Histories of Lodges, 8, 153, 231, 524 and 636

HISTORY OF THE MASCOUTENS LODGE #8

The beginning of the Mascoutens Lodge #8 was the result of the combining of the Kenosha and Racine County Councils and the subsequent combining of the OH-DA-KO- TA Lodge #153 and the Chippecotton Lodge #524. The two Councils were asked to merge in early 1970 with the final details of the merger approved on June 23, 1971. The first meeting of the combined O.A. Executive Committees was held on October 27, 1971. Carl Heigl, Area Chief, presided over the meeting of 24 representatives who decided to form three committees to get the Lodge operations started. The three committees were Nominating, By-laws, and Annual Banquet. The combined Executive Committee also recommended that the Lodge be divided into four Chapters that would follow the district boundaries. The Nominating Committee recommended Jim Giovannoni for Chief, Steve Barootian for Vice-chief, Andrew Breach for Secretary, and Jeff Mielke for Treasurer. The By-laws Committee recommended the basic National rules with minor changes. The Executive Committee approved spending $600.00 for a new shower house at Camp OH- DA-KO-TA and $400.00 for the Chippecotton campsite at R.S. Lyle Scout Reservation. Names for the Lodge were discussed and the name Mascoutens was chosen. The Lodge was assigned the number eight by the National Order of the Arrow. At the annual banquet held on December 28, 1971, the Lodge name was finalized to Mascoutens meaning “People of the Little Prairie,” and the Lodge by-laws were approved. The Lodge officers were elected and installed. The merger was discussed and door prizes were given out. During the first years of the Mascoutens Lodge, the Lodge was strong, prosperous, and continued the greatness established by the two previous Lodges. The Lodge had four active Chapters corresponding to the districts of the Council with a total membership of approximately 700. The Little Prairie Times was the Lodge newsletter. The Lodge had trained election teams and also actively participated in Council events including many activities at summer camp. A contest was held to design the first Lodge flap during 1972. The design was approved at the winter Banquet on December 28, 1972, one year after the Lodge was officially formed. The beaver was chosen as the Lodge totem in 1977, and upon further research it was discovered that the Mascouten Indians were fierce warriors known as the, “Fire People,” but the milder interpretation of, “People of the Little Prairie,” was preferred. Also, the Mascouten Indians were a merger of Fox, Sauk, Sioux, and other tribes. Vast changes occurred in the Lodge during the mid 1970’s. The Lodge was viewed by some to have too much power in the affairs of the Council. Consequently, the Lodge was forced into a period of great decline. The Chapters were dissolved in 1974 and the Little Prairie Times ceased to be published in 1977. The unit election teams were dissolved and units conducted their own elections. The Lodge’s participation in Council events dwindled and was unnoticed or nonexistent, and all activities at summer camp stopped. The membership of the Lodge steadily decreased through the remainder of the decade along with participation in Lodge activities. Although the Lodge as a whole declined a great deal, a group of members refused to let the Lodge lie down and die. The members of this group saw the Lodge through its toughest times to date. During these times, the Lodge never missed a National Leadership Seminar, A National Order of the Arrow Conference, or a Section Conclave. Occasionally, this group of members was outnumbered three to one by Ordeal candidates at a Lodge conclave. The members of this group changed as members grew too old and new members joined the ranks of the dedicated. Within this group, the spirit of the Lodge was never lost. The downward slide of the Lodge leveled off. The beginning of the 1980’s brought occasional upward movements. The year 1980 saw the establishment of a new Lodge newsletter, The Beaver News, and in 1981, the Lodge issued a commemorative Lodge flap for the tenth anniversary of the Lodge. The Lodge continued to be a small group that was unable to expand or grow and be a part of the Council program. With the coming of a new Scout Executive in 1987, the Lodge was given a new opportunity to expand and once again became a vital force in the Council. In 1988, three Chapters were established once again following the district boundaries. Expansion continued in the following years with trained election teams conducting unit elections, call-outs, and Ordeals at summer camp, a camping promotion program, and Lodge involvement in Council and District events. In the summer of 1989, the Lodge issued its first new Lodge flap in seventeen years. In the early 1990’s, the Lodge continued to grow. In 1995, the Lodge cleared a new, larger fire bowl to serve for call-out ceremonies at R.S. Lyle. In 1996, the Lodge released a special 25th anniversary Lodge flap. Also in that year, the Lodge faced several challenges, which ultimately strengthened the Lodge. The first was the proposal by the Council Camping Committee to remove Ordeals from summer camp. A group of Scouters including many unit leaders petitioned the Council with a letter that requested the idea be reconsidered. The Council Camping Committee stood fast however, and an impasse was reached. Finally, an idea was conceived to rearrange scheduling of the Ordeal at camp to allow staff members their required rest, Scouts opportunities for merit badges, and leaders rest for the Saturday drive home. The second problem was getting a project to build a pavilion at R.S. Lyle approved. The project had been in the works for two years, but the Council Executive Committee was ready to veto it because they believed the Lodge couldn’t meet the financial requirements. Within days, the Lodge officers formulated a plan to have the money loaned from the Council and repaid within five years. The Committee approved the project and the pavilion was constructed that summer. Since then though the fundraising activities were slow in forming due to a slow decline in the Lodge as a whole. Finally, in 1998 a plan was launched to raise $10,000 for the Lodge and though only $5,000 was made, it was enough to pay off the pavilion three years early. Impressed by the results, the Lodge continues to consider and plan projects to continue to improve the camping experience for the Scouts in the Council. Throughout the early to mid 2000’s the lodge continued to improve its impact at the council camps and several youth members held officer positions within Section C-3A. In 2005, the lodge pooled donations from units camping at R.S. Lyle to purchase and install flagpoles in every campsite as part of the summer Ordeal project and also paid for the materials for an Adirondack shelter at Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta. Throughout the next year the lodge raised money to build an archery building at R.S. Lyle for storage and merit badge instruction (after R.S. Lyle closed the structure moved to Camp Oh-Da-Ko- Ta). The lodge took great pride in ceremonies and regalia and a trailer was purchased to keep the lodge’s belongings organized. This would house the trading post inventory, regalia and was hauled to events and kept at camp or the council’s headquarters. In October 2006, the trailer was stolen from the council’s headquarters and all the contents were gone. A police report was filed to replace all the items through insurance. The lodge was innovative in their membership renewal by becoming a part of the council’s unit renewal program. Allowing membership to be renewed through the unit greatly improved retention. As technology improved over time, Lodgemaster software was developed by the national committee to assist lodges in record keeping and administration. Other camp improvement projects during these years included a fleet of kayaks, action archery range, staff cabin mattresses, washers, dryers and staff locker room upgrade at R.S. Lyle. The lodge played an integral role with the council camps through service, funding and the connections made with staff and campers. The lodge continued to have a strong influence on the council camping programs until the Southeast Wisconsin Council merged with the Milwaukee County Council in 2012.

