New York OA Trader

A rare flap from Half Moon Lodge #28 recently changed hands on eBay. Prior to this auction, while it had been listed in the Blue Book, I had never seen one, nor had it been listed on OA Images.

This one was issued for the Executive Board at the time. It differed from the standard flap from Half Moon Lodge celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the OA; the ’standard’ 75th anniversary, this one had a black border.

Unfortunately, I was not the winner, so I’m still looking for one myself.

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Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well.

Samuel Butler
English composer, novelist, & satiric author (1835 - 1902)

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Below you will find a link to an extreme example of an uncommon flap from a common lodge.

You will often see a trade offers on Patch-L or other venues offering to trade OA Flaps 1 for 1 for other flaps; but with a stipulation of no common flaps or perhaps a list of unwanted lodge numbers. There is nothing wrong with these lodges, but because of their size, number of active collectors, or an long-unchanged design their flaps seem to be everywhere.

Often by studying these lodges, you can find a few needles in that haystack. While more recent NOAC, Jamboree, Anniversary or other event-like issues have fallen out of favor with collectors, many of the older event-like issues are actually scarce in comparison to most regular issue flaps.

In some cases, anniversary issues may have been only issued in a short run at a specific lodge event ( a banquet fro example). Unfortunately there is no easy way to determine which these are, but you can learn this information over time by talking and trading with members of these lodges. What items are on their needs lists or which ones they are looking for a friend?

Here are two 50th Anniversary issues from Half Moon Lodge #28. Most recent issues from Half Moon Lodge are easily obtainable.

The red bordered flap (S12) is a relatively common $ 5 - 10 Flap. the Blue Bordered (S11) flap has not sold on eBay in recent years and is probably worth at least 5 times the value of the S12. (Yes it was a banquet only issue.)

The extreme example, is from Amangamek-Wipit Lodge #470. Wipit is a very large lodge that had an OBV set in the 1980’s and 1990’s that everyone had, and had in duplicate, that was difficult to trade. Here is an Amangamek-Wipit Lodge #470 Flap that you would love to get 1:1.

I realize it is not a likely 1:1 trader, but even common lodges can have uncommon flaps.

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The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.

James Branch Cabell, The Silver Stallion, 1926
US essayist & novelist (1879 - 1958)

Well those in Half Moon Lodge #28 knew about it, but I was not aware of this issue that has not been catalogued by the Blue Book.

This is not surprising, since there is no lodge name, number or other indication it is an OA item.

Tom Wadnola brought this issue to my attention. There has been a tradition it Half Moon Lodge where many Vigil brothers attending the ceremony would where a blanket. Since this is a Scouting organization, many of those were patch blankets.

A number of years ago a triangular neckerchief-like cloth with three appliqué red arrows around the border. The center of the triangle had room for one of the Half Moon jacket patches. This cloth was than sewn to the blanket.

A tradition began where a feather was given to each Vigil brother for each Vigil ceremony they attended. These feathers were sewn to hang below the base of the triangular cloth.

Based on the apparent age when these first issued, they will be numbered the X2.5

Blue Book Stats:
X2.5 M/C C WHT - - WHT, BLK, RED Feather 98mmx17mm, no mention of lodge name or number

Tom Wadnola brings word of a new trader flap from Half Moon Lodge #28. They have moved away from there ’standard’ design of the Half Moon ship. The main feature of this flap is a crouching Native American with a bow and arrow. Overall a nicely designed flap.

Blue Book Stats:
S35 RED R M/C BLK M/C FDL; YEL outlined BLK BLK WWW Native American with bow

I had previously posted on a Section Patch from NE-2B, based on the responses to that posting, it was determined that it was not a Section Conclave issue, and was issued by the Section in the period from after the 1988 Conclave and prior to the Nischa Nimat Lodge #181 merger in September 1990.

Below we have what appears to be another Section NE-2B patch. Based on the lodges listed (Half Moon #28, Skanondo #64, Onteroraus #402, Nooteeming #443, and Munsi #444), it must have been issued after the September 1990 merger of Nischa Nimat Lodge #181 and prior to the 1994 Section realignments.

The patch contains the totems of the 5 lodges in the section and an Iroquois Longhouse.

Based on the information provided on the earlier patch, I don’t think it is a n undated Section Conclave issue. I know it is nit a conclave issues from 1991 or 1994 since I have both.

Can anyone confirm that it is not a conclave patch put a closer date on when it was issued?

George Jennings brings word that the Half Moon Lodge #28 TOR scheduled for this weekend has been postponed. He had questioned both the Lodge and Staff Advisor and received the following reply.

Due to low signups the event has been postponed. A new date and location will be announced shortly.

Once the new information is available I will post it to the blog.

Cleaning out my In-Box, I came across a few emails on an oddity from Half Moon Lodge I had been asked about. Three or four years ago, I had been given a color photocopy of an odd looking Half Moon Lodge #28 Flap. The person told me he had traded for it over a year ago and didn’t know anything else about it.  The story I later heard from another individual, was that the patch may have been some sort of executive board issue but the person only had this information third or fourth hand.

I was never able to track down any further information, but last summer I exchanged a few emails with the Lodge Advisor Bob D. and another member of the Lodge Tom W.

