To the editor:
The Improved Order of Red Men Wingaersheek Tribe 12 of Gloucester has now disbanded.
It began in 1886, when approximately 2,000 men petitioned for charter to the Great Council of Massachusetts, a member of the IORM of the Unites States, to establish a local tribe in Gloucester. It was then on the third sun of the Snow Moon that it was granted.
The original fraternity was founded in 1765 and known as the Sons of Liberty. These patriots concealed their identities and worked underground to help establish freedom and liberty in the early colonies. After the American Revolution, the group split in thirds and one of the groups became the Improved Order of the Red Men. The new society carried on the concept of freedom, friendship and charity, adopting a familiar and comfortable ways, yet adding their own ideas and goals.
All during the 1800s new tribes were established and the Order spread throughout the country, with membership rising to over half a million strong. As the years went by, the membership remained high, but after World War I and World War II, the membership began to decrease. Over the many years, Wingaersheek Tribe 12 contributed to various charities throughout Massachusetts and the country. They became a very well known tribe. Back in the '40s' and '50s, you could always find the tribe marching in the various parades around the area. But as with a lot of other organizations, membership has dwindled down and now the council fire has dimmed.
I, as present Sachem, Keeper of Wampum John Arnold Sr., and the Keeper of Records Paul Sargent, and remaining members, want to especially thank the city of Gloucester for its continuous support of the tribe over these many, many years.
Robert E. Powers
Gloucester