Mascoutens Lodge Chiefs

1972 Jim Giovannoni 1992 Ron Wentzell 1973 Phil Hansen 1993 Ron Wentzell 1974 Mike Palecek 1994 Craig Ziolkowski 1975 Joe Shore 1995 Jason Stayanovich 1976 Ed Antaramian 1996 Ed Raymond 1977 Ed Antaramian 1997 Tim Shea II 1978 Ron Delap 1998 Tim Shea II/Chris Morse 1979 Tom Frost 1999 Karl Maki 1980 Chris Stolz 2000 Karl Maki 1981 Chris Stolz 2001 Josh Kozelka 1982 Wally Sparks 2002 AJ Peterman 1983 Gerrald Niccolai 2003 Will Beckstrom 1984 Steve Robillard 2004 Brian Schaeffer 1985 Steve Robillard 2005 Brian Schaeffer 1986 Scott Sandkuhler 2006 Brian Schaeffer 1987 Scott Sandkuhler 2007 Joe Metz 1988 John Giese 2008 Mike Liesch 1989 Bill Coppernoll Jr. 2009 Justin Jabs 1990 Bill Coppernoll Jr. 2010 Brian Hoff 1991 Ron Wentzell 2011 Justin Jabs

HISTORY OF THE OH-DA-KO-TA LODGE #153

The Order of the Arrow Lodge #153 of the Kenosha County Council was formed in 1929 in a ceremony conducted by Arrowmen from Parkridge, Illinois, of the Northwest Suburban Council. The Arrowmen from Illinois were sharing the Kenosha Council’s camp at the time and the Lodge took its name, OH-DA-KO-TA meaning “Happy Land” or “Friendly”, from the name of the camp. The Lodge’s activities were confined to summer camp, where its program consisted of Ordeals, work projects, and Indian Lore. Lodge members attended the National Order of the Arrow Conference in 1946, which resulted in the first Brotherhood ceremony conducted by the Lodge. During this same year, the beginning of a year-round program began with a winter banquet and performances by the Indian dance team. By 1959, the Lodge had three events outside of the summer camping season: Spring Conclave, Fall Conclave, and Winter Banquet. The first Vigil member of the Lodge was Bob Kermgard. He received his Vigil at the 1960 Area Conference held at Camp OH-DA-KO-TA. An area team conducted the ceremony and it was not until 1965 that the Lodge conducted its own Vigil ceremony. Over the years the OH-DA-KO-TA Lodge conducted camping promotions for the Council and participated in summer camp activities, although all Ordeals conducted by the Lodge during summer camp ended in 1961. The Lodge was active in area activities and had a number of area officers. Information about the Lodge was passed on through the Oak Leaf, the Lodge newsletter. The Lodge totem was the oak leaf and the acorn. In 1966, the Lodge formed Chapters to handle the duties of the Lodge more efficiently and to provide more leadership opportunities for the youth members. Also in 1966, the first Chicken and Spaghetti Dinner was held to provide money for Indian outfitting and to help members attend area national conferences. The proceeds were later designated for a project at the Council’s camp and for National Conference fees.

Resource: 1968 OH-DA-KO-TA Lodge Handbook

HISTORY OF THE CHIPPECOTTON LODGE #524

In May of 1957, the Order of the Arrow Lodge #524 was formed in the Racine County Council. The Koshkonong Lodge from Janesville conducted the ceremony at Camp Chippecotton, the Council’s camp located on Pleasant Lake near Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Ninety-six members were inducted into the newly formed Lodge, which was named the Chippecotton Lodge after its Council camp. The Lodge inducted its first Brotherhood members in 1958. The first Vigil ceremony in the Lodge was in 1961. Two members received the Vigil Honor at that time, they were Bill Schneider Sr. and Jack Stien. The Chippecotton Lodge had three Lodge Advisors during its fourteen-year existence. Bill Albright was Advisor from 1957-1960. Bill Schneider Sr. who served from 1960 to 1971 succeeded him. Hugh Burick was Advisor for a short time in 1971 prior to the merger. Lodge members were quite active at the Council’s camp. They helped open the camp in the spring and prepare for summer camp. In the fall, the Lodge assisted in closing the camp for the winter. Whenever Lodge members were present at camp all Scouts could tell who the O.A. members were by the stone axe that served as the center piece for the Lodge flap. The stone axe was the totem of the Chippecotton Lodge. Lodge members would know that events the Lodge had planned by reading about them in the Beaver, the Lodge newsletter. The Chippecotton Lodge proved to be a moving force in the Racine County Council.

