Owl History

In the year 1901, at what was then known as Moorhead Normal School, a group of young men with a shared sense of purpose and camaraderie came together to form what would become one of the most influential and enduring fraternities on campus—the Old Order of Owls. This organization, born out of a desire for fellowship and leadership, has its roots firmly planted in the traditions of brotherhood and personal growth. However, the seeds of the organization had been planted even earlier, in 1897, when discussions first began among the students.

The catalyst for this gathering of like-minded men was James D. Mason, a visionary student who, at the age of 33, took on the mantle of leadership and became the first “Father Owl.” Mason was considerably older than many of his peers, a fact that earned him the affectionate title of Father Owl. He had been instrumental in the early discussions of forming a brotherhood, drawing inspiration from the informal meetings that took place at the now-legendary Kurtz Mansion, colloquially known as “The Ghost House.” These meetings often took place at odd hours, under the cover of secrecy, and were filled with passionate debates about the group’s future direction.

Mason’s vision extended beyond merely creating a social club; he wanted to foster a sense of unity and purpose that would guide young men through their academic and personal lives. He emphasized the importance of mutual support, academic achievement, and leadership, which became the pillars of the organization.

In the spring of 1901, the Old Order of Owls was officially recognized, with Mason passing the leadership to George Wardeberg, who became the second Father Owl. Wardeberg, a Norwegian immigrant born in 1873, took the fraternity to new heights, establishing many of the formal traditions and rituals that would define the Owls for years to come. Under his leadership, the fraternity grew, although slowly at first, as Wardeberg believed in quality over quantity, ensuring that only those men who truly embodied the Owl ideals would be initiated.

Traditionally, Owls were taught that there were 8 original members.  However, the reality was that there were 19 original members.  These men came from diverse backgrounds, but they all shared a commitment to brotherhood and leadership, traits that set them apart on campus. Together, they helped lay the foundation for a fraternity that would become a cornerstone of student life at Moorhead Normal School.  The number 8, though sacred with the Owls, does not coincide with the number of the original members.