Timeline of Organizations 

1891-1911

     The start of the time line shows that Moorhead has dozen or so secret societies or civil fraternities.  At this time we look at the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Knight of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  In the years of 1891 and 1901, of the four fraternities, there are four member of the executive boards involved in local government. 

     The Masons have Erich Hansen as mayor of Moorhead.  Mr. Erich Hansen also served as treasurer for the Odd Fellows, and was the proprietor of the City Meat Market.  C.A. Nye, a lawyer, appointed city attorney, and Mason, is interesting because he does not return to the time line until 1928.  He reappears as district Judge for Clay county.  D.C. Darrow, a physician, brother and leader of the Odd Fellows, and AOUW, serves as City coroner from 1891 through 1901.  In 1911, he is appointed: "the Health Officer of the City". 

     1901 shows a shift in influence in the community from the Freemasons to the AOUW.  The AOUW's executive board had seated  a Moorhead justice, the city treasurer and the chief of the fire department.  All of these are quite lucrative government positions.  

     The AOUW's Recorder and Financer in 1901 gives us some insight in the how fraternities serve a method for business advancement.  O.C. Beck and A.J. Wright, who were co-proprietors of Beck and Wright furniture/undertaking/sewing machines,  rose to the positions of County Coroner , Mayor of Moorhead, City Treasurer (Beck), and Chief of the Fire Department City Commissioner (Wright).

     These years show us how within decades of the establishment of Moorhead fraternities started to influence the community through representation in local government.  This period also reveals two individuals that held sway in the banking institutions: A.H. Costian, and E.D. Askegaard, both Assistant Cashiers of 1st National  Bank.

1891-1911

1915-1922

1928-1932