Sellersville Moose Family Center #1539 Women of the Moose Chapter #471 Serving our Members and Community

Editor: Harry Ricker Asst. Editor: Chris Perry May/June 2009 Issue #13

The History of Mooseheart Child City and School

The history of Mooseheart Child City & School is inextricably intertwined with that of the Loyal Order of Moose and the Women of the Moose, two organizations whose stupendous growth during the first quarter of the 20th century was inspired by the idea of creating this beautiful home and community for children in need.

James J. Davis – who later would serve as Secretary of Labor to three Presidents, then 14 years in the U.S. Senate – agreed late in 1906 to take on the job of recruiting members into the then-faltering Moose organization, on the basis of eventually using members’ pooled resources to create a home and school where dependent widows of Moose members could take their children.

Within five years – by late 1911 – the organization had grown to membership of nearly 200,000, and Davis, now carrying the title “Director General,” recommended that Moose leaders begin seeking the right parcel of real estate to set about establishing the so-called “Moose Institute.” The decision was ratified by the Convention, and once it became generally known, property offers swiftly came in from various parts of the United States. For an entire week in December 1911, a joint meeting of the Moose Supreme Council and newly-appointed Trustees of the Moose Institute met at the Willard Hotel in Washington to closely examine all offers.

During these meetings and a number of subsequent ones, the leaders decided that the home and school should be located somewhere near the center of North American population, preferably adjacent to both rail transportation and a river, with fertile soil for farming, and within a day’s transportation to and from a major city. These conditions ruled out many potential sites. Finally, on Dec. 14, 1912, the leaders decided to purchase a 750-acre dairy operation known as Brookline Farm (near the western bank of the Fox River and two rail lines, 40 miles west of Chicago), plus adjacent acreage to the west and north owned by two other families—1,023 acres in total, Negotiations with all parties took place in January and February 1913, with final purchase expense totaling $264,000, and legal possession taken March 1. At that point, the place already had a name: a Feb. 1 joint meeting of the Supreme Council and Institute Trustees unanimously approved Congressman John J. Lentz’s proposal to name the new home and school “Mooseheart.”

Dedication of Mooseheart was set for Sunday, July 27, 1913—the day before the opening of the 25th International Convention in Cincinnati. Thomas Marshall, then newly installed as Vice President of the United States, first balked at Supreme Governor Ralph Donges’s invitation to speak at a ceremony for what he viewed as an “orphanage.” Donges responded that “what we are planning will not be an orphanage at all. It will be a home and school for the children of our deceased members.

On its dedication day Mooseheart featured a large farmhouse dubbed Aid Hall, a few other ramshackle buildings, and a huge circus tent rented from Ringling Bros. for the occasion, to shield the gathering from the summer sun. Most importantly, there were 11 children present who would be the first to call Mooseheart home—the vanguard for more than 11,000 more who have lived and learned over more than 90 years at the Child City.

Vice President Marshall, in his July 27 remarks, said: “Thank God, here in this Middle West, here on this most sacred day, humanity has again proved its right to be called the children of the Most High; has again reached out its hand in love and loyalty to the needy brother, and has disclosed not only the right, but the duty of this great Order to exist.”

In August 1913, Supreme Secretary Rodney Brandon moved from Anderson, IN, where Moose headquarters had been located, to Mooseheart, to serve as the community’s first Superintendent. He brought with him Dr. J. A. Rondthaler, a Presbyterian minister and former college professor, whom as Dean took charge of students’ home life and schooling.

Under Brandon’s direction, the future design of Mooseheart began to take shape. James A. Young, city forester for nearby Aurora and owner of a nursery there, contributed landscape design services on a part-time basis. It was Young who also drew basic plans for a Mooseheart street layout, which he made roughly in the shape of a stylized heart.

Robert Havlik, a young civil engineer from Detroit, was hired in November 1913 to handle all construction of streets, utilities and permanent buildings. Brandon also rehired R.R. Luman, who had served as farm superintendent for Brookline’s previous owner. An Aurora physician was retained on a part-time basis to oversee an on-campus nurse and administer to health needs.

