Francis J. Podbielski, MD, Wayne H. Schimpff, and Reid H. Lewis enjoy a beautiful afternoon at Owasippe in preparation for the Vigil that night. Wayne and eight other Brotherhood Members of Lodge #7 faithfully kept their Vigil that evening. Congratulations to our newest Vigil members!
Fred Brems sends regards to all Brothers in Owasippe Lodge! After a distinguished term as the Chief of Checaugau Chapter in 1937, Fred went on to lead the Owasippe Lodge as its Chief in 1941. During our evening’s discussion, he related a story whereby George Mozealous, already a Scouting professional encouraged him in 1936 to run for Chegaugau Chapter Chief and to “get this chapter back on track”. Fred was always impressed with George’s talent at carving Native American masks out of wood and was amazed at the mini-museum that George had created in his small Northwest side (of Chicago) apartment.
Another close friend of Fred’s was Dwaine Filkins who preceded him as Lodge Chief, serving in 1940. Dwaine, his twin brother Dwight, and their older sister Louise were adopted by the family in 1918 after the death of their mother. As a youth, Dwaine never worked at Owasippe but had a outstanding talent as an Indian Dancer – often winning competitions at National O/A events. Dwaine went on to become an Episcopal Priest and serve his congregation in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, Dwaine passed away in 1976.
Congratulations to the officers of Owasippe Lodge for an afternoon of fun and fellowship at the annual Winter Banquet! All reports given indicate that 2013 is going to be another outstanding year for not only the Lodge but for our camp – OWASIPPE!! The evening’s highlight was the Vigil Call-out at which time eight brothers of the Lodge were recognized for their commitment to cheerful service and promotion of Scout camping. See you all at Work Weekend at Owasippe in May.
Dr. E. Urner Goodman sent these recorded remarks to the Brothers of Owasippe Lodge #7 on the celebration of its 50th Anniversary in 1971. The photographs are representative of the various time periods of the Lodge from its earliest days in the 1920’s to the current time (2012). NOAC 1971 photographs from the University of Illinois at Champaign are courtesy of John J. Kennedy from the estate of John L. Cook. The audio was kindly provided by Bill Topkins from the National Order of the Arrow History project. The remainder of the photographs are from the Owasippe Lodge #7 archival files.
This year’s Vigil Dinner saw over 90 Vigil Members and their guests pay tribute to Jack B. Blane and Daniel J. Reilly III for their lifelong service to Scouting and the youth of the Chicagoland area. A special video tribute to Scouting was presented that featured Robert E. Bard, a prominent Chicago Attorney, Eagle Scout from the Class of 1935, and Owasippe Staffman from the early 1930’s. All in attendance departed with a renewed sense of purpose having strengthened their ties of Brotherhood in the Arrow and pledged their service to both Owasippe Scout Camp and Owasippe Lodge #7.