Woodmen of the World, Montpelier, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana
File submitted by Mrs. Inez Bridges Tate and prepared by D.N. Pardue
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Copyright.  All rights reserved.
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From publication "Old Montpelier, 1804, New Montpelier, 1904" 
compiled by Inez B. Tate and published by St. Helena Historical
Association, 1993.  Reprinted with permission.

FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION

     Woodmen of the World was a viable part of early Montpelier.

Montpelier Camp, Number 450, was located in Montpelier.  The ori-

ginal charter date was Dec. 23, 1901 (1)  W.O.W. is a family-ori-

ented fraternal organization.  When transportation to other areas

was almost non-existant, W.O.W. sponsored activities that proved

to be a real treat for Montpelier residents who were members.

Fish fries and fried oyster suppers are fondly remembered.

     The Lodge met monthly and members were deeply committed to

the betterment of the community through the schools.  It is be-

lieved Woodmen helped to construct the school building located

near the cemetery as they had full use of on room which was kept

locked.  Young students were told by older students this was

"where the goat was kept" and were told this was part of initi-

ation into the Lodge.  They were not wise enough to question how

an animal could be kept inside day and night without food or water.

Of course, the locked door compounded the mystery.

     Many residents were members of long-standing, receiving re-

cognition as fifty-year members and beyond.  Whole families were

members as the Woodmen Circle was the counterpart for the ladies.
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(1) Letter dated Dec. 7, 1992, from the Woodmen of the World
Life Insurance Society, Omaha, Nebraska

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Several head stones in Montpelier Cemetery are W.O.W. with the

easily recognized stump-shape.

     Montpelier Camp, Number 450, continued as a part of the com-

munity until 1975.  Due to declining interest (so many other ac-

tivities vied for attention) the Lodge was consolidated with Amite

Lodge, Number 44, on July 17, 1975. (2)  Former members of Montpelier

Camp, Number 450, now hold membership in Amite Lodge, Number 44.

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(2) Ibid

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ROSTER OF MONTPELIER
GROVE NO. 234
WOODMEN CIRCLE

     We, the undersigned, in addition to the obligations already

taken hereby agree to abide by and carry out the Constitution

and Laws of the Supreme Forest, Woodmen Circle, and the by-laws

of the Grove which are now in force or which may hereafter be

enacted. 1916.

Mrs. Annie Fletcher, Montpelier, La.
Mrs. Sallie Bond, Montpelier, La.
Mrs. Mary E. Jones, Montpelier, La.
Mrs. Artemecia W. Tate, Montpelier, La.
Mrs. Manerva A. Carpenter, Montpelier, La.
Miss Eva Nesom, Pine Grove, La.
Mrs. Martha Waller, Montpelier, La.
Mrs. Georgia E. Bond, Montpelier, La.
Mrs. Sara H. Hayden, Montpelier, la.
Mrs. Mary Alfreda George, Montpelier, La.
Nannie Young, Montpelier, La.
Clara Christman Killian, Montpelier, La.
Mrs. Rosa E. Watson, Montpelier, La.
Mrs. Hattie E. Williams, Montpelier, La.
Azelie C. Newman, Montpelier, la.
Mary Elizabeth Thompson, Montpelier, La.
Carrie Elizabeth Thompson, Montpelier, La.
Margarette Dean, Montpelier, La.
Florence Lindsey, Montpelier, La.
Edna Tate, Montpelier, La.
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