 was recognized in the county organization in the election of Elmer S. Davis, as second vice commander, which position, due to unforeseen circumstances, made him acting county commander for some time.  The Pelham post had much mention in the press and in the Pictorial Review for its three meetings for the end of 1926.  The outlook for 1927 for Pelham post 50 is brighter than ever before in its history and with Commander Gulatsi at its head, many meetings of interest are looked forward to.  

The post is assisted by the Ladies' auxiliary, which recently elected officers as follows:

Mrs. G. G. Fahrbach, president; Mrs. Richard Gulatsi, vice president; Mrs. Kneeland B. Durham, jr., treasurer; Mrs. Raymond Smith, secretary; Mrs. Jacob Wirth, chaplain; Mrs. George W. Rice, historian; Miss Anna Clegg, sergeant-at-arms; Mrs. J. W. Caffrey, Mrs. Clyde F. Howes, and Mrs. J. D. Kennedy, executive committee; Mrs. D. J. Kennedy and Mrs. J. W. Carey, county delegates.

Branch of Red Cross

Among other organizations is the Pelham branch of the Red Cross, which has served the community on many occasions.  Mrs. Edward H. Townsend is chairman, Mrs. Joseph C. Wilberding, honorary chairman; Mrs. Raymond H. Smith, vice chairman; Mrs. Morton R. Cross, treasurer; Mrs. Mary S. Sills, secretary; Miss Mills, chairman of the roll call division; Mrs. R. C. Smith chairman of the production committee.

Boy Scout organizations are one of the interesting features of life in the Pelhams for the younger generation.  Girl Scouts are also active in many fields of work in Pelham.  An interesting part of their work locally is to take care of children, when mothers attend meetings of the Parent-Teacher association, while of course the conduct other forms of scoutcraft."

Source:  PELHAM KNOWN AS ATTRACTIVE SOCIAL CENTER, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 19, 1927, p. 11, cols. 1-8.  

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Iroquois Tribe No. 476 of the Improved Order of Redmen in the Village of North Pelham

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

On Thursday, November 4, 1909, three hundred members of the various Lodges of the Improved Order of Red Men from Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Port Chester, and Mamaroneck gathered in Firemen's Hall in the local firehouse on Fifth Avenue in the Village of North Pelham for a solemn, yet grand occasion.  That evening, the Lodge from Port Chester formally installed a new Lodge in the Village of North Pelham:  Iroquois Tribe No. 476 Improved Order of Red Men.  The new Village of North Pelham Lodge was installed under the supervision of Chief of Records Boyd of New York and Sachem Speechly of Port Chester. While the Pelhamites may have preferred that their Tribe be designated the "Siwanoy" Tribe other than the "Iroquois" Tribe, there already was a Siwanoy Tribe in the area (Siwanoy Tribe No. 335, Improved Order of Red Men).

The Improved Order of Red Men is a fraternal organization established in 1834.  Its rituals and regalia reportedly are "modeled after those assumed to be used by Native Americans."  Although membership in the organization reached a high of about half a million in 1935, its membership today reportedly has declined to "a little more than 15,000."  Among the notable members of the fraternal order have included three U.S. Presidents:  Theodore Roosevelt, Warren G. Harding, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.  See "Improved Order of Red Men" in Wikipedia -- The Free Encyclopedia (visited Oct. 1, 2016).

So began a Pelham fraternal organization that operated for many decades.  That first night, the new Lodge installed the following officers:

Sachem, Augustus W. Schmidt
First Sagamore, William Edinger
Second Sagamore, Joseph Klovenkorn
Chief of Records, Paul Dingledine
Chief of Wampum, Thomas Robinson
Collector of Wampum, Mr. Stevenson
First Sanap, Frank Chalou
Second Sanap, Edward Champlion

The remaining members (known as "Warriors") installed that night were:  Harry Dickenson, Charles Dickenson, John Burke, John Lowery; Guard of Wigwam, William Lyon; Guard of Forest Bert Penfield.  

