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and after overcoming many obstacles, the lodge was able to occupy their new building on November 17, 1917, and the lodge still progressed to the extent that in the year of 1921, under the dictatorship of Harry A. Hamor, he appointed the following committee: William K. Miller, chairman; Howard C. Evans, secretary; B.J. Egerter, treasurer, to add an additional story to the building, adding 31 bedrooms able to accommodate 43 patrons, and the rooms have always been occupied. In addition to this, the lodge purchased the lot adjacent to the present home in 1919 from Jacob G. Levergood; then not tiring of their wonderful civic work, they started out to purchase a summer home, and after due consideration they purchased 27 acres of ground from Michael McAuliff, situated about three-fourths of a mile off the concrete road from Sulphur Springs. They later purchased an additional tract from Thomas Forrest, which gave them one of the best picnic groves in this part of the country. They have also installed one of the finest swimming pools in this section. Another great feature is the Welfare Nurse service, which was put in operation by Dictator Hinds Peevey during his term of office in the year 1917. Mrs. Millicent Heiple was at that time employed to visit the sick and disabled members, or members of their families.
In 1925 the lodge saw an opportunity to also do something for the young men who have not yet become eligible to become a Senior Moose, so they decided to organize a junior lodge, same being instituted on Aug. 7, 1925, with a membership of 104, and which has now grown to 235. The lodge has granted them the use of the basement room as social quarters, and they have already shown their activities by organizing a strong football and basketball team, and are well under way in baseball.
Moosedom further offers to its members the protection of Mooseheart and Moosehaven. The former is known as the City of Childhood, where, when the breadwinner of the family is called away, he is assured that his wife and children will be well taken care of in his departure. They also boast of a home for the aged, called Moosehaven, situated about 16 miles from Jacksonville, Fla., where an aged member of the Moose can take his life partner and there spend the rest of their days in contentment.
In 1925 the ladies organized a chapter, known as Ladies' Legion, and also a Junior Legion, taking in boys and girls to the age of 16 years, from then on graduating into different units as they become eligible.
Johnstown Lodge possesses the title of being the fifth lodge in Moosedom in assets, and also boasts a membership of 3,480.
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