The Red Men?

The Order of Red Men is the correct answer.

The Order traces its origins to certain secret societies founded before the American Revolution. These secret societies included the Sons of Liberty, Sons of Tamina and the Red Men.

Following the Revolution, these societies continued in existence as brotherhoods or fraternities.

For the next 35 years or so, each group went its own way. In 1813, at Fort Mifflin, near Philadelphia, several of these groups came together and formed one organization known as the Society of Red Men. In 1847, a national organization called the Grand Council of the United States was formed.

Within 30 years, there were State Councils in 21 states, with a total membership of more than 150,000. The Order of Red Men continued to grow, and by 1920 there were Red Men Tribes in 46 states, with a membership of more than a half million.

Many prominent Americans have been members of the Red Men, including George Washington, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt and others.

The beliefs of the Red Men are simple and straightforward: love and respect of the American Flag; the preservation of our Nation by defending and upholding the principle of free government; America and the democratic way of life; helping our fellow man through organized charitable programs; and keeping alive the customs, ceremonies and philosophies of the Native Americans.

Sawga Tribe #20, the active Tribe of Red Men nearest to Gray, meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at the Cumberland Fire Station, just off Route 100. If you're interested in learning more about the Order, call Elvin Schlegel, Chief of Records, at 657-3975.