In this episode of Minute Book, Heather and Seth explore the mysterious United States Benevolent Fraternity, founded in 1881 in Baltimore and gone almost as quickly as it arrived. From death benefits to equal membership for men and women, we trace its brief but fascinating existence through records, newspaper clippings, and a bit of fraternal sleuthing.

Today's Hosts: Seth and Heather

🎨 Artwork by: Chase Lewondowski ⁠@chas.lewando⁠

🎵 Music: Ridin' de Goat, composed by Jim Fisk, performed by the Vintage Orchestra

For more info and behind-the-scenes content, visit ⁠MinuteBookHistory.com⁠ or follow us on Instagram or YouTube ⁠@MinuteBookHistory⁠ @fraternalcollections

In this episode of Minute Book, Heather Calloway and Seth Anthony open the minute book to uncover the icy origins of the Arctic Brotherhood. This was a fraternal order founded in 1899 aboard a steamship bound for Alaska. Created by gold-seekers and adventurers, the Brotherhood welcomed only those who had truly braved the far north. From driftwood-covered lodges to their surprising code of kindness to dogs and horses, this unique organization left its mark on fraternal history—and even counted President Warren G. Harding among its members.

Today's Hosts: Seth and Heather

🎨 Artwork by: Chase Lewondowski ⁠@chas.lewando⁠

🎵 Music: Ridin' de Goat, composed by Jim Fisk, performed by the Vintage Orchestra

For more info and behind-the-scenes content, visit ⁠MinuteBookHistory.com⁠ or follow us on Instagram or YouTube ⁠@MinuteBookHistory⁠ @fraternalcollections

In our second episode of Minute Book, hosts Seth Anthony and Heather Calloway discuss the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education.

Since 1949, the MCME has provided a forum for sharing best practices in Masonic Education. In 2025 it was in Indy and we got to be part of the action.

Today's Hosts: Seth and Heather

Background reading:Learn more about the work behind the show at the Center for Fraternal Collections & Research: ⁠collections.iu.edu/fraternal-center⁠

🎨 Artwork by: Chase Lewondowski ⁠@chas.lewando⁠

🎵 Music: Ridin' de Goat, composed by Jim Fisk, performed by the Vintage Orchestra

For more info and behind-the-scenes content, visit ⁠MinuteBookHistory.com⁠ or follow us on Instagram ⁠@MinuteBookHistory⁠

📬 Sign up for our newsletter: ⁠Newsletter Subscription

The world of secret handshakes, ceremonial sashes, and handwritten ledgers might seem like the stuff of dusty attics—but it’s alive, and full of surprises.

In our debut episode of Minute Book, hosts Seth Anthony and Heather Calloway introduce the podcast and the fascinating world of fraternal history. Why do these organizations matter? What stories have they left behind? And what exactly is “Ridin’ de Goat”?

Welcome to your new favorite niche.

Guests:
Just us this time—Seth Anthony and Heather Calloway, digging into the archives and setting the stage for the season ahead.

Background reading:
Learn more about the work behind the show at the Center for Fraternal Collections & Research: collections.iu.edu/fraternal-center

🎨 Artwork by: Chase Lewondowski @chas.lewando
🎵 Music: Ridin' de Goat, composed by Jim Fisk, performed by the Vintage Orchestra

For more info and behind-the-scenes content, visit MinuteBookHistory.com or follow us on Instagram @MinuteBookHistory

📬 Sign up for our newsletter: Newsletter Subscription