Companions of the Forest of America Boston Area Circles Records

The Companions of the Foresters of America was a social and benvolent fraternal organization that was a branch of the Foresters of America. First organized in 1883 in San Francisco with the establishment of the Washington Circle No. 1, it was officially recognized when it became the fourth degree of the Foresters of America in 1885. Membership was originally open to Foresters and their female relatives and friends, but later was mostly known as the women’s auxiliary of the Foresters of America.

The governing body was known as the Supreme Circle, which operated at the national level. There were smaller governing bodies of Grand Circles organized at the state level, and further subordinate local circles. Circles were overseen by elected offices known as Chief Companion, Sub-Chief Companion, Treasurer, Secretary, Chaplain, Right Guide, Left Guide, Junior Past Chief, Inside Guard, Outside Guard, and Trustees.

In 1937 both Franklin Park Circle #1571 and Brookline Circle #1558 received their charters. Benefits included access to the circle’s doctor and medicine, cash benefits in accordance to dues paid, and funeral benefits. The tenets of the group were devotion to the sick, orphaned, aged, and discouraged. There was also an emphasis on honoring the flag and religious tolerance.

1883

Companions of the Forest of America is first organized in San Francisco.

1885

Companions of the Forest of America is officially recognized by the Foresters of America.

1937

The Franklin Park Circle #1571 is chartered.

The Brookline Circle #1558 is chartered.