| History of Blue Goose, International
The Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International was formed in June, 1906 on the bank of Green Lake, Wisconsin, about ninety miles northwest of Milwaukee. During the annual meeting of the Wisconsin insurance field men at the Oakwood Resort, a state agent advanced the idea that three young men, seeking membership in the Field Club, should be initiated to enliven the occasion. One idea after another was considered which, by evening when the ceremony was scheduled, for the organizers with a name for their new Order - The Ancient and Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, and also a Ritual with Obligation and Charge, and names for the various officers, almost the same as are used today. They built better than they knew, for soon a petition for a charter came from the Minnesota field men, which was promptly granted, and the Minnesota Pond was founded. At that time it was decided to name the Wisconsin State Organization the "Wisconsin Home Nest."
The October, 1906, meeting of the Fire Underwriters Association of the Northwest proved a splendid opportunity to exemplify the worth of the new group for field men, company officials and insurance editors. One hundred and forty-nine candidates, who had signed applications during the meeting of the Northwest Association, were made Ganders at a special Blue Goose initiation in the ballroom of the Auditorium Hotel. Elaborate plans had been made. The ceremony, conducted jointly by members of the Wisconsin Home Nest and Minnesota Pond, proved a great success, for immediately field men of many States applied for charters, all of which were promptly granted. From such an unpretentious beginning, the Order has grown until there is at least one pond in every state and province, and the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International (as the Order is now known) enjoys a worldwide membership of over 10,000. This is unmistakable evidence of the fact that the "Blue Goose" occupies an important place in the insurance world, where its influence for fellowship and good has been felt for many years.
Objectives
The goals of the Order are to build Character, Charity and Fellowship among its members. The Order used the guidelines provided by the real migratory bird, the Blue Goose. Some of those characteristics are courage, wisdom, complete order and decorum. As an example of charity, each Chapter, which is called a Pond, (if you’re not big enough you’re called a puddle!) helps to support one or more charities of its choice. The various Chapters make up the International Order of Blue Goose called the Grant Nest. The Grand Nest provides matching funds to the Chapters for worthwhile projects.
Membership
The Order developed a Constitution and By-laws over the years, changing its eligibility to meet the changing insurance industry. Most members of the property, casualty and related business are now eligible for membership. This is one of the strengths of Blue Goose. It is the only organization whose members represent the broad spectrum of the Insurance Industry. The Order provides a forum in which all phases of the Industry can meet and communicate in a relaxed atmosphere. Members are called Ganders.
Structure
Each Pond has a head officer called The Most Loyal Gander (President). The lesser stations are Supervisor of the Flock (First Vice President), Custodian of the Goslings (Second Vice President-Membership), Guardian of the Pond (Sergeant at Arms), Keeper of the Golden Goose Egg (Treasurer) and Wielder of the Goose Quill (Secretary). These stations have remained unchanged for over a century. The Grand Nest officers or International officers bear the same titles except for the prefix “Grand” to distinguish the high degree of their achievement. It is truly an international order as the Ponds are chartered throughout the United States and Canada.
History of the Colorado Pond
In February, 1908, the Colorado Pond received their charter. September, 1908, was the first major meeting, but how many members were initiated is not known. The officers at that time were: ·
Most Loyal Gander – L.P Appleman; Supervisor of the Flock – Frank G. White; Custodian of the Goslings - B. O Selbach; Guardian of the Pond - Harry L Simpson; Wielder of the Goose Quill - Gerald L. Schuyler
The Colorado Pond- Today (2008)
One hundred years later the Colorado Pond is still following and promoting the same guidelines and by-laws amongst its members and in particular the principles, namely Character, Charity and Friendship. Our first female initiate, Elaine Garman, was unanimously voted a member on June 7, 1990.
Although it’s customary for the Officers to change every year the current Officers for 2010-2011 are:
Most Loyal Gander – John Lacy, Jr
Supervisor of the Flock – Richard Dolezal
Custodian of the Goslings – Kristin Trujillo
Wielder of the Goose Quill – Carol Kats, PMLG
Keeper of the Golden Goose Egg - Jane Joukema, PMLG
Guardian of the Pond – Margaret Rosa
The Colorado Pond Scholarship
Since 1984, the Colorado Pond has funded a cash scholarship to a Gifted High School student. The annual scholarship recipient is taken from among several area school districts that rotate each year.
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