THE HISTORY OF MIKANO LODGE #231

The Order of the Arrow’s Mikano Lodge was formed in the Milwaukee County Council on March 23, 1943, with Robert Frank as the first Lodge Chief and George Hoehm, the first Lodge Adviser. Before this time, another honor camper society known as Kunieh had existed. That group was composed primarily of adults. While the Order of the Arrow was growing nationally, Kunieh pushed its roots from the Milwaukee area. A Texas man who served on the Indian Mound Reservation (IMR) staff during this period carried local customs back to his native state and to several other states as well. A new Scout Executive came to Milwaukee, H.G. ("Curly") Zion. He was instrumental in establishing the Order of the Arrow in the Council. In the spring of 1938, a meeting of all Kunieh members (some 50 all together) gathered at the Republican Hotel (3rd. & Kilbourn) to discuss the possibility of becoming an Order of the Arrow Lodge. For this meeting, several representatives of the Fond du Lac Lodge came down and explained the Order of the Arrow, emphasizing that it was the nationally accepted program. Also, it was explained that the various ceremonies used in the Order of the Arrow had a definite meaning while some of those used by the old organization did not. After due consideration and discussion, the assembled members voted to disband and apply for an Order of the Arrow Charter. The charter was granted on March 23, 1943. They adopted the name Mikano, which is the Menominee name for turtle, because of the Indian effigy mound at Indian Mound Scout Reservation. In 1947, the first Fall Fellowship was held. It was held annually for 5 years, discontinued, and resumed in 1965. Members of Mikano first attended the 1948 National Order of the Arrow Conference. In 1948 or 1949, the first lodge patch was issued in the shape of an octagon. The “running turtle” patch design was introduced in 1957. In the late 1940's, some Lodge members who were working at Indian Mound Reservation for the summer instituted the practice of wearing a piece of red cedar, carved in the shape of the mound, on a leather thong around their necks. Other members of the Lodge picked up this practice until it became the unofficial Lodge Totem. In the spring of 1963, the executive committee declared the cedar mound to be the official Lodge Totem. The first Honor Scouter of the Year was presented in 1964 to a Ben Hunt, who was a famous writer. In 1965, to keep in pace with the trend of the nation at the time, the Lodge adopted the Mound Lodge Flap Patch (resembling a violin case) replacing the running turtle patch. At the 1969 Fall Fellowship, a new set of Lodge Rules and Regulations were voted upon and approved to go into effect in January of 1970. The new rules established Chapters of the Lodge according to the boundaries of the Districts. The Lodge had well over 1,000 members, and it was felt that this change would allow more personal involvement. Later in 1969, Mikano completed its first "Where-To-Go-Camping" booklet and became a National Standard Lodge for the first time. Mikano Lodge was one of the first in the nation to earn this distinction. In 1971, the first Arrowman of the Year Award was presented to Bob Fessenbecker. In 1972, Lodge Chief Bob Weigend presented a special Mikano Lodge flap to the Boy Scouts of America National Museum. A former treasurer of Mikano Lodge, astronaut James Lovell, on his Apollo VIII Mission, had carried this patch around the moon. In 1973, when the district areas of Milwaukee County Council were changed, the chapters were reorganized to comply with the new boundaries. At the 1975 - 60th Anniversary of the Arrow National Conference, a member of our Lodge and the Council Executive Board, James Neidhoefer, received the OA National Distinguished Service Award. This award is given for outstanding service to the Order of the Arrow above the Lodge level. First presented in 1940, it has been presented to less than 500 Arrowmen in the nation. In 1975, the Lodge decided to design a special bicentennial patch, which was used only in 1976. In 1977, our second bicentennial patch was ordered (with fleur de lis as required by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America). In 1977, Milwaukee Scout Executive James Merry received the OA National Distinguished Service Award. The next year, the Lodge adopted a Lodge flap with a natural turtle with a blue and yellow background. In 1980, the first Chapter of the Year Award was presented to Odena Chapter. The following year, Edward Wacker received the OA National Distinguished Service Award. In 1982, a new flap patch, mug and neckerchief were designed for our 40th Anniversary. Also the first back patch for Mikano Lodge was designed. During the 40th Anniversary in 1983, Everett Rosera received the first Founder's Award to be presented by Mikano Lodge. The Lodge