Our History

Fraternal Order of Eagles History

The Fraternal Order of Eagles is an international, not-for-profit fraternal organization. It was founded on February 6, 1898 in Seattle, Washington by a group of six theater owners. It was initially composed of those who worked within the performing arts and called The Order of the Good Thing. The first meetings were social gatherings held on theater stages. As their numbers grew, the order chose the bald eagle as their official emblem and changed the name of the organization to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Touring theater troupes helped spread the order across North America. Within ten years of its inception, the organization boasted more than 1800 Aeries scattered throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a membership exceeding 350,000.

In the early days the Eagles provided medical treatment, unemployment insurance, and death benefits to members. The Order has played a prominent role in promoting things like the creation of Mother’s Day as a holiday and the passage of the Social Security Act. The FOE also does substantial fundraising for a variety of charitable causes.

Notable Accomplishments

1904: Eagles make the first public plea for Mother’s Day.

1927: Creation and formation of the first Ladies’ Auxiliary.

1935: Eagles play a prominent role in the passing of the Social Security Act.

1957: Nationwide jobs after 40 programs enacted with help of Eagles.

1985: Eagles become the first organization to top $1 million in donations to St. Jude’s research hospital.

1991: Members start Eagles drive to support troops serving in Operation Desert Storm with mail and food packages.

1995: Eagles donate $50,000 for the Eagle Alcove of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C.

2008: Eagles pledge $25 million to create the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center at the University of Iowa

2014: The Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center officially opens.

Olympia Aerie #21 History

The FOE Aerie 21 was established in 1899 and received its charter on May 31, 1900, making Aerie #21 one of the oldest in the United States and Canada at 125 years old.

The building we are in today is 98 years old, it was dedicated on February 14, 1927. When built, the social room we see today was a Piggly Wiggly grocery store, and the Aerie meeting and social events were held on the second and third floors. The building boasts four stories, a social room for members and guests, a grand ballroom of over 3000 square feet, one of the largest in Thurston County, a dance studio, and thrift store.