A few years ago, ironically, the Town of Gordon Volunteer Fire Department in Douglas County had the misfortune of having their firehall burn to the ground and all the equipment and paraphernalia was lost. Insurance covered much of the loss, but as is always true, not everything was covered or perhaps forgotten when the claim was turned in.
In 2022, Acacia-Itasca Masonic Lodge No. 329 of Superior presented one of three fire suppression tools (FSTs) to the Town of Gordon. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lodge had sponsored a Palm Sunday pancake breakfast for 46 consecutive years. Senior Steward Michael DeMar, approached the Lodge with the idea of hosting a pancake breakfast in conjunction with Good Neighbor Days in Gordon on the 4th of July weekend. The Lodge Brothers agreed and the Good Neighbor Days committee did the advertising for the breakfast.
July 1st was set for a 5K run and the breakfast. The committee projected attendance of 150 to 200 people for the breakfast. Nearly 400 people were served in three hours. At one of the meetings, a phone call came in and the Lodge was asked if they would be willing to accept a donation of eight gallons of homemade maple syrup. Of course, the answer was a resounding “yes.” After expenses, the Lodge was able to donate $1000 to the Gordon Fire Department and The Wisconsin Masonic Foundation matched that amount.
The day was a great success — and plans are already in place for a repeat performance for 2024.
By Brother Ron Pete
