SBE History
The FOE was founded in February of 1898 in Seattle when a group of six theater owners gather together over drinks to discuss a musicians’ strike. After a addressing the matter, they decided to “bury the hatchet” and form an “Order of Good Things” to promote peace, prosperity, gladness, and hope. Over time, the name was changed to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
The Salmon Bay Chapter of the FOE was founded in 1931. You’ll hear all sorts of tall tales around the beginning of the SBE: a Norwegian-Swede feud, a secret Ballard Nazi plot, a churchman versus fisherman clash, even a clandestine time travel scheme by the Olympic Athletic Club. None of these can be confirmed or denied, but the bottom line is that we’ve been a charming little drinking organization with a charity problem for over 80 years.
We’re a 501c(8) which, among other things, means we are tax exempt and seek to collect donations for other non-profit organizations. Over the years, we’ve supported hundreds of charitable groups, most recently the Ballard Food Bank, the Medic One Foundation, and Friends of the Children Seattle, to name a few.
Learn more about our national organization, the Grand Aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles here.
Eagles Auditorium Building, Seattle, ca. 1926. In 1924, Eagles Aerie #1 built an elegant new lodge on Seventh Avenue at Union Street in downtown Seattle. The building was renovated in 1995 and now houses the Act Theater.
Auxiliary member Autumn Knight hams it up for the kids at the 2016 Annual SBE Easter Egg Hunt. We’ve been hosting this Ballard tradition for over 70 years.
Our Traditions
Every year, the SBE hosts 40 or more dinners for members, each to raise funds for a specific charity. Stop by for “Mama” Marcia’s famous smothered pork chops or Mike Haldeman’s legendary grilling skills.
In addition to our members-only events, we offer community-friendly get-togethers like our Annual Easter Egg Hunt (an annual tradition for over 70 years!), Kids’ Christmas Party, and Seafoodfest temporary tattoo booth. In recent years, we’ve dabbled with open-to-the-public events like burlesque bingo, Oktoberfest, and are active participants in the Ballard Jazz Walk.
Our officers and club members generally meet every Wednesday night. These meeting are encouraged, but not required. Please see our calendar of events for the most up-to-date information.
Our Traditions
Every year, the SBE hosts 40 or more dinners for members, each to raise funds for a specific charity. Stop by for “Mama” Marcia’s famous smothered pork chops or Mike Haldeman’s legendary grilling skills.
In addition to our members-only events, we offer community-friendly get-togethers like our Annual Easter Egg Hunt (an annual tradition for over 70 years!), Kids’ Christmas Party, and Seafoodfest temporary tattoo booth. In recent years, we’ve dabbled with open-to-the-public events like burlesque bingo, Oktoberfest, and are active participants in the Ballard Jazz Walk.
Our officers and club members generally meet every Wednesday night. These meeting are encouraged, but not required. Please see our calendar of events for the most up-to-date information.
Auxiliary member Autumn Knight hams it up for the kids at the 2016 Annual SBE Easter Egg Hunt. We’ve been hosting this Ballard tradition for over 70 years.
The Blues
Back in 1990, when the rest of Seattle was emerging from our punk hangover and just getting deep into our grunge phase, a clever member named Kevin Wallace and an enterprising bartender named Jimi Jean started a jam session with a few local Blues musicians. Within a few months, it became a huge draw for the little SBE. When our beloved Jimi passed away 17 years later, other members stepped in and continued the tradition.
To this day, you can still join us on Thursday nights for some rockin’ blues tunes by the likes of Town Hall Brawl, The Mark DuFresne Band, and Johnny Atomic & the Silver Tongued Devils, just to name a few.
We have a special Facebook page just for our blues nights. If you’re a fan, please follow us here.
