This interior of Wagner's Roadhouse was taken January 16, 1946. The dining area included balcony seating. (Photograph courtesy of Moose Lodge 999) Three charter members of St. Ignace Moose Lodge 999 still belong to the local club, Howard Everson, Donald Lavake, and David Craig. In October, the local organization will turn 50 years old.

When the group was chartered in St. Ignace October 19, 1958, ferry boats were transporting railroad cars, people, and vehicles between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, local sawmills cut lumber, and trains still operated in town. Eighty-five residents joined the private service club, whose goal is to help those in need. The Moose is an international fraternal organization.

Today, the Moss Lodge 999 serves more than 600 men and women from its building on Mackinac Trail. Membership is by invitation and sponsorship by a current member.

Through fundraising activities, the club continues to support local members and other residents who need assistance. Community work includes planning fundraisers for those whose home has burned and organizing a Christmas program, with assistance from other groups, to give 125 baskets filled with food and other items to those in need.

The Moose Lodge moved in the 1960s from downtown St. Ignace to Wagner's Roadhouse on Mackinac Trail. Construction of a new building began in the 1980s, and this log structure was torn down in the 1990s. (Photograph courtesy of Moose Lodge 999) "The town has been very good when we have benefits," said Mr. Everson.

The U.S. Coast Guard, he said, has been especially supportive.

The lodge also supports Moosehaven, a living center for senior members who need assistance, in Florida, and Mooseheart, a school in Illinois for children who need a stable home.

"I always preach every Moose member should go there," member Ron Wartella said of Mooseheart, "and then they would really know what the organization is all about."

Mr. Wartella has been a club member since 1973, and except for two years, he has always been an officer in the organization. Helping the children at Mooseheart, he said, is his motivation to be a lodge member.

St. Ignace Moose Lodge 999 will be 50 years old in October and members are celebrating the anniversary this month. Pictured are charter member Howard Everson (from left), 35-year member Ron Wartella, and Moose Lodge Governor Louie Conguy. The moose was donated by the Amos Horn family of Mackinac Island. "That's why I work so hard for the organization," he said. "I volunteer my time all the time, and I have for many, many years."

Mr. Everson, also an officer, said Moose is a family organization always interested in helping children all year around. He presents at each lodge meeting a report of those in the community who are ill or need assistance. His job is to visit people and give them support and comfort on behalf of the lodge.

There are very few places a person can visit that doesn't have a Moose lodge, members point out.

"It's a very good organization worldwide," said lodge Governor Louis Conguy Jr. "It's a lot of fun."

During the anniversary, the lodge is hosting a statewide euchre tournament for Moose members October 19, which is expected to bring 100 players and their families to the area. The local club applied for the opportunity to host the event three years ago. It is all about helping the community, say the men, by bringing people over the Mackinac Bridge, showing them the beauty of the area, and helping the local economy.

With the euchre tournment during the anniversay date, the local club is celebrating this month with week-long events for members Monday, September 15, through Saturday, September 20. A silent auction is planned, anniversary cake, a luncheon that will honor past lodge governors and charter members, and a movie night featuring drive-in movie food and the showing of "Grease."

The public is invited to a fish fry and an oldies dance Friday, September 19, at 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the best 1950s costumes.

The club began meeting in an old building that once served as the area poorhouse near the current Mackinac County Airport building. From there, the group moved to a three-story building across from the Indian Village. In the early 1960s, the organization moved to its current site on Mackinac Trail, buying Wagner's Roadhouse. In the 1980s, as the log building was rotting, the lodge began construction of its current building.

Known for events, friendliness, and kindness, said lodge administrator Shawn Pelon, the local club has members from Canada, downstate, and other states, including Florida and Washington. Many of them have transferred to the St. Ignace lodge from other clubs.

"Since I've been involved, I've met a lot of good people, made a lot of good friends," said Mr. Wartella.

The lodge also has 25 campsites available for Moose members traveling through the area. A monthly newsletter of events is sent to members.

People make a point to travel to St. Ignace for the lodge's pig roast, wild game dinner, or other events, said Mr. Pelon.

"What we do is just another reason for those other members to come up here and partake in what's available in the city or the area," he said.