The pace of construction was feverish throughout Mooseheart’s first 10 years, but especially its first five. The current U.S. Post Office building (which then was also a railroad station and Mooseheart offices) was begun before the end of 1913. A complete water and sewer system was installed during the spring and summer of 1914, along with a coal-fired heating plant and steam lines. Rail carloads of elm trees were planted on the residential portion of the mostly bare campus (Many had to be replanted with other species 40 years later, when Dutch elm disease struck throughout the Midwest). A major boys’ dormitory, Loyalty Hall, and girls’ dormitory, Purity Hall (now Minnesota Home) were both built in 1914. Sixteen other buildings – residential and vocational structures, and a new school building – were completed between 1915 and 1918. The massive Administration/Auditorium Building, named for former President Theodore Roosevelt, was completed in 1918 and after having been begun in 1914.

Cont. Page 5

A Message from the Governor From the Desk of the Administrator With spring here, you will start to see some Men and Women of the Moose, improvements in the James Eshleman Memorial Park. Over the last year and a half our Lodge’s This being my 1st message as Governor, I Moose Legion Activity Committee has been thought it might be nice to give you a little raising funds for the replacement of the wooden background on myself. I joined the Moose st fence. This fence will be replaced with PVC Fraternity in 2003 and took my 1 position fencing and the building will all be getting a fresh in 2005 on the board as a Trustee, which I coat of paint. The Moose L.A.C. is very active in held for 2 years. In 2007 I became the Jr. raising funds for projects around our Lodge. Governor and in 2008 the Treasurer. I Please ask a member how you can become a hoped with learning as many different Moose Legionnaire. offices as I could, this would help me in serving you as your Governor. I thought I In this economy our Lodge is facing tough times. might do something different with my The new officers are faced with offering more message by telling you about some of the family activities that they hope we all will attend. The Lodge can only get better with your great programs the Moose Fraternity has participation. There is a suggestion box on the to offer our MEMBERS. There is a Youth table just before you enter the dining room. Awareness Program for Students from Please feel free to give us your suggestions. grades 8-11. This scholarship program offers a chance for your son or daughter to Do you have kids or grandkids that are high win money for college. Moose Inter- school age? Are you in need of scholarship national gives away 5 scholarships a year: money? We can help. How does up to $12,000 in 1st place $12,000, 2nd place $8,000, 3rd scholarship money sound. The Loyal Order of the place $5,000, 4th place $3,000 and 5th place Moose has funds from $1000 to $12,000 in $2,000. This is not an easy program by any scholarships to give away in the youth means, but it is not a hard program if you awareness program. The kids in this program talk are willing to do a little work with your with kids from 4 to 9 years of age about drugs and alcohol. They encourage the kids to make child. The program is based on Moose wise and healthy choices in life. If you have or Kids Talks. Your child gives talks to kids know a young person who would like to from ages 4-9 years to empower them to participate, please have them call me or the make healthy choices and resist danger. Governor for more info. This is just the tip of the iceberg. For all the information please log onto Moose In closing thank you for being a member in the Internationals website (mooseintl.org), log greatest family fraternity. into the member section and on the right side go to community service tab. This is a Fraternally Yours, great opportunity for your child. Last year Phil Febus Kelly Pierce of Stroudsburg Lodge 1336 Administrator won a $3,000 scholarship. You can go onto the Pa Moose website at (pamoose.org) to read about Kelly. This is just one of many programs they offer, so look for another great program in my next message.

Fraternally yours, Steve Wampole

Governor Women of the Moose

Sr. Regent Message Flea Market Dear Co-workers, We are again starting a new year with a new group of Who: Moose Members officers for 2009/10. I look forward to serving you as your Senior Regent this year.

