Uncle Sam's Eagles

Uncle Sam's Eagles
From "Ritual of Uncle Sam's Eagles" (1905)
Type	Burlesque Degree
Purpose/focus	Fraternity

Uncle Sam's Eagles is a burlesque degree that was written by James A. Wamsley of Philadelphia for implementation by fraternal organisations and other groups looking for an evenings entertainment.

Structure

As the U.S.E. is a side degree for entertainment purposes, there is and was no central governing body, only local social groups in for the lark. According to the ritual, each U.S.E. lodge, or Nest, ought to be officered as follows: Uncle Sam, Columbia, Yankee Doodle, Bald Eagle, Chief Ink Slinger, Chief Cass Bosser, Guide of Nest, Sergeant, Orderly, Captain of Squad, Inside Sentinel, Outside Sentinel, Page to Columbia, and Master of Ceremonies. The regalia of the nest was, as one might expect, themed around the colours and symbols of the United States of America.

Resources

• Wamsley, J. A. (1905), Ritual of Uncle Sam's Eagles: A Burlesque Side Degree for the use of Secret Societies, Clubs or for the Formation of an Independent Lodge or Nest, Camden, N.J.: C.S. MacGrath, Printer, http://memory.loc.gov/master/gdc/scd0001/2012/26000074/Binder3.pdf