From left are Chris Allenson, state Eagles Hall of Fame inductee; Ron Schneider, Sharon Schneider and Eagles Aerie 2145 President Chris Sorenson.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles, Chautauqua Aerie 2145 recently celebrated years of service in Jamestown while honoring its first state Hall of Fame recipient.

The Jamestown Eagles Club had welcomed its members and many state officers to an 80th year celebration of being in their current location at 329 E. Fourth St., Jamestown.

The evening started with a catered meal by 3c’s Catering. Aerie 2145 President Chris Sorenson started out the festivities introducing and presenting gifts to past and present state officers that were in attendance from the Buffalo, Binghamton, Ithaca and Albany areas and special guests Past Junior State President Buster Weldon and Current State Worthy President Kevin Cowan. Cowan spoke about his charity to help assist those who are fighting pediatric cancer. That evening through t-shirt sales and donations the club raised more than $1,000 for Cowan’s charity.

A brief history of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Jamestown was read. The first Jamestown Aerie started in 1904 and built the original Eagle Temple at 318 Washington St. In 1933 the current Aerie 2145 was instituted and shortly afterwards began meeting at the J.T. Wilson estate, the home of member and lumber businessman Marvin Wilson at 235 E. Fourth St. That building later became the Red Cross Building. In 1940 the Jamestown Aerie disbanded and sold the Eagle Temple to the Independent Order of Vikings Ingjald Lodge 65, where they remained for many years.

Then in 1946 the Chautauqua Aerie purchased the Youngberg Funeral Home, which has been their location for the past 80 years. Sorenson went on to thank the members of the lodge who are what makes the club the best it can be. He also thanked club manager Jill Allenson for all she does to help support the club. Sorenson also honored the Ladies Auxiliary, who were celebrating their 62nd anniversary since being instituted in 1964.

To finish off the celebration, state officers surprised Aerie Past Secretary Ron Schneider by announcing that he is the first member from Jamestown to be inducted into the state Eagles Hall of Fame for his years of dedication and service to the local club and community. Schneider was honored by the local club with a lifetime membership, along with a plaque and portrait by Gary Peters Jr that will hang in the club for years to come.

For more information, visit the Jamestown Eagles Aerie 2145 FOE page on Facebook or email jmsteagles@gmail.com.