THE Loyal Order of Moose is a fraternal and service organization founded in Louisville, KY in 1888 by Dr. John Henry Wilson. The organization was tainted by racism for its first few decades and did not fully admit African Americans or any nonwhites until the 1970s (though there has been a Women of the Moose division since 1913). Nevertheless, it has attracted a number of US politicians, including Presidents Warren Harding, Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman, and West Virginia senator Joe Manchin. Several entertainers and athletes have also been Moose.
When I last looked, there were two Moose lodges in Queens, on Grand Avenue and 72nd Street in Maspeth and 118th Street near 87th Avenue in Richmond Hill, but a former lodge at Broadway and 41st Street in Astoria is a neighborhood standout, with its arched windows and terra-cotta detailing.
Even though the Moose now graze elsewhere, the front entrance features well-maintained glazed green and gold tiling and exquisite chiseled nameplate — that LO is excellently rendered. The “No. 485” was the old lodge number, and 1922 is the date of construction.
Though the Moose still proclaim it as their territory over the door, the red and gold Spanish flag announces the building’s current use as home of the Spanish Center of Queens, whose purpose is “To promote a spirit of unity and fraternity amongst all Spaniards living here in North America, as well as anyone of Spanish descent, with the goal of recreating an authentic representation of Spain right here at home in New York City; one that showcases the best that our culture has to offer and promotes our heritage and traditions so that everyone, of any background or culture, can enjoy.”
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9/5/24
5 comments
More a fan of the Raccoon Lodge…
Me too. And don’t forget to set your DVR because every Monday at 2 AM EDT KMOH (Channel 6 on DirecTV) presents “The Honeymooners” Don’t miss it or else, “Bang zoom: to the moon!”
and me,more a fan of The Mystic Knights Of The Sea
“Holy mackerel dere, Kingfish!” You have a very long memory, Chris.
The Moose, the Elks, and other fraternal organizations were founded to provide brotherhood and support to members at a time when there was no modern “social support network” otherwise available. To be sure, they were somewhat secretive, and yes, they were usually exclusionary, and yes, they were definitely sexist. But, they provided a way of helping members who were suffering from accidents, they supported widows and orphaned children. They offered a place where a common man could gather with similar folks at a time when rich men had fancy private clubs, and often provided the opportunity for family outings and gatherings.
Changing times challenged such organizations. Television offered entertainment at home, instead of at “the lodge”. Increased automobile ownership offered opportunities to be away from home more often. Financial demands on families required many men to take second jobs, removing the time they might have spent with their brothers. Social mores changed, with men spending more time with their families (and with their wives demanding they spend more time with their families).
Fraternal organizations still remain, but are more likely to be found in rural areas, and not in the larger cities like ours.