It's toe-tappin' time at refreshment in the social hall after every stated meeting at Stichter Lodge No. 254, Pottstown. The Lodge has had its own orchestra for more than 60 years and, without fail, Stichter musicians have given their brethren an enjoyable rhythm at each monthly repast.

Charles L. Clayton, P.M., the soft-spoken fiddle-playing leader, doesn't know if any other lodge has its own orchestra, especially one that is more than six decades old and hasn't missed performing after a stated meeting of their lodge in all that time. In addition, it is tradition for the orchestra to entertain at the annual Lodge banquet the first Wednesday in November. On occasion, they will play for special occasions in the 40th Masonic District.

The unique musical group was founded by Raymond S. Elliott, P.M., in 1939 and has been active continuously ever since. While there is no recollection of how many brethren were in the original orchestra, it is known that at its peak there were 20 musicians. That number fluctuated from year to year, but there always has been ample talent to provide good entertainment. As of the traditional June "strawberry night," there were 16 musicians in the orchestra, nine of whom rarely miss a gig and performed that evening. The other seven of the brethren have played frequently, but could not make every session. In the fall, the Lodge mourned the Oct. 1 death of one of them, 92 year-old Earl S. Yohn, who had been the oldest, long-time loyal member.

The current active musicians of the orchestra are: Front - at the piano, Stanley L. Emery and standing with the violin, the leader; Bro. Clayton; and (l-r) - Raymond B. Elliott, bass; Victor J. Mease, P.M., trombonium; James W. Miller, trombone; Fred W. Kern, trumpet; Gerald G. Richards, Clarinet; C. Linford Richard, violin; and C. Conrad Snell, clarinet and saxophone.

Not present for the picture that was taken during the strawberry night entertainment were: Charles F. Crummy, cello; Robert L. Emery, drums; Leonard A. Huff, violin; Kenneth C. Jacob, tenor saxophone; Randall L. Krause, trumpet; Kenneth K. Moyer, trumpet, and the late Bro. Yohn.