The History of Pamola Lodge 211
The origin of Pamola Lodge is shrouded by the fog of time, as dense as the swirling mists that cloak the peaks of Mount Katahdin; from which the lodge derives it's name and legend. While it's known that the lodge was first chartered in 1941, not a great deal is known of the people or events of our earliest year. A study of the old records and genealogy continues, but as of yet little new information has come to light.
What is known, however, dates from the late 50's and early 60's. During these years Dr. James Mellott and Mr. Clayton Theriault, both of the Bangor-Brewer area, invested their enthusiasm, commitment, and energy into a rejuvenation of the lodge. They did so with a passion and zeal that survive to this day.
It may be appropriate that the beginnings of the lodge are obscured in the shadows of the past. The legends of Pamola himself alludes only to half-known, half believed stories of the god/beast that inhabits the upper slopes of Mt. Katahdin. The locals of this region both fear and revered this mountain deity who possessed the head of the moose, wing of the eagle, and the body of man. The lodge that has come down to us from this ancient lodge is a worthy descendant.
Pamola lodge comprises the largest area of any lodge east of the Mississippi, and is
the most northerly lodge in the contiguous 48 states. Our great size and the dispersal
of our members are both a blessing and a curse. While the difficulty of getting together is a problem, it often seems to make our meetings more memorable. Over the years our remoteness tended to encourage chapter activity before it became commonplace with others.
Our NorthStar chapter, located in Aroostook County, once conducted its own end of summer induction. Wappinook Chapter in Washington district has a Native American culture emphasis. There are also chapters in Penobscot Valley (PeeVee), Hancock (Wichagowick), Penquis, and Waldo.
Records indicate that Pamola got a slow start... a vigil ceremony was not held until 1961. By the mid 1970's, however, the "Boys from Pamola" were making the mark. Also significant of their impact was the fact that members of Pamola Lodge held Section, Regional, and National Leadership positions in the order. Some were instrumental in forming the CAG group at the 1972 NOAC, which restructured the basics of the ordeal ceremony. |