Please come to our meetings and support your What: Flea Market Chapter, meet your new officers and fellow co- workers. Everyone’s support is needed to make this another successful exciting year. When : June 27, 2009 Looking forward to seeing a lot of new faces as well as the familiar ones. . Where: The Grove Fraternally Yours Dottie DeWolf Senior Regent Why: Fund raiser

Cost: $5.00 per table

Signup sheets will be posted on bulletin board Please Contact our Chaplain at the lodge. The event is dependent on the Lisa Yakab number of tables purchased by members. At 269-347-4121 If you have information about a Co-Worker who is ill or has suffered a death in the family, so that appropriate actions may be taken.

Congratulations Co-Workers of the Month for February Maureen Frey March Julia Karcher Co-Worker of the Year Sherri Welch From the Park Ave. Committee

We would like to start out by saying the mid year dinner had a good turn out. I hope everyone had a good time. The committee did well on the bag auction. The watches that were donated to the Moose made over $200. This money will go to the Park Ave. Association.

As we all know, the clam bake is coming up. We would like to do a bag auction again, but we need your help. We are asking that people bring in something that they would like to donate towards the bag auction. The item does not have to be big or weight a lot. Size and weight do not matter. Bring anything you think will be funny and fun to auction off. If each household brings one bag we will have more fun with this auction. All the money earned from the event will go towards the clam bake.

As you all know the Park Avenue dues are going up in price next year. The committee has decided to do a 50/50. There will be 100 tickets @ $1 a ticket. The winner will get a new membership for the Park Ave. Association for next year. We are going to do more then one 50/50. This way there will be multiple winners. We are going to have another basket at the clam bake to raffle off as well.

Next year the committee is going to do something different. We are going to take all the money that is brought in from the membership dues and deduct the 3 events. Whatever money is left over will go towards drawings. We are not going to have weekly drawings, instead it will be a monthly drawing. Whatever money is taken in from door prizes and other thing that we do will go towards the drawings. The committee is no longer going to mail out your card or your winnings. The numbers will be posted on the web site for your convenience. The Park Ave. Association encourages you to go online to Sellersville Moose website for the winning numbers. The numbers and events will be posted in the Park Ave. section. Please check the men’s board monthly.

Just a reminder that the dues will be going up next year. If you pay before or at the clam bake (Aug. 16) the price will be $60. If you pay after the clam bake the price will be $65. If you are not a member this year and would like to join next year give your application to a member or the bartenders.

If any one would like to be on the committee next year please fill out a form and hand it in to a committee member.

PARK AVE. ASSOCIATION Year: 2009-2010

Name______Spouse______Last Year # ______Last Year # ______

New # ______New # ______Address______APT. ______

City ______State______Zip______Phone #______

Cash _____ or Check ______Ck #______

Please make Check out to PARK AVE.

I,______(First and last name) Wish to be considered for the office of:

( ) President ( ) Vice President

( ) Secretary ( ) Treasurer

I recognize the responsibilities and duties of the office. I am willing to devote the necessary time and effort required by this office if elected Cont. from page1

The History of Mooseheart Child City and School

That summer, on Mooseheart’s fifth anniversary, Vice President Marshall returned to speak at the dedication of the Auditorium, recalling five years before: “Let me tell you that when I spoke, there was a reservation in my mind . . . Thank God that today . . . the age of miracles has not passed. All that I hoped for, longed for and prayed for on that interesting occasion five years ago has come to pass at Mooseheart.”

Mooseheart’s continued development continued unabated during the 1920s; the famed five-structure Baby Village and the Campanile, an homage to James J. Davis, were both completed in 1922; 15 more residences were built before 1930.

The Great Depression hit the Moose fraternity hard; membership plummeted from 600,000 to less than 250,000 in just seven years. Meanwhile, Mooseheart bore the responsibility for the largest population of children and teens it would ever have, flirting with the 1,400 mark throughout the 1930s.

Between 1933 and the end of World War II, the only new Mooseheart structure built was its new football and track stadium in 1940, a gift from the Illinois Moose Association. Raising the funds for that, and designing it for no fee, was engineer Wayne Wallace of Chicago—a member of Mooseheart’s first graduating class in 1919.

