Throwing business differences aside, they instead created an organization that ultimately became the Fraternal Order of Eagles, which spread throughout the country, with high profile members like Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman signing on. The Midway lodge doesn't have quite the history. Started in 1977 by a husband and wife from the Pleasant Grove lodge, they've been holding meetings and socializing in the same location, at the corner of Center Street and Main Street in Midway, for over 20 years. But the future does hold some challenges for the lodge. Being on the main route to the county's 2002 Olympic venue, current Aerie president, Dan Christians, indicates that the lodge is sprucing up its exterior to become a little more presentable.
Christians sees all of the progress as a means to encourage more involvement.
But if involvement is the only issue, then the Eagles should have no problem. But unlike most private clubs in Utah, not just any yahoo can wander into the Eagles' social room and become a member. According to Vincent, potential Eagles Aerie or Auxiliary members have to fill out an enrollment form, be sponsored by two active members, then go through an interview, a vote by the board, and an initiation ceremony before it's official. It still makes me want to cry. Prior to the initiation of a handful of new Eagles last Wednesday night, there were 326 members of the Aerie and 128 members in the Eagles Auxiliary.