Golden Rod #64 celebrates 100 years
Members of the Eastern Star celebrate their 100th year.
The Golden Rod Chapter of the Eastern Star officially celebrated its 100th year of organization in Soda Springs over the weekend. Past Grand Matron and Past Matron Karen Juell spoke to members of the chapter and members of the public about the chapter’s history, following just two years after the chartering of the Caribou Masonic Lodge in 1922. By 1923, it was deemed that there was sufficient interest to start a chapter in Soda Springs, and a petition was submitted in November of that year. In January of 1924, word was received that dispensation had been granted to form a Chapter, and that Worthy Grand Patron James Delaney would be coming to formally institute it and install the first slate of officers, who included Worthy Matron Bernice Pickren, Secretary Leora Butler, Worthy Patron Roy LaRue, Associate Matron Ruby Scott, Conductress Kathryn Largilliere, Associated Conductress Ruth Cate, and Treasurer
Mary Parkinson.
Early on, the chapter saw growing pains as some members moved away and others moved in. The meetings were held on the first Mondays of the month, as Mondays were the only days the Odd Fellows was available. The new Chapter was honored in short order with several Grand Representative, Grand Officer, and Grand Chapter Committee appointments, and sent representatives to Grand Chapter Sessions from Couer d’Alene and Moscow and Boise.
In 1930, Brother Leon Rose and his wife Mabel were the first husband and wife to serve as Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron of the Golden Rod Chapter. Sister Bernice Pickren wrote a history of the chapter in 1930, in which she said “The reign of Golden Rod Chapter No. 64 has been one of harmony and great success, financially, socially, and uplifting.” The new temple was completed in 1939, and meetings began to be held within. The temple was dedicated in 1941, and, as Juell wrote “we borrowed dishes from every organization in town and silverware from the Burgoyne Hotel.”
Juell recounted other major events and changes through the Chapter’s history, up to the present. Her catalog of events demonstrated that the Chapter has long been involved with charitable causes within and without the community, from meeting the needs of local students through scholarships to such national celebrations as a memorial for Franklin Delano Roosevelt on his passing, and international causes such as the donation of clothing overseas to refugees and displaced peoples. The history also demonstrates that the Eastern Star chapter is proud of its tradition both nationally and within the community.
The event was hosted by Gary Lemarr and Robbie Lemarr, who have served and do serve in a number of capacities within the organization, included Worthy Patron and Matron.
The event was also attended by Kari Finch-Start, descendent of Henry L. Finch and Lydia Finch, who were instrumental to the growth and evolution of Golden Rod #64.
In the hundred years, a total of 306 members have signed the permanent record book, according to Juell. As she says, “the history of Golden Rod is the history of Soda Springs.”
