Historical Information
1892 – 1901
Early years – chapters divided into districts
Meetings started – had a recess for refreshments – then finished meeting, entertainment was often a reading
Installations were held jointly with Masons
Paid U & U church 25 cents for use of their spoons
Eventually purchased our own spoons for $13
Often held lawn socials
Grand Chapter dues – $9.50
Minutes of 1896 – “all departed for home inspired with renewed affection for our beloved order.”
Petition for a person – not in our district so could not join LaBelle
Fund raising – Sister Camp painted a picture and Chapter sold tickets for a drawing
Fine of 25 cents if person appointed to prepare a program failed to have a program
Lunch – popcorn, apples, and hickory nuts
1900 – Floral Degree done at Grand Chapter
1902 – 1918
Continued social events
WGM asked for donation for flood sufferers – Chapter sent $3
Hired a bus to go to a funeral
Robes were used for Initiation
1919 – 1924
Grand Chapter dues – $36.95 (from the Chapter)
Meetings changed from Saturday to Thursday
Luncheons were served to raise money
At one meeting – chapter opened, then proceeded to Craig home to conduct funeral ceremony for Rebecca Craig – returned to Chapter to close meeting
Paid Organist $2.50 for half a year
Dues were increased from $1.00 to $2.00
Benefit dance for Laflin Lodge to raise money for regalia for the Lodge
1925 – 1928
Continued joint Installations with Lodge
Card parties held to supply kitchen
October 1926 – Masonic Center cornerstone laid – LaBelle provided the luncheon
Chapter gave piano to Laflin Lodge
Price of new Lodge – $4500 more than expected – LaBelle was asked to raise $2000 to help with the increased cost
Another flood – this time Chapter gave $10.00
Bill for drapes for ladies parlor – $69.42
1929 – 1933
Secretary given $5 annually for her work
First Associate Patron elected – Henry Hammond (Carol, daughter, present) – new badge for AP – $2.29
Purchased two windows in balcony for $37.11
Brother Hunter made gavel, sunshine box, box for badges, serving cabinet in ladies parlor (still see is craftsmanship in wooden items in lobby)
1934 – 1941
Fundraising – card parties, lawn parties, bake sales, plate lunches on Election Day, Alumni Banquet for high school
After meeting – “enjoyed a wiener roast around the fireplace in lobby”
Gave Lodge $200 rent
1938 – membership was 70
Official Visitor told Chapter that Sunshine march not part of Ritual – should be done after meeting is closed
Adah – wears veil during Initiation
Bought dishes for kitchen to serve 150 people
Meeting attendance often more than 80 people
Changed meeting from 8:00 to 7:30 p.m.
1941 – 1946
Sister Paulson – from Idaho – visited – gave LaBelle weaving of labyrinth
War years – contributed to Soldier Kit Fund of Waukesha County
Committee for sugar rationing
Bought war bonds
At one meeting – recess was called for black out
Had to ask for coffee from rationing board to have coffee for election day dinner (50 cents a plate) – could not get meat for election dinner
Helped with rolling bandages
Attendance – 93 – had attendance contests
Bill for a Red Book – 25 cents
Had a Victory Clothing Drive
Refreshments – melons and cupcakes (Orin and Mabel Craig)
1946 – Chapter grown – WM and WP and officers would change every year, rather than every two years
1946 – 1952
A monthly newsletter was suggested – The Ray (January 1946)
Played “Hookie” after the meeting
Bethel 10 exemplified Ritual work – 110 present
Had basket social to raise money for “duplicator” (to print The Ray)
Continued serving election day dinners and alumni banquets
Secretary was given $20, Treasurer – $10
Continued joint Installations with the Lodge
Meeting attendance – 40 to 100 people
Invited a friend – friend did Initiatory work
Adah’s veil – $2.30
Ladies from Congregational Church served Official Visit banquet
Entertainment – Congregational Church choir
Membership had grown to 153
1959 – 1961
Gave Masons $590.29 to help pay for new furnace
$150 to Masons for use of the building
1971 – 1977
Official Visit attendance – 78
Annual dinner – meatballs
William W. Perry – October 1972 – consolidated with LaBelle (136 at consolidation)
Grand Chapter raised per capita to $1.50 per member
Each chapter sent 3 delegates to represent them at Grand Chapter
Altar cloth (currently use) made by Dorothy Heinz of North Prairie (hand stitiching)
Chapter meeting and several events listed in weekly newspaper
Increased money to Secretary – $50.00 – Treasurer $25
1973 – sent extra emblems to new chapter in Florida
1973 – money given to help pay for paneling in dining room
1975 – voted to have delegates vote NO at Grand Chapter to add $1.00 to per capita
1977 – present
LaBelle continued to be active – officers frequently helped other chapters
No longer served Election dinners or had lawn socials
Members served Grand Chapter on many committees
LaBelle has had several Grand Officers and a WGM and WGP