adopted a new Lodge flap with the octagon turtle pictured at the waters edge in 1984. In 1986, a fourth member of Mikano Lodge received the OA National Distinguished Service Award, Robert Thibault II. Later that year, the Lodge purchased a computer. This allows us to put The Mound, all booklets and handbooks onto one computer system. In 1988, the Order of the Arrow and Mikano Lodge made a significant change in the adult membership standards. For the first time, female Scouters were allowed to become members of the Order of the Arrow. In September the first two female members, Mary Ann Jesse and Lauren Stevens, were inducted into Mikano Lodge. In 1989, Mikano Lodge participated in the National Order of the Arrow Philmont Trek. A special Lodge Flap patch was issued to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Order of the Arrow. Its black background color reminded us of the robes worn in the original ceremonies. In 1990, the Lodge rules were changed eliminating Chapters and reorganizing all the functions by Committee. The last Chapter of the Year award was given to Allogagon Chapter. We also gained our first woman Brotherhood member. In 1991, a new Lodge Flap patch with a purple background was issued to be worn by members for two years. Plans for the celebration of Mikano Lodge's 50th anniversary were begun. In 1992, at the National Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, David P. Fabie became the fifth member of Mikano Lodge to receive the National Distinguished Service Award. In 1993, Mikano Lodge celebrated its 50th Anniversary through commemorative sales items, including a special flap patch, a commemorative set of all past lodge flaps, a backpatch, a hat, and a commemorative bolo tie. In 1994, the Founder's Award was presented for the first time to a father and son combination. The youth award was presented to Donald Thomsen and the adult award to Myron Thomsen. A special white-on-white collector lodge flap with the 50th anniversary design was issued in 1995 to raise scholarship funds for camp staff members. Lodge member Robert Hites carried the Olympic torch as it passed through Milwaukee in 1996. In that same year, Mikano's Jamie Amato was elected Section Chief and Kendall Frederick was elected Section Vice Chief. A special Lodge flap to commemorate IMR's 80th anniversary was created in 1997 and George Fix, Lodge Historian, compiled a book for publication about the first 80 years of IMR history. In the same year, Mikano Lodge came out with its own web site. A new two piece turtle flap was introduced to Mikano members in 1998. The turtle's head was on the flap and the turtle's body was suspended over the pocket. The body had a Brotherhood or Vigil sash. The Mikano Lodge Archery Range at IMR, begun in 1997, was completed and dedicated. The inaugural Inductions/Service Weekend was held in August 1999 to prepare for the Section C-3A Conclave at Indian Mound Scout Reservation. During the 2000 National Order of the Arrow Conference, Dave Golden, past Lodge Chief, received the Distinguished Service Award. In 2003, Richard Fessenbecker became the first Lodge Adviser who had previously served as Mikano Lodge Chief and Section Chief. He had also served as a Lodge Staff Adviser while a Scouting professional in another council. This was also the year that Mikano Lodge celebrated its 60th anniversary. At the 2004 National Order of the Arrow Conference, past Lodge Chief Cortland Bolles was presented with the Distinguished Service Award. He was the second past Lodge Chief within a four-year period to receive this recognition. The Lodge again hosted the Section C-3A Conclave in 2006 at Indian Mound Scout Reservation. In 2007, Lodge Chief Chris Dubis and his Adviser and Staff Adviser participated in the National Leadership Summit at Indiana University. In 2008, the Lodge participated in ArrowCorps5, helping to send a total of twelve volunteers to three of the five National Forests in which Arrowmen provided a week of invaluable service. In 2010, the Lodge competed with other members of the reorganized Section C- 3A and won the right to host the new Section’s first Conclave at Indian Mound Scout Reservation. It also achieved Quality Lodge status for the third consecutive year. In 2011, the Milwaukee County and Southeast Wisconsin Councils consolidated as the Three Harbors Council, and Mikano Lodge began the process of consolidating with Mascoutens Lodge. In 2012, the Mikano Lodge contingent to the National Order of the Arrow Conference at Michigan State University included members of Mascoutens Lodge. Mikano Lodge became part of Section C-7 and achieved Gold-level recognition in the Journey To Excellence program. On January 1, 2013, Mikano Lodge ceased to exist. Its members and those of the legacy Mascoutens Lodge became charter members of the new Kanwa tho Lodge 636. Mikano Lodge Chiefs