The end of World War II saw one of America’s greatest honors bestowed on a Mooseheart graduate: U.S. Army Lt. Edward Silk, of the Mooseheart Class of 1935, was presented in October 1945 with the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman, for valor and cunning in single- handedly forcing the surrender of a dozen enemy soldiers in France the year before.

With the end of the war came long-postponed renovation and construction at Mooseheart, highlighted by the magnificent multi-denominational House of God, built in 1948-50 after a fundraising drive that had begun more than 30 years before. The Malcolm R. Giles School building, now housing elementary through high school students in two separate wings, was dedicated in 1954 and added onto in 1963 and 1965. Pennsylvania Home, designed to resemble Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, was dedicated in 1958. At Mooseheart’s 50th anniversary celebration in 1963, the cavernous new Mooseheart Fieldhouse, attached to Illinois Memorial Stadium, was opened.

Up through the early 1960s, the original admission policy to Mooseheart remained largely unchanged, permitting only children of male Moose members who had died. As society changed swiftly throughout the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, Mooseheart adjusted in response, steadily accepting more and more children whose families were in disarray due to divorce, substance abuse, severe economic reversal, or other reasons. Until 1994, however, admission generally required that there be a Moose member in a child’s extended family. But that year, the Moose fraternity’s leaders voted unanimously to expand the admissions policy to consider applications from any family in need, regardless of whether a Moose member was a part of their extended family.

The 1980s and ’90s saw sweeping changes also in Mooseheart’s time-honored vocational-training program – unique at the time of the campus’ founding, and swiftly emulated by Boys Town in Nebraska and other similar facilities. Upon high school graduation, each Mooseheart student still receives both an academic diploma – and a certificate of proficiency in a trade, For decades, vocational training had taken place completely on campus in more than a dozen different trades. Training still occurs on-campus in Small Engines and Machines, Cosmetology/Hairstyling, Family and Consumer Science, Management Information Systems, Health Occupations and Banking. More recently, more flexible “co-op” vocational training arrangements have been established off-campus with numerous industries and retailers, offering a “real-world” glimpse at various lines of work.

Through the 1990s, a whirlwind of residential construction and renovation began anew at Mooseheart. Just from 1991 through 2002, beautiful brand- new residences were built and funded by the Moose of West Virginia, Illinois, Michigan, Maryland/Delaware, New Jersey and North Carolina. Additionally, full renovations of the New York, Tennessee, Washington/Northern Idaho, New England, Arizona/New Mexico, Ontario, Oregon, Iowa/Eastern Nebraska, Virginia, Alabama, South Carolina, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin Georgia, and Pennsylvania Baby Village residences were undertaken.

The Women of the Moose of various states and provinces were instrumental in helping fund all of the above projects; they also completely funded a full renovation of their own, as the Greater Chicago residence was renamed the Antoinette Marinello Home, honoring the woman who was the CEO of the Women of the Moose from 1979 through 1990.

In 1994, the Mooseheart campus took its first step away from full financial reliance upon the Moose fraternity, when Mooseheart Child City & School was incorporated as a separate entity, a registered 501[c]3 charity under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

In 1998, Mooseheart’s first major new multipurpose structure opened since 1963, as the Paul J. O’Hollaren Centre was dedicated, named in honor of the Moose fraternity’s Director General from 1984-1994. This meeting, reception and banquet facility was funded by portions of new-member application fees, with additional funds for landscaping and furnishings from the Moose Legion and the Women of the Moose.

In 2001, the first major addition to the Mooseheart School complex since 1965 was completed – This 12,000-sq.-ft. project joined both north and south wings on their east end, and consists of the Florida/Bermuda Cafeteria, the Kay Cancie Gymnasium for physical education, and a Band Room funded by the Order’s Fellows and Pilgrims. This addition enabled an all-student-body assembly to be held within the school structure for the first time.

In 2003, Mooseheart gained its youngest Executive Director since its first one, Rodney Brandon, when 34-year-old Scott D. Hart assumed the post. Hart and his wife, Christie, had been career Mooseheart staffers since coming to the campus in 1991. The new Executive Director had served as a Family Teacher, Dean, and Assistant Executive Director.

