Davis in Tucker County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Eagles Club

A Fraternal Organization's Role in Davis Life

Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 24, 2024

1. Eagles Club Marker

Inscription.
During the timber era in Davis, and in industrial periods elsewhere, fraternal organizations served as meeting places for engaged community members and leaders in business and politics. Many still function this way. The Fraternal Order of Eagles is one such organization. Orginally started as the Order of Good Things in 1898 by theater owners responding to a musicians' strike in Seattle, Washington, it soon became a national organization. It came to focus on charitable and advocacy causes, helping to establish Mothers' Day, Social Security, and Medicare. In recent years, it has contributed to childrens' hospitals, poverty challenges, and diabetes research. Fundraising often came through community social events. Jeannette Ware, who grew up in Davis, recalled dancing the polka at the Eagles Club as a young child with her father, Frank Tekavec.

(Sidebar):

Fraternal Order of Eagles

The current Eagles Club replaced a previous building that was torn down once the present one was built. The view at right shows the old building during the construction of the present one.

However, the building also occupies the site

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of an even earlier one. When that one burned down, the older building in the photo became the Club's home until it, too, received fire damage. Among other uses, it had previously been an auto dealership, and prior to that, a saloon. It illustrated how buildings in Davis often passed through several owners and uses.

Over time since its founding, the Fraternal Organization of Eagles has used several variations of two different logos, as shown above.

Photo credits: Photo by Jerry DiBacco. Emblem courtesy of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Layouts and text by David A. Vago Historic Resource Planning & Design

Erected 2023 by The West Virginia Humanities Council, Friends of Blackwater and Davis West Virginia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 39° 7.754′ N, 79° 27.817′ W. Marker is in Davis, West Virginia, in Tucker County. It is on William Avenue (West Virginia Route 32) west of 3rd Street, on the left when traveling

Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 24, 2024

2. Eagles Club Marker

Marker is located at the right of the flagpole.

east. Marker is located in front of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #936 building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 322 William Avenue, Davis WV 26260, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Potomac Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Davis Lunch Room (within shouting distance of this marker); Verzi's Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Myrtle Mae (Hockman) Shrader (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Pennsylvania House (about 300 feet away); Inside The Sawmill (about 400 feet away); From Forest To Sawmill (about 400 feet away); A Growing And Evolving Industry On The Riverbanks (about 400 feet away); A Prosperous Sawmill Town (about 400 feet away).

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Touch for a list and map of all markers in Davis.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 208 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 24, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.