HISTORY OF THE WOMEN OF THE MOOSE

The Women of the Moose is the women's component of the Moose organization. Convening their first annual conference in conjunction with the Loyal Order Of Moose Convention in 1913, the organization was originally called the "Women's Loyal Moose Circle,” and in 1916 was made a subgroup of the Mooseheart Legion. Under its first chief executive, Katherine Smith, the group became independent and was renamed "Women of the Moose" in 1931.

There are presently more than 1,800 Chapters of the Women of the Moose in the United States and Canada, with a late-1990s membership of approximately 540,000. Each Chapter is instituted to promote the principles, ideals, and philanthropic purposes of the fraternity.

The growth and progress of the Women of the Moose are the result of the program of committees established in 1927. The committees provide activities that interest all members in the Chapter, and the funds raised by each committee assist in maintaining Mooseheart and Moosehaven.

Honors are awarded to Chapter officers, chairmen, escorts, and the Ritual Director who meet specific requirements during the Chapter year. These honors are referred to as degrees, and they consist of the Academy of Friendship, Star Recorder, and College of Regents.

The Academy of Friendship Degree was first awarded in 1927, the College of Regents Degree was conferred in 1935, and the first Star Recorder Degree in 1946. The Academy of Friendship Degree is conferred in each state and province annually, and the College of Regents and Star Recorder Degrees are conferred annually at the International Conference.

The great accomplishments of the Women of the Moose are many and varied. Cooperation between the Lodges and Chapters is essential in providing for Mooseheart and Moosehaven-- and for participating in community services. Every community benefits when a Lodge and Chapter are located jointly within its limits.

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