The regular meetings of the new Lodge (known as a "Tribe") were held on the first and third Thursdays of each month.  The so-called "Lodge Rooms" of the Tribe were Firemen's Hall in the firehouse where they held their regular meetings.  Additionally, in its early years the Tribe hosted a lovely annual "Red Men's Ball," typically in Firemen's Hall in the local firehouse on Fifth Avenue.  As one might expect, the organization decorated the hall festively, hanging organizational banners and arranging for music for the big dance.  

Iroquois Tribe No. 476 quickly became an important part of the fabric of life in Pelham.  Its members marched in local parades such as the annual Fourth of July parade.  Indeed, the Tribe typically provided its Fife and Drum Corps for such events.  The Tribe also hosted one or more of the so-called "Union Meetings" of the Red Men of Westchester County during which members of the I. O. R. M. from Tribes throughout Westchester County gathered for large meetings typically followed by dancing.  

No definitive history of Iroquois Tribe No. 476 of the Improved Order of Red Men seems ever to have been written.  The organization seems to have operated until at least shortly after World War II when local references to its operations seem to end.  

Example of 1889 Membership Certificate

of the Improved Order of Red Men.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*           *          *          *          *

"New I. O. R. M. Lodge.

300 Red Men who came from Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Port Chester and Mamaroneck were present in Firemen's Hall on Fifth avenue last Thursday evening when Iroquois Tribe No. 476 I. O. R. M., of this village was formally installed by the team from Port Chester under the supervision of Chief of Records Boyd of New York and Sachem Speechly of Port Chester.  There was a large attendance of Redmen from Aque-a-Nonck, No. 369 I. O. R. M., of Mount Vernon.  The following are the new officers:  Sachem, Augustus W. Schmidt; First Sagamore, William Edinger; Second Sagamore, Joseph Klovenkorn; Chief of Records, Paul Dingledine; Chief of Wampum, Thomas Robinson; Collector of Wampum, Mr. Stevenson; First Sanap, Frank Chalou; Second Sanap, Edward Champlion; Warriors, Harry Dickenson, Charles Dickenson, John Burke, John Lowery; Guard of Wigwam, William Lyon; Guard of Forest Bert Penfield.  The regular meetings of the new tribe are held on the first and third Thursdays."

Source:  New I. O. R. M. Lodge, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Nov. 9, 1909, p. 7, col. 1.  

"THE REDMEN'S BALL.
-----
Successful and Happy Event Takes Place at Firemen's Hall.

The second annual ball of the local Redmen's Iroquois Tribe, No. 476, was held on Wednesday evening at Firemen's Hall.  The affair was well attended and the hall was very prettily decorated with flags and banners and the insignia of the I. O. R. M.  Mr. August W. Schmidt acted as floor manager.

The officers of the tribe are as follows:  Sachem, Jacob Wirth; Senior Sagamore, Louis Hoenmunger, Junior Sagamore, Frank Chaloux; Prophet, August Schmidt; Chief of Records, Paul Dingledine; Keeper of Wampum, Thomas F. Robinson, and Collector of Wampum, Frank Harris.

The members having charge of the ball were the following:  Floor manager, August W. Schmidt; assistant floor manager, Chas. Dickenson.

Arrangement Committee:  Patrick O'Malley, chairman; Geo. Kurtze, Chas. Edinger, John Schoop and Paul Dingledine.

Floor Committee Harry Dickenson, Wm. Lyon, Joseph Kloverkorn and George Lambert.

Reception Committee:  Jacob Wirth, chairman; Geo. Atterwater, James Bentley, John Burke, Geo. Cottrell, Edw. Champion, John Cunneen, Ezra Daggett, Wm. Edinger, Ray Godfrey, Chas Gibler, Wm. Hoffmann, Fred Herman, Chas. Hemingway, Chas. Himmler, Chas. Hagarman, Robert Head, Louis Kurtze, Walter King, Walter Lindstrom, John Lowerey, Eugene Lyon, John Meyers, John Meltze, Geo. Meinecke, John McGuire, John Marvel, Robert Penfield, James Reilly, John A. Rohrs, Anthony Reichert, Anthony Smith, Malton Stephens, William Siebert, Robert Voss, Dennis Welsh, Elmer F. Weller, and Michael J. Woods."

Source:  THE REDMEN'S BALL -- Successful and Happy Event Takes Place at Firemen's Hall, The Pelham Sun, Feb. 11, 1911, p. 1, col. 7.

