Conclusion of Research

     Civic Fraternities served as an avenue for middle class males to involve themselves as community leaders. Brothers in charge of fraternities often acted as important figures in the community.  The same is true today.

      This study was constructed by examining city directories from 1891 to 1932 and matching occupations, business ownership, positions in local government, and directorships of banks, with members of four civic fraternities. 

     Civic Fraternities served bachelors and married men in two ways. For the bachelors, the fraternity served as a surrogate family. As the U.S. was changing from agricultural to urban, many young men left home for the city.  Upon entering the city these young men needed to find a place to call their home.  For married men it served as an escape from wife and children to a masculine surrounding at a time when masculinity was in decline.

     Fraternities reinforced middle class Christian values.  The values of charity and mutual benefit are seen through fraternity from the time.  The organization assisted men in reaffirming  masculine roles, such as an involvement in the community through public/business leadership or more humanitarian ventures.

     In the period of the survey 20 member of the four fraternities served in local government. These positions ranged from 2 mayors, to Ward councilmen, to a fire marshal.

     Interestingly enough, not only did these individuals serve on local government, but through the years the majority of them served in multiple positions.

1891-1911

1915-1922

1928-1932