1943 ... Robert Frank 1977 ... Bob Jones 1944 ... George McMullen 1978 ... Rick Fessenbecker 1945 ... John Krainik 1979 ... Rick Fessenbecker 1946 ... George Barthel 1980 ... Robert Nailen 1947 ... Robert Ryan 1981 ... Clifford Wozniak 1947 ... John SeidI * 1982 ... Jeff Lesar 1948 ... Donald Taticek 1983 ... Keith Murphy 1949 ... Ken Jarchow 1984 ... Dennis Konkel 1950 ... Fritz Barthel 1985 ... Dave Bodoh 1951 ... Fritz Barthel 1986 ... Chris Bigley 1951 ... Robert Burgess* 1987 ... George Dejewski 1952 ... Robert Burgess 1988 ... John Archibald 1953 ... Patrick Buckett 1989 ... David Payesic 1954 ... Charles Schuiz 1990 ... Brian Warwick 1955 ... John Paczesny 1991 ... David Pavesic 1956 ... Rick Dworschack 1992 ... Steve Blaha 1957 ... Rick Dworschack 1993 ... Michael Aronow 1958 ... Glen Kepner 1994 ... Doug Reed II 1959 ... Michael Chy 1995 ... Cortland Bolles 1960 ... James Roberts 1996 ... Dave Golden 1961 ... Todd Clark 1997 ... Ken Tyborski 1962 ... Glen Harmon 1998 ... Ken Tyborski 1963 ... Gerald Malarkey 1999 ... Ken Daily 1964 ... Arthur Woodward 2000 ... Michael A. Winters 1965 ... Chris Plumb 2001 ... John Zapfel 1966 ... Richard Rosera 2002 ... Adam Dubis 1967 ... Pete Pazucha 2003 ... Teddy Monacelli 1968 ... Tony Roth 2004 ... Joseph Dubis 1969 ... Don Fountain 2005 ... Casey Reidy 1970 ... John Klein 2006 ... Vince Tripi III 1971 ... John Klein 2007 ... Chris Dubis 1972 ... Bob Weigend 2008 ... Joe Hauser 1973 ... Bob Fessenbecker 2009 ... Andrew Cumming 1974 ... Alan Young 2010 ... Andrew Cumming 1975 ... Ben Van Raalte 2011 ... Taylor Buraczewski 1976 ... Bob Jones 2012 ... Michael Timmsen

