For many years the idea of having a local chapter of the Order of the Easter Star had been entertained by members for some time. It wasn't until the advent of World War II and the transportation problems which arose that steps were take to form such a chapter in this community.
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In February 1943, fifteen (15) persons met to discuss the procedure necessary for instituting a chapter in this community. Persons belonging to various chapters were contacted and their desire for a new chapter was reported upon at another meeting and as the venture proceeded it was found that 100 persons had signed the petition for a local chapter. Then, it was discovered that 50 of these signers had to be eliminated for the time being as only 50 names could be submitted to the Grand Chapter for institution. This was arranged satisfactorily and on April 28th officers of the new chapter were elected with Anna Mae Smith being elected as Worthy Matron and Howard Sheetz elected as Worthy Patron.
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The name for our chapter was finally chosen as Aero and on July 9, 1943, Aero Chapter was instituted after many months of work. The final ceremony of making Aero Chapter a legal Chapter was held at Columbus Auditorium on October 26, 1943 with the Grand Officers of Ohio presiding.
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During the years of 1943 to 1946, the meetings were held in a large room above the Broad Street Firehouse in Fairfield, Ohio. Then an old church on Second Street was purchased by the Masonic Lodge and renovated for use by Masons and Eastern Star members. In 1950 Fairfield and Osborn were united and renamed Fairborn. They remained there for over 20 years and in June 1970 plans were begun to select a new site and build a Masonic Temple at its present location on Yellow Springs-Fairfield Road. The building was completed in 1974. Aero Chapter contributed 80% of its savings to the cost of the building and purchased many items for the kitchen.
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Dedication of the new Temple was July 14, 1974. The mortgage burning was held April 23, 1977 with a dinner and impressive ceremony.
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The Chapter has worked hard to earn the funds necessary to assist the Tempe by having Annual Smorgasbords, garage sales, candy and cookie sales, bazaars, conducting annual inventory for local stores, and much more.
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This fraternal organization had grown to a membership of more than 500 men and women who are linked closely with the Masonic Order. They held stated meetings at 8:00 p.m. on the second Monday night of the month at the Masonic Temple. The Chapter changed its By-Laws in 1993 to meet at 7:30 p.m.
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Many officers and members have been honored during its history with Grand appointments such as Deputy Grand Matrons, Grand Ruth, Grand Representatives and many Grand Pages and Aides.
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There were two organizations formed outside of the chapter for the purpose of social enjoyment for the chapter members and also for the welfare of the chapter. These two groups were Anna Mae Circle and Meera Girls. There is only one group now and it is called Star Club.
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The local chapter was responsible for the organization of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls in Fairborn and for many years have been the sponsor of the group.
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Each Eastern Star member is a stakeholder in the Ohio Easter Star Home in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, a haven and a home for Eastern Star members who have the need of it in their later years. Aero Chapter has made generous donations to the Home projects over the years. A new Chapel at the Ohio Eastern Star Home was dedicated on Sunday, October 6, 1968, by the Worthy Grand Matron, Helen Bartley.
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Aero Chapter has continued to flourish in our Masonic Temple. Our members and officers continue to be dedicated, some officers continuing to be active in Chapter year after year.
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