HISTORY

The Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International was founded in June, 1906, on the banks of Green Lake, Wisconsin, about ninety miles northwest of Milwaukee. During the annual meeting of the Wisconsin field insurance men at the Oakwood Resort, a State Agent advanced the idea that three young men, seeking membership in the Field Club, should be initiated to enliven the occasion. One idea after another was considered which, by evening when the ceremony was scheduled, found the organizers with a name for their new Order - The Ancient and Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, and also a Ritual with Obligation and Charge, and names for the various officers, almost the same as are used today.

The October, 1906 meeting of the Fire Underwriters Association of the Northwest proved a splendid opportunity to exemplify the worth of the new group for field men, company officials and insurance editors. One hundred and forty-nine candidates, who had signed applications during the meeting of the Northwest Association, were made Ganders at a special Blue Goose initiation in the ballroom of the Auditorium Hotel. Elaborate plans had been made. The ceremony, conducted jointly by members of the Wisconsin Home Nest and Minnesota Pond, proved a great success, for immediately field men of many States applied for charters, all of which were promptly granted.

From such an unpretentious beginning, the Order has grown until the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International, as the Order is now known, enjoys worldwide membership.

This is unmistakable evidence of the fact that the "Blue Goose" occupies an important place in the insurance world, where its influence for fellowship and good has been felt for many years.

Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International Main Website

Who We Are

We are a fraternal organization of individuals who work in the insurance related industry.

We are home office executives, field claims reps, auditors, underwriters, general adjusters, agents, brokers, investigators, contractors, regulators, appraisers, salvors, attorneys, engineers, and a host of others.

We meet socially, and not as a part of any insurance or industry group. Our mutual link is the career experience we have in our chosen field.

Our formal name is the Honorable Order of The Blue Goose, International. We have local groups, called Ponds, throughout the United States and Canada.

We are called Ganders. Our officers have titles such as Wielder of the Goose Quill, Guardian of the Pond, and Keeper of the Golden Goose Egg. We have a secret initiation ceremony.

Blue Goose offers much to do.

Every Pond has its own unique blend of members and of activities. Some Ponds meet in the evenings, some meet at lunch time, and some mix it up. There are fund raisers to generate money for charity. There are dinner-dances golf outings, and Christmas parties. There are educational seminars, speakers from many backgrounds, and get-togethers with insurance commissioners and industry leaders. There are events involving multiple Ponds.

We hold an annual convention each Summer in a different city, each convention hosted by a Pond which competed for the privilege.

Our convention is a family affair. Ganders bring their spouses and children. Activities are planned for Ganders, for non-Gander Spouses, and for the children.

Why We Do What We Do

We have each found reasons to give our time to Blue Goose when we all have other demands on our time.

There is fellowship. We are a community of interest, experience, activity, and feeling. This community nature is something larger and yet more intimate than a business association or networking group. We are genuine friends.

There is education. Many of our Ponds have speakers on interesting and practical topics. Some have certified continuing education programs. Blue Goose promotes IIA, IIC, and CPCU programs. Blue Goose presents annual awards for academic excellence to individuals earning the highest grades in competitive IIA examinations. We continue to grow in our profession.

There is charity. The Ponds, each in its own way, provide needed support for a variety of charities. Some spread donations over several charities. We help those in need.

There is leadership. When we give ourselves in the work of Blue Goose, and when we are elected to office in Blue Goose, we gain experience in new areas, Poise and confidence is gained in the administration of activities and in the management of others. We acquire leadership skills.

These are Not All the Benefits

These are not all the benefits of membership, but they provide you an idea of what we're about. Far better than any pamphlet or website is a visit to a Pond as a guest of one of our Ganders.

Most members of the insurance community are eligible for membership. The full spectrum of the field is represented in our Ganders. This is one of our strengths. In a relaxed atmosphere, the Ponds provide Ganders a place in which to take the pulse of their industry.

We want you to visit with us, to meet with the Ganders, and to find out for yourself about our organization, Blue Goose.

You will find character, charity, and fellowship in abundance.

You will find a welcoming group of friends.

You will find that a place has been saved for you.

Please join us.