Order of the
PIONEERS OF ALASKA
National organizations like the Masons and Elks were popular in the north during Alaska's early mining days. These groups had come to Alaska with the gold seekers. Then in 1902 or '03 a group of men got together in Nome and outlined an idea for a strictly Alaskan order that would work for the benefit of the territory and look after it's sick and aged members(Source ). In 1907 28 men formed committees to draft a constitution and bylaws. From this start the Pioneers of Alaska came into existence.
This non-sectarian and non-partisan order flourished from the start and soon other mining camps and towns wished to have their own chapter, or Igloo as they became known, so a Grand Igloo was formed to issue charters. Nome became Igloo number 1. Many of Alaska's leading citizens became members.
Originally those eligible for membership had to have resided in Alaska before January 1, 1901. Currently membership is open the those who have lived in Alaska over thirty years. At one time there were 38 Igloos. Today only 17 are active.
Men and women each had their own group within the Pioneers of Alaska. Originally the women were members of a, separately numbered, auxiliary but they are currently called "Women's" Igloos.
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Candel Igloo #2 St Michael Igloo #3 Fairbanks Igloo #4 Aux. #8 Ruby Igloo #5 |
Valdez Igloo #7 Wiseman Igloo #8 Seward Igloo #9 Flat Igloo #10 |
Mat/Su Valley Igloo #11 ? Igloo #12 Tanana Igloo #13 ? Igloo #14 Anchorage Igloo #15 Aux 4 |
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Kentuckian Igloo #16 Aux. 7 Nenana Igloo #17 Kodiak Igloo #18 Cordova Igloo #19 |
? Igloo #20 Sitka Igloo #22 Aux. 12
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Dillingham Igloo #28 Homer Igloo #32 Aux. 14 Kenai Igloo #33 Delta Junction Igloo #35 Aux.19 (Haines ?) |
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