Past Times: Women of the Moose formed in 1941
IOOF once prominent downtown
Shown is the detached cornerstone from the former IOOF Goethe Hall which once stood in the 10-block of North 1st Avenue. The building was destroyed in the 2018 tornado and later demolished.
Shown recently is the Odd Fellow Apartment building in Marshalltown, which is now managed by Keyway Management Company. Providing housing opportunities to local low-income seniors and others is part of the IOOF benevolence mission.
Shown is the detached cornerstone from the former IOOF Goethe Hall which once stood in the 10-block of North 1st Avenue. The building was destroyed in the 2018 tornado and later demolished.
Shown recently is the Odd Fellow Apartment building in Marshalltown, which is now managed by Keyway Management Company. Providing housing opportunities to local low-income seniors and others is part of the IOOF benevolence mission.
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Editor’s Note: This is the second article in a series of four about Marshall County’s and Marshalltown’s fraternal lodges - the Free and Accepted Masons (F&AM), Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Knights of Columbus (KC), and Moose Fraternity (MF). All contributed to the city and county’s early economic development, benevolence and social framework. Article one in the series printed in the Aug. 15-16 edition reported briefly on the early history of the F&AM and MF lodges. The article below reports with more information on the MF and former Marshalltown Chapter No. 71- Women of the Moose. Also included is the Marshalltown chapter of the IOOF.
The Women of the Moose was an auxiliary of the Loyal Order of Moose, according to Historical Society of Marshall County (HSMC) archives. A local chapter was formed May 19, 1941. It was identified as Chapter 71 with 32 members. “Its officers having been installed in due form, all demands having been complete,” according to documents. Charter members active in 1948 were Bernice Kenner, Florence Wooster, Hazel Snell, Aletha Smith, Ruth Heidelbaugh, Maggie Cook, and Gertrude Nason. Academy of Friendship Members were: Maggie Cook, Irene Willits and Wooster. Officers in 1948-49 were listed as follows: Graduate Regent: Willits Junior Regent: Inez Gregwire Chaplain: Marie Groff Recorder: Dorothy Caviness Treasurer: Bessie Wooster Guide: Gene Van Hook Assistant Guide: Myrtle Thompson Sentinel: Francis Clingerman Argus: Lillian Kent Pianist: Edna Finley Escorts were Ferne Woodworth, Rosie Niederhause, Aletha Smith, Mae Schmidt, Maxine Troutner, Wanda Billman, Myrna Barke and Velma Scovill. In 1948 the Women of the Moose published “Let’s Give a Party.” It was a 63-page book complete with helpful tips for hostesses. “No effort or expense has been spared in gathering material for the compiling of this book,” it read.
“Every hostess will appreciate the many helpful suggestions contained herein when arranging for the entertaining of her guests. All material used in compiling this book is absolutely correct. Many thanks to the authors and companies who have assisted and who furnished this useful material. We thank all who have cooperated in making this work a success, particularly the splendid business men who have supported us. Let us in return express our sincere appreciation by patronizing this group, thus proving that this is a worthy medium of advertising."
Accordingly, advertisements for Household Appliance Co. at 116 W. Main St., Avey Funeral Home at Second and State Street, and Ewers Shoe Co., 16 W. Main, were among dozens listed. The Loyal Order of the Moose chapter 313 – originally comprised of male members – was granted in Marshalltown July 27, 1910, according to Historical Society of Marshall County archives. The lodge began with 56 members. Officers were V.E. Liebig, W.E. Leech, Joseph Whitacre, W.H. Allison, R.W. Doolittle, W.A. Gandoe and J.W. Sharp. Trustees were E.W. Hellberg, (the late older brother of H.V. Hellberg - the grandfather of local businessman Vic Hellberg). F.J. Crandon and Liebig. A list of members included S.A. Dillon, Homer Barnhart, and R.B. Miller among others. The lodge remains active in the Marshalltown area in facilities at with male and female members.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows
"Founded in 1819 – the mission of IOOF is to improve and elevate the character of humanity through service, mutual aid and universal fraternity," according to social media sources. Their historic guiding command is to 'visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan."
IOOF once had a strong presence in downtown Marshalltown with county assessor records identifying two buildings once owned by the group.
Specifically, it once owned the Odd Fellows Building -- 128 E. Main St. -- with a concert venue on the second floor. However, the property was later sold to a private party.
IOOF also owned the Goethe Lodge Building - 27-29 N. First Ave. That building was severely damaged during the 2018 tornado and was later demolished.
However, an individual did find the cornerstone of the building on display at a Marshalltown business. Printed on the stone were "E.H. Hibben, G.M., 1899," and three rings joined together - the IOOF symbol.
Dorie Tammen, HSMC library assistant, confirmed it was the cornerstone of the building and that Edwin H. Hibben was listed in the 1900 city directory as secretary and manager for the Northern Life Association. His residence was 124 1/2 W. Main St. The "G.M" designated Tibben as Grand Master -- the chief elected presiding officer of a regional or state-level Grand Lodge district.
The local organization had a role in the development of Odd Fellows Apartments at 206 Nicholas Dr. The facility was constructed in 1984 and is now managed by Keyway Management Company.
It is a two-story facility with 65 units consisting of studio and one-bedroom apartments.
Rent is subsidized to benefit low-income seniors and those with special needs, according to social media sources. Efforts to learn if the IOOF organization is active locally were unsuccessful by time of press.
"The (IOOF) fraternity operates under the Sovereign Grand Lodge and features thousands of active local lodges across Canada, internationally and the United States," according to the organization's website.