Otsego County Shrine Club

Otsego County Shrine Club. The Shriners International organization, also known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine, has a long history dating back to 1870, with the Otsego County Shrine Club being one of its many local chapters, similar to the Ziyara Shrine Club and the Aladdin Shrine Club. The club's members are part of a larger network of Shriners who support the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a system of 22 non-profit hospitals that provide specialized medical care to children, including those with orthopedic conditions, burns, and spinal cord injuries. The Otsego County Shrine Club is affiliated with the Freemasonry organization and works closely with other local Masonic lodges, such as the Oneonta Lodge and the Cooperstown Lodge.

● History

The Otsego County Shrine Club was established in the early 20th century, with its first meetings held at the Oneonta Elks Lodge. The club's early members were primarily Freemasons from the local area, including Oneonta, Cooperstown, and Richfield Springs. Over the years, the club has grown and evolved, with members participating in various Shriners International events, such as the Shriners International Convention and the Shriners Parade. The club has also hosted its own events, including the Otsego County Shrine Club Circus and the Shriners Golf Tournament, which have raised funds for the Shriners Hospitals for Children and other local charities, such as the Oneonta Community Health Center and the Cooperstown Food Bank.

● Organization

The Otsego County Shrine Club is a non-profit organization, governed by a board of directors composed of local Shriners. The club is part of the Shriners International organization, which has its headquarters in Tampa, Florida. The club's members are divided into various units, including the Shriners Drum and Bugle Corps, the Shriners Clown Unit, and the Shriners Motor Corps, which participate in local parades and events, such as the Oneonta Memorial Day Parade and the Cooperstown Fourth of July Celebration. The club also has a ladies' auxiliary, the Shriners Ladies Auxiliary, which supports the club's activities and fundraisers, including the Shriners Bake Sale and the Shriners Charity Auction.

● Activities

The Otsego County Shrine Club participates in a wide range of activities, including parades, circuses, and golf tournaments. The club's members also visit Shriners Hospitals for Children to support the patients and staff, and to promote the Shriners International organization. The club has hosted several notable events, including the Shriners International Convention and the Shriners Parade, which have featured guests such as Will Rogers and Bob Hope. The club's members have also participated in local charity events, such as the Oneonta Food Drive and the Cooperstown Toy Drive, which have benefited organizations like the Oneonta Community Health Center and the Cooperstown Food Bank.

● Membership

Membership in the Otsego County Shrine Club is open to Freemasons who are members of a local Masonic lodge, such as the Oneonta Lodge or the Cooperstown Lodge. Members must also be in good standing with their lodge and meet the requirements of the Shriners International organization. The club's members come from a variety of backgrounds, including business, medicine, and education, and include notable individuals like Theodore Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Members are expected to participate in club activities and support the Shriners Hospitals for Children, as well as other local charities, such as the Oneonta Community Health Center and the Cooperstown Food Bank.

● Community_Involvement

The Otsego County Shrine Club is actively involved in the local community, supporting various charities and organizations, such as the Oneonta Community Health Center and the Cooperstown Food Bank. The club's members participate in local parades and events, such as the Oneonta Memorial Day Parade and the Cooperstown Fourth of July Celebration, and host their own events, including the Otsego County Shrine Club Circus and the Shriners Golf Tournament. The club also supports the Shriners Hospitals for Children, which provides specialized medical care to children, including those with orthopedic conditions, burns, and spinal cord injuries. The club's community involvement has earned it recognition from local organizations, including the Oneonta Chamber of Commerce and the Cooperstown Rotary Club, as well as from national organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the United Way.

Category:Shriners