Mikano Lodge Advisers

1938-1950 George Hoehm 1950-1953 John Gibbons 1953-1954 Oliver Harvey 1954-1958 Bill Schumacher 1958-1959 Norm Johnson 1959-1960 Ed Wacker 1960-1965 Rob Smith 1966-1973 Ralph Smitka 1973-1974 John Klein 1975-1976 Everett Rosera 1976-1978 Gerald Schwaller 1978-1980 Robert Hoeft 1980-1982 Howard Murphy 1982-1984 Richard Crane 1984-1987 George Fix 1987-1989 Craig Hasting 1989-1991 Gary Caruso 1991-1995 Paul Kocovsky 1998-2002 Cedor Aronow 2002-2005 Rick Fessenbecker 2005-2012 John Donahue HISTORY OF THE KANWA THO LODGE #636

Kanwa tho Lodge was founded on January 6, 2013 at the lodge's inaugural Winter Banquet. Kanwa tho Lodge was created through the consolidation of Mascoutens Lodge #8 and Mikano Lodge #231. The consolidation was due to the Council consolidation of the Southeast Wisconsin and Milwaukee County Councils, respectively.

The terms of the Three Harbors Council merger (dated October 1, 2011) specified that the two lodges should determine how best to consolidate within 18 months of the council merger. In 2012, the Lodge Creation Committee was formed of equal numbers of youth from each lodge. This committee met multiple times leading up to the 2012 summer camp season to decide on the Lodge Executive Committee structure, how the new lodge is going to utilize all four camps, a chapter system for the larger geographic area, the officers and election cycle, etc. The committee solicited lodge name, totem, and patch ideas from the membership through July 1, 2012. On the morning of July 8, 2012, the youth of the committee decided and voted on the new name and totem. The decision became official at 10:08 am at LeFeber Northwoods Camps. It was announced that the name and totem would be unveiled at the New Lodge Kickoff on October 20, 2012. However, it was not until January 6, 2013, that the Kanwa tho Lodge #636, was unveiled by the youth committee that created it. The Kanwa tho Lodge is named after a subgrouping of the Potawatomi tribe of Indians headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their totem is the panther, as Kanwa tho translates to "Panther Band".

Kanwa tho Lodge's first Lodge Chief, Tyler Waiss, was elected at the 2013 Banquet.

Kanwa tho Lodge provides service to four Council camps, and it became a challenge to allocate adequate service time for each camp. Therefore, it was decided to provide a "Fix-It" work day for Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta in the Spring, while the full lodge induction weekend (called a "Conclave" would be held at Indian Mound Scout Reservation. It was decided to switch these locations for the Fall service events; therefore, the Fall Conclave is held at Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta, and the Fall Fix-It is held at Indian Mound Scout Reservation.