Bios transcribed by Kay R. & History by Jan Cortez
Societies
Masons - This order has a fine hall corner of Algoma and Bond. The building was erected in 1875, at a cost of $20,000. It is of brick, 100x40 feet, the lower story being occupied by the city officers. The hall proper - 40x65 feet - is elegantly furnished. Oshkosh Lodge, No. 27, A.F. & A.M., is the oldest one in the city, being instituted April 23, 1849. Tyrian Chapter, No. 15, was instituted in 1856, and re-organized in 1860. Oshkosh Commandery, No. 11, was instituted in 1873, and Centennial Lodge, No. 205, in 1876. There are some three hundred members in the city.
I.O.O.F. - This order is of about the same strength as the Masonic, and is represented by Oshkosh Encampment, No. 31; Winnebago Lodge, No. 120; Union Lodge, No. 179, and Ivy Lodge (Daughters of Rebecca), No. 38.
Temperance and Benevolent Societies - One of the earliest temperance societies organized in Oshkosh was Lodge No. 28, I.O.G.T., February 8, 1858. Brooklyn Lodge, No. 26, was formed in 1869. Between 1873 and 1876, the temperance organizations spring up like magic, and number now a dozen, most of them in a flourishing condition. The Young Men's Christian Association and the Ladie's Benevolent Society have also done much to assist the other orders in furthering the temperance cause. The latter is composed mostly of the wives of leading citizens, and is a power for good.
A.O.U.W. - The two lodges, Oshkosh Lodge, No. 31, and Brooklyn Lodge, No. 57, were both organized in 1879, and have a membership between them of 125. The former is the stronger.
Miscellaneous - The Sons of Hermann, Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum, Druids and German United Brothers have all local organizations. The latter organization was formed in December, 1853.
The Oshkosh Stock-growers' Association was incorporated September 4, 1875. Its capital stock is $15,000. Its grounds at the north end of Jackson, consisting of sixty acres, are leased to the Northern Wisconsin Agricultural and Mechanical Association. Its President is S.M. Hay.
The Northern Wisconsin Agricultural and Mechanical Association was organized in March, 1870, having since then held an annual fair in September. A large exposition building, 400x63 feet, and two stories high, was erected in 1879 and thrown open to the public in September of that year. In October, 1880, it was burned to the ground. Before the time for holding the next annual fair had arrived, through the liberality and enterprise of the citizens of Oshkosh, another exposition building, 402x68 feet, had been erected. It was opened September 1, 1881, by a grand dance, and, in less than two weeks from that time, the regular fair was held under the auspices of the Association. The late A.M. Skeels, of Ripon, was its first President, holding the office four years. The present officers are: Chester Hazen, Ladoga, President; R.D. Torrey and E.W. Vaill, Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
The Oshkosh Turnverein was organized January 5, 1869, and is one of the strongest in the State, having a membership of 220. The society's hall, corner of Merritt street and Jefferson avenue, was erected in 1875, at a cost with furnishings, of $12,000. The size of the building is 100x54 feet, and of the hall, which is devoted to public uses, 54x54 feet.
The Oshkosh Yacht Club, Oshkosh has become quite noted for its love of aquatic sports, and Lake Winnebago quite famous as a resort of such lovers. Its yacht club was organized in 1868, and incorporated in 1871. It numbers 150 members, and owns fifteen fine yachts. In June occurs the annual cruise, and the regatta in July. George W. Burnell is the Commodore of the club.
Oshkosh Sharpshooters' Association was organized in 1873, and have now thirty members; Ferd Hahn, President. The grounds consist of five acres at the west end of Sixth street.
Winnebago County Sportsmen's Association was organized in 1879. The membership is one hundred; C.W. Felker is President.
Oshkosh Post No. 10, G.A.R., was organized in 1875, Gen.T.S. Allen, Commander. It has about 100 members; its motto, "Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty."
The Oshkosh Guards were organized in 1876, and have 103 members.
The Oshkosh Rifles were organized in 1880, and have sixty-one members.
There is also an organization known as the Oshkosh Cadets.
The Oshkosh Library Association was organized in 1868. Its name is explanatory of its objects.
The Casino Society is a literary and musical organization formed in December, 1865. It has done much to raise the standard of music in the city, consisting at present of one hundred members; A.F. Baehr is President. Their fine hall is located on Washington street.
