Roosevelt Lodge #626 had its beginning January 22, 1920 at a meeting held in the Masonic Temple, Third and Main Streets, when a group of well-meaning Masons met, presided over by Realff Ottesen as chairman and Thomas J. Cowan as secretary. This meeting called for the free and open discussion upon the desirability of establishing of a fourth Masonic Blue Lodge and it was unanimously decided by those men who were present, to favor the plan. Present were Realff Ottesen, Ray Nyemaster, Rudolph Leppla, H. E. Miner, H. D. Nabstedt, Walter Von Kroff, Albert Block, Thomas J. Cowan, and A. I. Naumann.

     Then at a meeting held January 27, 1920, it was decided by the brethren present to ask the Grand Master of Masons in Iowa, Dr. Jesse A. West for the privilege of organizing as a lodge under dispensation. "Roosevelt" was chosen and adopted as the name of the new lodge, in honor of former President Theodore Roosevelt.

     At the first meeting of "Roosevelt", U. D. held March 4, 1920, the dispensation from the Grand Lodge was read. The membership under dispensation consisted of 37 brethren as follows: H. E. Miner, Ray Nyemaster, A. I. Naumann, Thomas J. Cowan, H. R. Timmerman, L. J. Kuhn, O. P. Millard, R. A. Powell, Havelock Firth, Elmer E. Cridge, C. W. Specht, Geo. J. Nielsen, E. A. Tressler, Earl Dutro, Arthur C. Hall, C. G. Birtness, R. C. Andrews, H. A. Young, Win. C. Claussen, J. E. Strohle, L. C. Hansen, M. N. Stuart, A. E. Baseman, D. M. Keach, C. M. Stephens, A. E. Schoendeler, Wm. A. Haw, C. E. Busby, E. C. Roberts, F. E. Berger, J. W. Cooper, H. E. Sitz, B. H. Gheen, E. H. Sanford, Albert F. Block, E. N. Wilcox, and A. C. Federsen.

     June 24, 1920, Roosevelt Lodge # 626 AF & AM was truly constituted at a ceremony held at the Turner Grand Opera House. Most Worshipful Grand Master Jesse A. West presided. The first elective and appointive officers were those who held these positions for the lodge while under dispensation as follows: Harold E. Miner, W. M.; Jesse Ray Nyemaster, S. W. ;A. I. Naumann, J.W.; Edw. H. Sanford, Treasurer; Thomas J. Cowan, Secretary; Albert F. Block, S.D.; M. N. Stuart, J.D.; Herbert E. Sitz, S.S.; Elmer E. Cridge, J.S.; Evan E. Tressler, Tyler. These men proved to be good and faithful and surely "Roosevelt" can be thankful for their efforts and leadership. During the first year the Treasurer left office and Brother Herman Staak was elected and held that position until his death in 1968.

     Roosevelt grew in membership from this original 37 to 358 at our 25th Anniversary. In 1970, Roosevelt Lodge celebrated it's 50th Anniversary at the Masonic Temple, Brady and Main at Seventh Street. At that time, the membership was over 700 members.

     We have contributed to the growth of the fraternity in this community by our own growth and by giving of a good many brethren to the charter membership of Philbrook Lodge #659 in Davenport (now merged with Davenport Lodge #37), Hamilton Lodge #664 in Bettendorf, and North Scott Lodge # 674 in Eldridge.

     We have been much higher in number but the "Grim Reaper", demits, dropouts, suspensions, apathy, indifference, and complacency have taken their toll.

     With respect of the community as a whole and the help of the "Grand Architect" and leadership such as we have had through the years, and have presently in our officers, "Roosevelt 626" can look forward to many, many more years of good doings.

May we always stay the "Friendly One" and keep up our reputation of wonderful fellowship.