WHERE FUN AND COMMUNITY MEET
A relaxed atmosphere where you can meet new friends, and connect with old
Welcome to Our Club
Our Mission
By having Strathmore-Chinook Pond in our community, we foster camaraderie, lighthearted tradition, and a sense of belonging among members and community. We support charity, promote humor and humility, while helping to build social networks that strengthen community bonds across generations.
About Us
WHAT WE DO
1. Fellowship and Respect
- We value friendship and mutual respect above all. Members are welcomed as equals, regardless of background, and are encouraged to support one another with kindness and good humor.
2. Humor and Inquisitiveness
- We believe in the power of laughter, cleverness, and intellectual curiosity. Our rituals and interactions are designed to challenge the mind and uplift the spirit.
3. Tradition and Continuity
- We honor the legacy of the Order by preserving its unique customs and rituals, ensuring that its traditions are passed on with both reverence and joy.
4. Integrity and Lighthearted Dignity
- We uphold ethical conduct and personal responsibility, even while embracing the mischievous charm that defines our Order. We laugh, but we do not mock
5. Community Engagement and Service
- We aim to make a positive impact in our communities through charitable acts, volunteerism, and the quiet encouragement of good deeds.
WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES DO THAT TURTLES TAKE PART IN?
Turtle Social Dinner & Raffle Nights
Community Bingo Night
Member Mixers / Light Hearted Initiation
Nights
"Shell Out for Charity" Gala
Summer Backyard Bash / Picnic
Winter "Toast of the Turtles"
Cocktail/Mocktail Night
Heritage Day Parade
Turtle Trivia Tournament
"Turtle Talks" Speaker Series: Monthly casual guest speakers on fun or historical topics.
Wine/Spirits tasting Nights
WHAT ARE THE TURTLES?
The Loyal Order of Turtles is a humorous, tongue-in-cheek Social Club that originated among World War II fighter pilots and aircrew. It became a form of lighthearted camaraderie with a focus on clever wit, good humor, and often double entendre.
🐢Origins🐢
- Founded: Around 1943 during World War II
- Founder: Captain Hugh P. McGowan, a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot
- Purpose: Boost morale among pilots and aircrew during wartime service, especially during downtime
- Method: Members would challenge each other to questions that required clean but suggestively phrased answers. Those who failed to answer correctly must take a drink of their beverage.
🐢Membership and Ritual🐢
- The Order is "Ancient and Honorable" by name but comedic by nature.
- Members are referred to as "Turtles."
- To become a member, one must answer a series of humorous and double-meaning riddles without giving a "dirty" answer, even though the question may seem suggestive.
🐢Example Challenge Question:🐢
"What does a woman do sitting down, that a man does standing up, and a dog does on three legs?"
Correct answer: "Shake hands."
- If a person gives an indecent or incorrect answer, they must take a drink of their beverage.
🐢Structure and Spread🐢
- Though originally informal, the club gained widespread popularity among military personnel and veterans.
- Eventually, chapters popped up around the world-particularly in veterans' groups, Masonic lodges, and service organizations.
- The club has no official governing body or central authority-it's meant to be informal, fun, and friendly.
🐢Legacy🐢
Today, the Order remains a light-hearted tradition, particularly among veterans and fraternal groups. It preserves a sense of historical nostalgia, wit, and clean fun.
Contact Us
SEND US AN EMAIL OR COME SEE US IN PERSON
Drop by one of our scheduled meetings and see if you would like to join the pond!
Strathmore Chinook Pond No.1
Freemason Hall 175 Canal Avenue Unit 119, Strathmore, AB, Canada