Mooseheart’s Superintendents/Executive Directors:

• Rodney Brandon 1913-1916 , Matthew Adams 1916-1927, Ernest Roselle 1927-1935, W. J. Leinweber 1935-1948 ,

• Richard Aspinall 1948-1953, Rodney Brandon 1953, Walter Ketz 1954-1974, Robert Hanke 1974-1980, Robert Zaininger 1980

• Michael Sestak 1981-1991, Carmen Freda 1991-1998, David Coughlin 1998-1999, Dale Jones 1999-2000, Bobby Gilliam 2000-2003

• Scott Hart 2003-

4 Days 3 Nights At the Pop Century Resort Meal Plan 4 Day Park Hopper Passes Appreciation Dinner TRIVIA As the number of participants increase, so has the number of prizes. 22 teams at TRIVIA 11 and 24 teams at TRIVIA 12. Thank you all. TRIVIA 11 took place on Friday February 20. The winners were The Seilers and the runners up were Liz and Tracey. TRIVIA 12 took place on Friday April 3. The winners were Rich and Stacey and the runners up were Harry and Janet. TRIVIA 13 will take place on Friday June 5. We introduced a multiple answer page into TRIVIA 12 and it was a success, so it will be continued for TRIVIA 13. Give me your thoughts. The fun starts around 9.00pm and is all over by 10.15pm. COME JOIN US. Prizes are a Thursday night BUFFET CERTIFICATE and a BOTTLE of WINE.

MOOSE NEWS FUN PAGE We have a repeat winner for the adult part of the FUN PAGE in Denise Gallagher. There was no KIDS winner. Where are you all? What are you doing? To all you parents and grandparents have the KIDS participate and put their entries in. Extra copies of the FUN PAGE are always available in the MOOSE. Just ask your friendly bartenders or waitresses for a copy when you are next at the MOOSE and fill them in while sitting at the bar or having dinner in the restaurant. It can be fun. Upon completion drop them in the box on the table for a chance to win. If anyone would like to make up the questions for the kids part of the FUN PAGE let me know or drop them in the box on the table and we will use them in the future. Prizes are a Thursday night BUFFET CERTIFICATE for the adults and a CANDY PACKAGE for the kids.

WEDNESDAY BINGO It was not an April Fool's joke when the Jackpot of $500 was won on April 1 at the bar. Lets build up the numbers for the next Jackpot and maybe we can spread the wealth into the back room.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE for the information on upcoming events.

Blair Thomson (Activities Chairman)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEN WOMEN of the Moose

Steve Wampole, Governor Dottie DeWolf, Sr. Regent Charles Staley, Jr. Past Governor Betty Thomson, Jr. Grad Regent Joe Borrajo, Jr. Governor Kathy Ferrigno, Jr. Regent Phillip Febus, Administrator Leisa Yakab, Chaplain Al Ernry, Prelate Barbara Staley, Secretary/Treasurer Harry Ricker, Treasurer Nicky Allem, Recorder Rick Shelly, Trustee #1 Julie Karcher, Guide Mike Sagel, Trustee #2 Doleres Smith, Asst. Guide Jim Gallagher, Trustee #3 Jeanette Miller, Sentinel Russ Handy, Sgt of Arms Loyce Frankenfield, Argus Whitey Dietrich, Asst. Sgt. Of Arms Elaine Balinski, Musician NA, Inner Guard NA, Mgt. Cord. Chris Perry, Outer Guard

Questions or information on hall or grove rental for Weddings, Parties, Picnics, etc. can be directed to the lodge office at 215-257-4380 WWW.sellersvillemoose.com

MMOOOOSSEE NNEEWWSS

SELLERSVILLE MOOSE #1539 301 W. Park Avenue P.O. Box 147 Sellersville, Pennsylvania 18960-0147 “Moose News” Published every two months. Subscription paid automatically as part of annual membership dues.