NorthernNotes

Loyal Order of Moose

About the Loyal Order of Moose

The Loyal Order of Moose is a fraternal organization composed of nearly 2 million members throughout the U.S., Canada and Great Britain. It is comprised of two parts, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Women of the Moose, with 2,100 Lodges belonging to the men's part of the fraternity, and 1,600 Chapters belonging to the women's portion.

The organization was founded in the late 1800s with the goal of being a place where men could gather socially. It was reinvented in the early 1900s to include both men and women who set out to build a city to care for children across the U.S., and the Moose is now a family fraternity open to all people and has expanded into Canada, Great Britain and Bermuda.

About Mooseheart and Moosehaven

This city, called Mooseheart, is located in Illinois, near Aurora, and currently houses as many as 800 children -- of all nationalities, both members or non-members -- who are in need due to circumstances of death, divorce or despair. The dues from membership go toward this facility as well as another facility, Moosehaven, which was opened in 1922.

Moosehaven is a city for elderly Moose members who wish to retire at the age of 65 and who have been members for at least 15 years consecutively. Moosehaven is a wonderful alternative for those elderly who wish a secure environment with full medical facilities and room and board.

About Membership

Moose members pledge their loyalty to the aid of children and fellow man and woman. To become a member, one must also believe in God; though Moose is not exclusive as far a religious belief is concerned and takes members of all faiths -- Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, etc.

Moose members are also of all races and walks of life, and the children cared for at Mooseheart are as diverse as can be; though they are instructed in morality, education through high school, and vocational training.

Moose Lodges also endeavor to support their communities by fund-raisers and donate money constantly to different charities and needy persons.

The Loyal Order of Moose also supports the National Park Service with its Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps which allows youths to spend their summers doing conservation work for minimum wage at Yellowstone Park.

The Loyal Order of the Moose also has a Web site at Moose International for the locations of lodges, employment opportunities and organizational information. The membership department's phone number is 630/859-2000 ext.6420.

NorthernNotes from Northern Illinois University

To NewsPlace for News and Sources