Our History

The Loyal Order of Moose was founded in 1888. Lodge #2371 is part of that story. Here is the long arc — the national one and the local one.

The National Story

From a small social club in Kentucky to one of the largest fraternal organizations in the country.

1888
The Order Is Founded
Dr. John Henry Wilson founds the Loyal Order of Moose in Louisville, Kentucky, in spring 1888. Lodges sprout up in Cincinnati, St. Louis, Crawfordsville, and Frankfort, Indiana.
1906
Near Collapse, Then Rebirth
By fall 1906, only two Indiana lodges remain. James J. Davis — a Welsh immigrant, iron puddler, and labor organizer — becomes member #247. Davis sees a fraternal order that could be a working-class safety net. He's named "Supreme Organizer."
1912
Half a Million Members
In just six years, Davis grows the Order from two lodges to nearly a thousand, with close to 500,000 members across the U.S. and Canada. Annual dues stay low so working men can join.
1913
Mooseheart Founded
The Order opens Mooseheart, IL — a 1,000-acre "Child City" outside Aurora — as a home and school for the widows and children of deceased Moose members. Today, any child in need can apply, regardless of Moose family ties.
1922
Moosehaven for Seniors
A 63-acre retirement community for senior Moose members and their spouses opens near Jacksonville, Florida.
1921–1930
James J. Davis, U.S. Secretary of Labor
The man who saved the Moose serves three U.S. Presidents (Harding, Coolidge, Hoover) as Secretary of Labor — while still leading the Order.
1994
Open to All
Mooseheart admission policies open to all children in need, regardless of family affiliation. The Order moves toward fuller inclusion in its membership policies as well.
Today
The Moose Fraternity
Headquartered in Mooseheart, IL. Over 2,500 lodges across the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain. The endowment supporting Mooseheart and Moosehaven exceeds $200 million, with annual operations of over $55 million.
137+
Years Since Founding
2,500+
Lodges Today
$200M+
Charitable Endowment
100%
Member-Funded

Sources: Wikipedia — Loyal Order of Moose, Mooseheart, IL, Moose International. 2020 financial figures from Moose International’s IRS Form 990.

Lodge #2371 — Yorkville's Story

The local chapter of that 137-year-old story. Here is what we know — and what we’d love to add as members share more.

Help us fill in this story Are you a long-time Lodge #2371 member? We’re collecting memories, photos, and stories from our 50+ years in Yorkville. If you have anything to share — founding members, big fundraisers, weddings, championships, charity events — drop a note in our contact form or call (630) 553-1263.

What We've Always Stood For

Lodge #2371 has been part of the Yorkville community for over 50 years. Like every Moose Lodge, we were built on three ideas: community, charity, and family. The cold drinks at honest prices are the side effect — the real point has always been the people who walk through the door.

What We've Done For Yorkville

Lodge members and their families raise money every year for local kids, families in need, and Mooseheart in nearby Aurora. Hall rentals at member rates have hosted countless birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and retirement parties for Yorkville families. The doors stay open because members keep showing up.

Where We're Going

The lodge is in a new chapter. Member sign-up is online. We’ve got an AI-answered phone line. We’re building a directory so members support member-owned businesses (locals support local). The bar still serves $2 drafts. The fish fry is still on Friday. The traditions stay; the tools keep getting sharper.

Officers & Leadership

Coming soon Our current Lodge officers, governors, and trustees — with photos and short bios — will be added here. If you’re an officer and want to be featured, send us your name, title, term, and a sentence or two about what you’re working on this year.

What Mooseheart Means

Every Moose member supports Mooseheart, the 1,023-acre community for children in need located 25 miles north of Yorkville in Kane County, IL. Founded in 1913, Mooseheart provides housing, schooling, athletics, and a stable upbringing for kids whose families can’t. Many graduate to college and trade programs from the on-site high school.

It’s the kind of place that, once you visit, you understand why people stay Moose members for life.

Visit Mooseheart.org →