Our History
BUILDING A LEGACY OF SERVICE Through Our History
Our Timeline
1953 – A fire broke out in the kitchen in the early morning hours, after a Thanksgiving Dance. The building was rutted.
1955 – A colonial type building at 2300 NE 10th Street became our second Lodge home. Bonds were issued for the purchase.
1956 – After the completion of renovations the building was dedicated on March 13th.
1964 – The Lodge membership had outgrown the building-remodeling and expansion began.
1973 – Again, bonds were issued to the members to pay off the new addition.
1977 – Due to the age of the building and membership increase, plans to find a new lodge were presented for the approval.
1979 – The Lodge requested the City Commission to consider a lease/purchase agreement of the Air Park Property, located on the southeast corner of NE 10th Street an NE 5th Avenue, consisting of 11.0 Acres.
1980 – After much discussion, the Lodge placed a bid for the property. It was placed on the City Commission ballot as, “Sale of Surplus City Property”. The Resolution passed. Fundraising began in earnest. Architectural planning began.
1982 – Construction commenced on the building. The old lodge building was sold.
1984 – Much work needed to be completed; but the Dedication Weekend was held March 2nd -4th. Our third new home “THE FINEST IN THE SOUTHEAST” is ready!
1984 – 2012 – The new lodge presented a “Country Club” atmosphere. 3000+ members, huge affairs, dancing and entertainment.
2013 – Membership began to decline. Young families lost interest in community involvement and our membership aged. The huge lodge building began to age and required increasing maintenance.
2015 – With concern, the Lodge had to look at options; sell or downsize.
2016 – Under the supervision of the Steering Committee, it was determined that we needed to relocate. The lodge property was purchased by the City for a proposed soccer park. On August 1st, the office was moved to a temporary office space. At that time the lodge was closed except for the sale and distribution for all the remaining furnishings.
2017 – The closing was held for the sale of the lodge. Search for a new location ensued, looking for a building we could renovate.
2019 – A building was agreed upon for the new Lodge, located at 4000 NE 10th Way. The building was purchased in January 2019.
2020 – Building plans were approved and renovation commenced in May 2020.
TO BE CONTINUED…