HISTORY OF FOP BLOSSOMLAND LODGE #100
By Chriss Lyon, Trustee
The Fraternal Order of Police Blossomland Lodge #100 in Benton Harbor,
Michigan came into existence in 1945, some 30 years after the
organization of the first National Lodge and 6 years after the State Lodge
of Michigan.
In June of 1958, FOP Lodge #100 purchased a 20-acre tract of land
located on the north bank of the St. Joseph River and this included 600
feet of river frontage with access via Diller Road. Much of the area was
wooded except for a section of property that had a 2-story cement block
home on it. With help from the membership, the entire 2nd story of the
home was removed and the inside was completely gutted and
remodeled.
In the spring of 1959, an addition was built giving much needed room for
activities. The building remained unchanged for the most part until the
late 1990’s when the structure was razed to begin construction on a new
building. In November of 1999, the 4,000 square foot clubhouse was
unveiled and is the current home of lodge meetings, banquet rentals and
other fraternal events in the community.
By Chriss Lyon, Trustee
The Fraternal Order of Police Blossomland Lodge #100 in Benton Harbor,
Michigan came into existence in 1945, some 30 years after the
organization of the first National Lodge and 6 years after the State Lodge
of Michigan.
In June of 1958, FOP Lodge #100 purchased a 20-acre tract of land
located on the north bank of the St. Joseph River and this included 600
feet of river frontage with access via Diller Road. Much of the area was
wooded except for a section of property that had a 2-story cement block
home on it. With help from the membership, the entire 2nd story of the
home was removed and the inside was completely gutted and
remodeled.
In the spring of 1959, an addition was built giving much needed room for
activities. The building remained unchanged for the most part until the
late 1990’s when the structure was razed to begin construction on a new
building. In November of 1999, the 4,000 square foot clubhouse was
unveiled and is the current home of lodge meetings, banquet rentals and
other fraternal events in the community.
Charter Members
Fred Baker Keith Mills
Lewis Conners Ralph Mills
Jack Drach Eugene Murphy
Douglas Dunham Ronald Peil
J. W. Ferrier Leo Rennick
Victor Hauch George Robinson
Alfred Hauwetter Lindsey Rutter
Robert Hoyt Meredith Rynearson
Raymond Ives Joseph Sieber
Lyman Keigley Oliver Slater Jr.
Herman Kent Martin Small
Walter Knuth Ronald Smith
Ezra Lewis Jules Spooner
George Mansmith Vern Story
George Mantis Victor Stover
Merle McCarroll William Summerfelt
Earl Merrill Jack Weatherly
Edward Merrill Erich Wegner
Murvin Merrill, Jr. Howard Willming
Lyle Miller Raymond Woodruff
Fred Baker Keith Mills
Lewis Conners Ralph Mills
Jack Drach Eugene Murphy
Douglas Dunham Ronald Peil
J. W. Ferrier Leo Rennick
Victor Hauch George Robinson
Alfred Hauwetter Lindsey Rutter
Robert Hoyt Meredith Rynearson
Raymond Ives Joseph Sieber
Lyman Keigley Oliver Slater Jr.
Herman Kent Martin Small
Walter Knuth Ronald Smith
Ezra Lewis Jules Spooner
George Mansmith Vern Story
George Mantis Victor Stover
Merle McCarroll William Summerfelt
Earl Merrill Jack Weatherly
Edward Merrill Erich Wegner
Murvin Merrill, Jr. Howard Willming
Lyle Miller Raymond Woodruff
History of Lodge #100
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