Tom wrote:

I am sure it was never a official issue but I believe it was a concoction by 2 youth who have been maybe a bit disgruntle and you got this drawing to you. I have Copied Bob DxXxxxx the Lodge Advisor and the final decision is his but I have never seen the picture. I do remember seeing a flap put together with glue 1 side being pink and the other I can’t remember but again not an official issue by no means unless the LEC at that time privately voted as it was presented at some Lodge event (I think a Winter banquet) but again I do not remember or can I find anybody who remembers it being official.

Bob D. the Advisor wrote “Yes the patch from (our) earlier (correspondence) is a FAKE.

I am not able to provide a complete description since I cannot tell all of the details about the patch from the photocopy I have.

A few bits of information I’ve heard relating to New York Lodges.  Not enough for individual posts, but enough to share.  In each case I’m looking for more information, images and of course trades.

• Ranachqua #4 - One more in a flurry of new issues.  I understand that a new neckerchief is in the works.  More info as it becomes available.
•  Ktemaque #15 - I understand that two new issues have been released. Looking for scans and or trades.
• Half Moon #28 - a design for a new trader has been selected and is (?) on order.
• Suanhacky #49 - Apparently the 2006 TOR was the last.  The current word is the Lodge will not be hosting a TOR this November.
• Ty-Ohni #95 - will be hosting a TOR in late April.  Looking for details to post to the site and/or provide a link.
• Ho-De-No-Sau-Nee #159 - Mike Hulsizer brings word of multiple new issues from 159.  A regular flap, officers issue and banquet patch.  I will likely be posting on these next week.
• Kayanernh-Kowa #219 - while not hosted by the lodge, there will be a TOR on June 9, 2007 in Camp Woodlands.  unfortunately as previously reported, Half Moon will be hosting a TOR the same weekend.
• Kittan- has approved a new design for a regular issue flap.  No word on whether they will follow the Loon restrictions or adopt the Haudenosaunee #19 unrestricted regular issues.
• Kittan - Speaking of lodge #19.  I understand the issue of the "number" for Kittan is not final.  While initial word was that they would use #364 the Council Number, a motion has been made to change the "number" back to #19.  Of course the number only exists in the local lodge and not with National.

Anyone else have any information to share?

Update - Ive just received word that this TOR has been postponed. 

Half Moon Lodge # 28 and Rip Van Winkle Council will be hosting their

1st Annual Trade-O-Ree on June 9, 2007.

Here are the particulars:

When: Saturday June 9, 2007  Postpned

Set Up: begins at 7:00AM

Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Where: Kiwanais Ice Arena, Washington Avenue, Saugerties, NY

Cost: $25.00 per table

Entrance Fee: $2.00, Scouts in Uniform Free.

A flyer and directions can be found at: http://www.halfmoonlodge28.org/tradeoree07

While I wish them luck and may attend myself, two comments.

First, Tables - the table cost seems excessive for a first time TOR and their is no indication whether they are 6 foot or 8 foot tables. It is definitely very expensive for 6 foot tables.

Second and more importantly it conflicts with an established TOR held at Camp Woodlands near Syracuse, NY. While the Woodlands TOR is not on the ISCA TOR Calendar yet. The host lodge for the Woodlands TOR is in the same section as Half Moon.

While not many people from the southern part of the state attend a Central New York TOR, it certainly effects other areas (Albany for example) where they will now need to chosse between 2 TOR’s.

I have several information nodules that have been passed on to me from around the state. If you have any new information about your New York Lodge or Chapter, please send it along to share with the rest of the readers of the blog. As always, I’m looking to trade for or buy any new issues from New York State OA Lodges and Chapters.

In no particular order:

• Buckskin Lodge #412 will be issuing a patch for their recent lodge banquet held at the end of December 2006. The patch was limited to one per attendee. Those who were at the banquet drew a number at random and that will be the number of their particular patch. I understand that the numbers will be directly embroidered into the design as have several of their previous lodge and chapter issues. Looking for a scan from one of the Buckskin brothers when this is issued.
• Suanhacky Lodge #49 also issued a dinner patch from its banquest a couple of weeks back and subsequently issued a new regular issue flap. I hope to have images and both in hand shortly.
• Cory Haynes from Loon Lodge #364 recently advised that “I just found out today from the Loon Lodge Advisor that the sunset flap will be issued 1 per current 2006 registered lodge member, and not be available for the public (unfortunately this is what the youth voted to do).” Looking for a scan of this one too (and a trade would be nice).
• Separately I have also heard that Kittan Lodge #364 will be voting (re-voting?) on whether to use the number #19 or 364. Also they are considering amongst several designs for their first flap.
• George Jennings brings word from Otahnagon Lodge #172 that while they issued an event patch for last years banquet, there was no patch issued for this years event.
• Half Moon #28 has also requested designs from its members for a new trading flap. No word on when it will be voted on.
• Ktemaque Lodge #15 has issued 2 new patches, no word on what type or design. Does anyone else have any information on these?
• Shinnecock Lodge #360 will issue a special 60th Anniversary Lodge Flap in 2007. This special flap will reportedly replace the normal lodge flap during this 2007 only. It will be issued to new brothers at the conclusion of their Ordeal Weekend.

Your lodge not mentioned here?

Send me some information.