The Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International was founded in
June, 1906, on the banks of Green Lake, Wisconsin, about ninety
miles northwest of Milwaukee. During the annual meeting of the
Wisconsin field insurance men at the Oakwood Resort, a State Agent
advanced the idea that three young men, seeking membership in the
Field Club, should be initiated to enliven the occasion. One idea after
another was considered which, by evening when the ceremony was
scheduled, found the organizers with a name for their new Order -
The Ancient and Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, and also a
Ritual with Obligation and Charge, and names for the various officers,
almost the same as are used today.
The founders built better than they knew, for soon a petition for a
charter came from the Minnesota field men, which was promptly
granted, and the Minnesota Pond founded. At that time it was
decided to name the Wisconsin State Organization the "Wisconsin
Home Nest."
The October, 1906 meeting of the Fire Underwriters Association of
the Northwest proved a splendid opportunity to exemplify the worth of
the new group for field men, company officials and insurance editors.
One hundred and forty-nine candidates, who had signed applications
during the meeting of the Northwest Association, were made Ganders
at a special Blue Goose initiation in the ballroom of the Auditorium
Hotel. Elaborate plans had been made. The ceremony, conducted
jointly by members of the Wisconsin Home Nest and Minnesota
Pond, proved a great success, for immediately field men of many
States applied for charters, all of which were promptly granted.
From such an unpretentious beginning, the Order has grown until the
Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International, as the Order is now
known, enjoys worldwide membership.
This is unmistakable evidence of the fact that the "Blue Goose"
occupies an important place in the insurance world, where its
influence for fellowship and good has been felt for many years. |
