A Brief History of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE)

When you walk into Kent Eagles #362, you’re stepping into a tradition that stretches back more than a century. The Fraternal Order of Eagles — often called simply “the Eagles” — is a service organization built on friendship, community, and the belief that people can make life better for one another.

Here’s a quick look at how it all started and how the FOE grew into the organization we know today.

Where It All Began

The Fraternal Order of Eagles was founded in 1898 in Seattle, Washington, when a group of theater owners got together to settle a dispute. What began as a meeting quickly turned into something bigger — a commitment to unity and fellowship among working people.

Those first members adopted the motto that still guides Eagles everywhere today:“People helping people.”

Growing Across North America

News of the new organization spread fast. Aeries (local chapters) began to form in cities across the United States and Canada.

As the FOE grew, so did its purpose. Members didn’t just meet socially — they focused on helping their communities by raising money and supporting important causes.

By the early 1900s, the Eagles had thousands of members and were known for their charitable work, especially in areas like:

• Support for seniors

• Medical research

• Families in need

• Veterans

• Children’s health

  
  

Championing Big Causes

One of the most impactful parts of Eagles history is their role in major national projects. Over the decades, the FOE has been involved in helping establish:

• Mother’s Day as a national holiday

• The Social Security Act in the United States

• Funding for heart disease and diabetes research

• Children’s hospitals and medical programs

The core idea has always been the same: support people where they need it most.

Tradition Meets Today

Today, the Fraternal Order of Eagles has hundreds of thousands of members across the United States and Canada. Local aeries, like Kent Eagles #362, continue the long tradition of giving back by:

• Organizing events

• Hosting community fundraisers

• Supporting local families

• Providing a gathering place for friendship and fellowship

Even though times have changed, the mission hasn’t. The Eagles still stand for:

• Liberty

• Truth

• Justice

• Equality

• Unity

• And most of all, service to others

  
  

Why This History Matters

When you join or visit an Eagles Aerie, you’re becoming part of something bigger than a social club. You’re connecting to a legacy of compassion that spans generations.

The story of the FOE is simple and powerful:

People come together.They help their neighbors.Communities become stronger.

That’s a tradition worth continuing.