People Helping People is the motto of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and that’s exactly what we do.
For 119 years, the Rossland Eagles have been giving back to the community.
In 1898 a group of six men from Seattle got together to discuss life, at that moment the Order of Good Things was born. As their numbers grew, the order chose the bald eagle as their official emblem and changed the name to what it is today. With the goal to “make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.”
Within 10 years there were over 350,000 members throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico. Members received free medical attention for themselves and their families, a very valuable thing before insurance was available.
The organization quickly became a leader in influencing national politics, creating Mother’s Day, social security and Medicare.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles Number 10 in Rossland is one of the oldest orders in North America, chartered in March 1899 and active since. Found in the archives were newspaper reports from the local paper, The Rossland Miner dated March 1899.
A few excerpts describe what it was like opening one of the original orders.
Friday, March 24, 1899, The Eagles Lodge
The lodge in Rossland One to be instituted in this city with 60 charter members.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles starts in this city with but little effort, with a charter list of more than 60 members, showing the way in which Rossland takes hold of a good thing. The first meeting will take place at once and initiations will follow without delay.
Tuesday, March 28, 1899 — More Eagles are pledged
The meeting on Sunday was immense, and the officers were installed. There are now 92 members in Rossland Lodge No 10 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 36 have been initiated on Sunday night. A very good time was had after the election of officers. There will be at least 30 more initiated on Sunday next, and many more are likely to follow. The District Deputy Grand President and Chief Organizer Melvin G. Winstock, left for his home in Seattle yesterday.
Ladies Auxiliary created in 1927
In 1927 the first ladies auxiliary was created, welcoming women to become part of the Eagles. Dedicated to fundraising efforts, the Eagles have even started their own charity foundation, establishing separate funds for a variety of causes.
One significant achievement is The Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center in Iowa City, Iowa. The facility has a team of more than 100 researchers working on ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes. Each local Order fundraises for the community as well.
Rossland fundraiser
In 1949 a fundraiser was held to purchase Rossland an ambulance with great success.
Some recent fundraisers include the Rossland Food Bank, Local Toy Run, Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation, Junior Curling Club and many more. In July we raffled off a 65-inch TV, raising $500 for the food bank. The lucky winner donated back $200 and the Eagles donated $300.
In September for the toy run, the Eagles presented Santa with $250 and in November a fundraiser collected winter wear, school and art supplies for the Youth at Risk Foundation.
We are currently accepting Food Bank donations for Christmas. New members are always welcome and we have recently opened our doors to the Eagles Neighborhood Pub, inviting everybody in. Stop by for some great company, events and fundraisers.
History is on our walls featuring local prints from the Rossland Historical Museum. We are now equipped with a new sound system, perfect for local talent to perform, pool tables and a place for friends to get together. Stop on by and say hello.