Recently, the need to recruit new members into organizations such as historical commissions, heritage societies, and local groups or clubs has become more urgent. However, attracting young members poses a challenge. It’s not that the young are not interested. The problem is that these organizations pander to their flocks. What I mean is that most of the members of the groups I belong to or support are retired, and they typically want to participate in events held between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays (some even say, “Start your event at 10:30 a.m. because I have other sh*t to do before”). Accommodating their needs is a good strategy if these individuals have the means to donate to these organizations (and some do). The problem is that when those who donate pass away, the interest in the project to save a historic house or another historic preservation effort comes to an end. Why? Because you are left with the children or grandchildren of the individuals in question, who don’t care about what mom or grandma was into. This is a significant problem not only in historic preservation but also in research. When someone who did historical research dies, there is a good chance that their family will not give a rat’s rump about saving anything in their office (“Throw everything to the street—he/she/him/her/it was a hoarder!). Did I get the pronouns right?
My beef is mainly with organizations and people scheduling their events on a Thursday or Friday morning because “It won’t clash with my grandchild’s recital,” or whatever. I work for a living, and taking time off for an event is pretty much impossible. I have to plan weeks in advance. The meetings of the Texas Historical Commission are planned six months to a year in advance.
I will say that the Beaumont Heritage Society, which I’ve had problems with in the past, is now run like a well-oiled engine. There is a reason I was a little skeptical at first, but if you put the right people in charge—people who think outside the box—you become successful. They now have a great organization. Lately, I’ve seen more organizations reaching out to their followers on social media and holding events in the evenings and on weekends, when the working class can actually attend. Kudos to all of them!
Luckily, most historical commissions hold their marker dedications on a Saturday, which is great! 10:30 a.m. it is! However, I’ve noticed that some of the older organizations that require a history test, both written and oral, to become a member (you know who you are, Sons of X or Daughters of Y) often do not consider your work schedule or personal life. The only organization I will freely call out is the Galveston Historical Foundation. I will note that they are getting better; fingers crossed. They do good work, but they also pander to their flock. However, they are getting better at pandering to their volunteer department. That was my problem with the Beaumont Heritage Society a few years back, but they’ve now seen the light. Treat your army of volunteers right, and you are unstoppable. Pull the elitist card, and your organization will die. Hey, volunteers are a valuable resource, so treat them with the respect they deserve!
An organization that I thought was defunct is actually still alive, and it is the International Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo. Let’s see what my chatbot (his name is Bill) has to say about them!
The International Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo is a unique and historic fraternal organization founded in 1892, dedicated to fostering fellowship and promoting the welfare of those in the forest products industry. Known for its distinctive traditions and whimsical symbolism—such as the use of a black cat with its tail curled in the shape of the number nine—the order seeks to unite professionals from all sectors of the timber and lumber trade under a shared commitment to ethical business practices, mutual support, and the betterment of the industry. With chapters across the globe, the Hoo-Hoo order emphasizes the importance of human values, environmental stewardship, and community service, striving to uphold the legacy of camaraderie and good humor envisioned by its founders more than a century ago.
I may qualify to be a member of this organization because, technically, there are times when I have to deal with trees. Unfortunately, I have to deal with cows, bulls, snakes, and water, as well as merchant marines, more often, but I would love to join. Below, I explain how the order started.
The International Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo was founded on January 21, 1892, in Gurdon, Arkansas, by a group of six men involved in the lumber and forest products industry. The men had been delayed at a train depot and, while waiting, began discussing the need for a fraternal organization that could unite people in their profession in a more informal and engaging way than traditional business associations.
Led by the journalist and lumber trade magazine editor Richard Fletcher and assisted by Bolling Arthur Johnson, the group envisioned an organization that embraced humor, fellowship, and mutual support rather than rigid rituals and titles. The founders named the new group the International Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo, with “concatenated” meaning “linked together.” The organization adopted unusual titles such as Snark of the Universe for its president, and it embraced a lighthearted tone while promoting goodwill, cooperation, and ethical conduct in the lumber industry. Over time, the order grew into a respected international fraternity for those working in forestry and wood-related professions.
Until I discovered that it is still active, my goal was to bring this awesome order back! Maybe buy a house in the Oaks District of Beaumont, then change its features without notifying the district. I would put Cheshire cats everywhere I could get away with it (hey, their period!).
What do you think? It may be worth a try!
Until next time, treat your people right.
Beaumont Heritage Society:
Galveston Historical Foundation
International Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concatenated_Order_of_Hoo-Hoo