Brief History:
Mikanakawa Lodge 101 began its service on July 5th, 1937, when it was installed as the honor camper’s association in Circle Ten Council, inducting its first 15 members. Their tap out, unlike today, took place on the evening before their Ordeal began. These candidates were selected for their exemplification and adherence to the Scout Oath and Law, just as you were chosen. Additional members were selected throughout that summer with each one designated as a charter member of the Lodge. All of these first candidates completed a three-fold Ordeal and ceremony similar to those of today. The Lodge’s first Chief was Fred Haynes who helped get the Lodge off to an excellent beginning through his service. Much of the credit for organizing the Lodge goes to L.L. Hotchkiss, Circle Ten Council’s Scout Executive at the time, who was instrumental in bringing the Order of the Arrow to Circle Ten Council. The first twelve brotherhood members were inducted in 1940 with a fairly simple ceremony held at Camp Wisdom. By the end of 1940 the Lodge had grown to over 100 members. As with most Scouting organization, the Lodge became inactive during the World War II years as Scouts joined in war help programs. At the end of the war, the Lodge again began to grow steadily. In 1995, Okiciyapi Lodge 56, which served the Texoma Valley Council for 45 years, merged with Mikanakawa Lodge. In 2017, Loquanne Allangwh Lodge, which served NeTseO Trails Council for 66 years, joined forces with Mikanakawa, expanding our reach and bringing us even greater strength together.
Harry Bubeck has amassed a collection of memories, stories, photos and experiences of 77 years from our Lodge into a book, available by PDF below.