[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES AERIE 629 (DORT HIGHWAY)

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 2, 2004

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to bring to your 
attention that during the month of February 2004 the Fraternal Order of 
Eagles Aerie 629 (Dort Highway) of Flint, Michigan celebrated their 
100th year of brotherhood.
  The Fraternal Order of Eagles formerly known as the ``Seattle Order 
of Good Things'' was founded in Seattle, Washington on February 6, 
1898. The organization's informal slogan is `` People Helping People'' 
(F. Hector Gauthier, North Uxbridge, Mass.) Six short years later, on 
February 17, 1904 the Flint Dort Highway Fraternal Order of Eagles 
Aerie 629 chapter was chartered with 61 members. Former Flint Mayor 
George McKinley was the chapter's first President and Floyd Simson a 
Pharmacist/Drugstore owner was the Secretary. The club held meetings in 
the old Woolworth building twice a month until they relocated to the 
2nd floor of the State Theater in June of 1905. In 1907 they moved to 
Castel Hall where they occupied the entire 3rd floor. As the 
organization's location changed so did its membership. In 1938 their 
Auxiliary was chartered with 71 members while located at the Smith and 
Waters building, which was purchased from Dort Motor Company in 1922. 
The club added a 10,000 square foot addition to the building which they 
called home until a fire destroyed the building and forced them to move 
to the second floor of the Samons building located at First and 
Garland. They remained there until 1980 when they purchased the 
building known as the Freeman Ice Cream Building. The organization 
began remodeling efforts immediately, with most of the work being done 
by its members. The building was completed in 1981 and a banquet hall 
was added just in time for their 1984 District Wide Initiation. New 
candidates from all the clubs in District Four were initiated during 
the event. The Fraternal Order of Eagles is an organization committed 
to the American people. Throughout its 100 years, they have strived on 
a daily basis to make this country a better place for all. This is an 
extraordinary club of men working for the betterment of our nation. I 
am proud to say that there is a chapter in my hometown of Flint 
addressing the needs of my community.
  Mr. Speaker, many people have greatly benefited from the generosity 
of these fine men. They are indeed men of moral character committed to 
improving the welfare and dignity of those in need. I ask my colleagues 
in the 108th Congress to please join me in paying tribute to the 
Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 629 (Dort Highway) Flint Chapter as 
they celebrate 100 years of solid brotherhood and in wishing them the 
very best in future endeavors.

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