"Local News Items.

The members of the Iroquois Tribe No. 476 I. O. R. M., will hold their annual ball and reception at the Firemen's hall on Fifth avenue on Saturday evening next.  This will be the sixth annual affair of the Redmen and it promises to be a success. . . ."

Source:  Local News Items, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Oct. 10, 1916, p. 9, col. 4.

"Red Men's Meeting.

The union meeting of the Red Men of Westchester county held Saturday evening at Firemen's hall.  Fifth avenue, under the auspices of Iroquois Tribe, 476, I. O. R. M., was a success in every respect.  Almost every tribe in Westchester County was represented among the guests.  The evening was taken up with the presentation of a pleasing program which was followed by dancing.  The estimated attendance was about 650.

Source:  Red Men's Meeting, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Mar. 13, 1917, p. 7, col. 4.  

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM
-----
Red Men Visit Port Chester.

About thirty members of Iroquois tribe, 476, I. O. R. M., met last evening at 7 o'clock at Firemen's Hall on Fifth avenue, boarded a motor truck and drove to Port Chester, where they attended the Great Sachem's night of Wappannocca tribe.  The guest of honor was Great Sachem Richard F. Elmore, of Port Chester.  About eighty candidates for membership were initiated by the crack Port Chester degree team at St. Mary's hall in Port Chester, followed by elaborate  festivities.  There were a large number of chiefs from all parts of the state and delegations from Brooklyn, New York, Mount Vernon and the Great Tribe.  The local members returned to North Pelham early this morning."

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM -- Red Men Visit Port Chester, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Nov. 22, 1917, p. 9, col. 2.  

"REHEARSALS BEGIN FOR REDMEN'S SHOW
-----
Large and Talented Cast Will Be Presented in 'Corporal Eagen' To Be Presented Sept. 27 and 28.
-----

Many talented local actors and actresses are included in the cast of 'Corporal Eagen,' the laughable war comedy which is to be presented under the auspices of Iroquois Tribe No. 476, I. O. R. M., and Nyoda Council, No. 207, Degree of Pocahontas, in the auditorium of the Congregational Church of the Pelhams on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, September 27 and 28.  

Jack O'Sullivan, who has been in many local amateur productions, will have the title role of Corporal 'Red' Eagen.  His brother, George O'Sullivan, North Pelham village clerk, will have the other comedy led of 'Izzy' Goldstein.

The other principals follow:  sergeant, Gorham Head; guard, Robert Cremins; captain, Judge James Male; cook, Michael Gregory; Abie Goldstein, Izzy's father, Herman Glasser; Mike Eagen, 'Red's' father, Patrick Haggerty; newsboy, Isobel Head; Kfloozey, Frank Lyons; McGinnis, Harmon Fischer; Willing War Worker, Mrs. E. L. Adair; Marie and Mary, two nurses, Ida Patterson and Anna Booth.

Rehearsals have already been started under the able direction of Miss Marguerite Danielson of the Universal Production Company of Fairfield, Iowa, producers of the show.  Miss Danielson already has a fine record for her coaching ability, having been connected with the production of 'Corporal Eagen' throughout New England, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Yesterday Miss Danielson held the first rehearsal for the girls' chorus at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall on Fifth avenue.  The first rehearsal for the men's chorus will be held at the same place on Monday night.

The production, which opens with a pageant, carries on with several musical numbers and then presents a three-act play, affords plenty of opportunities for talented actors and actresses to give entertaining performances.  There will be 150 persons in the cast.

William D. Hamilton is chairman of the joint committee in charge of arrangements and he is assisted by Edward A. Brunner, Anthony Loubiere and A. C. Nimphius.  The committee from Nyoda Council is headed by Miss Ida Patterson.  Miss Patterson will be assisted by Miss Charlotte Kurtze, Mrs. E. L. Adair, Mrs. Edward A. Brunner and Mrs. Jennie Pickard."

Source:  REHEARSALS BEGIN FOR REDMEN'S SHOW -- Large and Talented Cast Will Be Presented in 'Corporal Eagen' To Be Presented Sept. 27 and 28, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 16, 1932, p. 3, cols. 2-3.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."