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The auxiliary to Aerie No. 3232 was instituted February 27, 1966, with 41 charter members and Joyce Parker as the first president. Mary Meyer of Houston Auxiliary No. 63 was the organizer. The aerie members realized that a larger building would be needed to accommodate the increasing membership. In May, 1968, the aerie and auxiliary bought the building formerly known as the Grand Paree Ballroom and moved into their new home. A new and modern clubroom was added to the building in the early 1970s, and part of the storeroom was converted to a kitchen. The aerie and auxiliary work together in many local, state and national fund-raising projects. The Fraternal Order of Eagles is known as a "People Helping People" organization. Some of the charities contributed to are: Max Baer Heart Fund, Art Ehrmann Cancer Fund, Jimmy Durante Crippled Children's Fund, Golden Eagle Fund, Kidney Fund, Diabetes Fund, High Sky Girls Ranch, Boys Country, Burn Center in Galveston, Christian Corral Ranch for Boys and Girls, and Bob Hope High School. Local charities include Matagorda County Association for Retarded Citizens, Bay City Public Library, Boy Scouts, Bay Villa Nursing Home, Matagorda General Hospital, Gulf Coast Youth Ranch and many more. The Bay City Aerie No. 3232 sponsors an annual Texas State Barbecue Cookoff with all proceeds going to state charities. The aerie and auxiliary send delegates to state and national convention each year. The ritual teams have gained recognition and trophies in competition at the conventions. The aerie and auxiliary sponsor a contestant each year for the Rice Festival Queen competition. The activities of the Aerie and Auxiliary were curtailed somewhat due to the fire which destroyed all but the clubroom August 28, 1984, but the hall was rebuilt.
Historic Matagorda County, Volume I, pp.
482-283, 1986 |
