On Jan. 12 of this Centennial year in Brainerd, the Loyal Order of Moose, Brainerd Lodge 1246. marked its 58th anniversary. The Women of the Moose came into existence in 1926.
Lodge records were destroyed in a fire for the period from 1912 to 1918, but compiled from information available, it would seem that William Thompson. a member of the Order in Duluth, suggested that a lodge be started in Brainerd.
James Garety came here from Mooseheart, Ill., in the fall of 1912. interested 50 people in the organization, and a charter was signed on Jan. 12, 1913.
First known Lodge secretary was Clifford Russell, who had his office in his barbershop in the Odd Fellows building in 1915. A few years later a fire in the barbershop of Charles Miller, then serving as secretary, destroyed the records.
Moose Lodge heads were first titled, "Dictators," but the name was changed to "Governor" when Hitler rose to fame. First Governor of the Brainerd Lodge was Frank Little in 1918.
The Brainerd Lodge held meetings in the Iron Exchange building from 1918 to 1924, then moved to the Knights of Columbus hall. The same year, the Lodge moved its headquarters to its present location in the Parker building, at first renting space from the Elks Lodge which had leased the building. Plans are underway for constructing a Moose Home on Ninth and Laurel Streets this year.
The local lodge has hosted state conventions in 1928, 1944. 1952 and 1966. Two Past Governors, Arnie Dybvik and Roy Wing, served as state presidents and Dybvik is the only living Pilgrim (highest Moose degree) in the local lodge.
The lodge is active in civic affairs, including sponsoring the muscular distrophy campaign in 1960 and 1967; sponsoring youngsters to Camp Courage. Legionville, YMCA and providing college scholarships. The Lodge, long active in sports, participates in softball, Pony league, bowling, basketball, golf and curling.
Present Lodge membership is about 350. Membership has been as high as 600, and as low as 72.
On Nov. 5. 1926, the Women of the Moosehart Legion in Brainerd (later called Women of the Moose) was formed with 26 signing a charter: Mrs. Harry (Mayme) George organized the chapter and a drill team was formed. J. F. Elkins was first Senior Regent.
The chapter now has a membership of 125 with 30 in the Academy of Friendship.
Mrs. Glen (Flora) Morcomb joined the chapter soon after its organization and is still active, serving as recorder for 18 years and receiving the Star Recorder degree. She, with Ida Reuter, became the first Academy of Friendship members.
Mrs. Morcomb was first in the Brainerd chapter to receive the College of Regents degree (six others later belonging and three others serving as Minnesota Deputy Grand Regents).
A junior group, daughters of chapter members, was formed by Women of the Moose.
