​Looking Back: April --Order of the Eastern Star

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society


     If you are looking at this photo and thinking déjà vu, you are right. About two years ago, June 17, 2021, I ran this photo in the Valley News and told you what I could find at that time about the Liberty Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, the member names and the officers from 1945.
     Shortly afterward, I received a copy of the history from Cinda (Nading) & Mike Reeder.  members of Liberty Chapter before it merged with the Blue Springs Chapter in 1981. If you are interested in the entire early history of the Order of Eastern Star in Grain Valley, I would encourage you to visit the Grain Valley Historical Museum.
     The “History of Liberty Chapter #413 was written by Birdie Potts Brown Davidson and recorded on June 18, 1969. While I won’t attempt to tell you all of it, I will give you a few excerpts which I find particularly interesting. (I really wanted to say ….I find particularly amusing!
     “Sister Hazel Reppert’s mother, Zoe Henthorn of Buckner, met with us May 31, 1918 to institute this chapter.
It was the closing year of World War I. People being patriotic chose the name Liberty Chapter.
The Stars arranged to pay the Royal Neighbors $4 a year for the use of the piano and 25 cents a meeting night to the janitor who was hired by the Masons.
August 22, ten dollars was sent to Grand Chapter. In other words we were on a trial basis U. D. until Grand Chapter voted to issue a charter which is dated December 18, 1918."
     And finally…
     "On was a cold snowy night Thursday, January 9, 1919, Liberty Chapter was constituted with six Grand officers and two members from Independence being present in our hall.”
     Mrs. Davidson went one to list every officer of Liberty Chapter from 1918 through 1965. It is my belief that the Stars met in what came to be known as the “Lodge Hall.” It was located on the second floor above the Bank of Grain Valley. It was also used by The Masons, The Modern Woodman, and The Royal Neighbors of America. Evidently, the Royal Neighbors owned the piano!
     Mike Reeder, GVHS Class of 1966, was initiated in Liberty Chapter in February, 1975. He was the 2020 Worthy Grand Patron for Missouri. Visit the Historical Society to view other photos and keepsakes from the   O. E. S.
  

Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society