The Fraternal Order of Eagles began in 1898 as a group of theater owners in Seattle. But as it grew into a national organization with a broad membership, the Eagles became involved in issues beyond the arts. Three decades later, Lyndon Johnson thanked the Eagles for their role in creating Medicare. The one big silver lining of the Trump era is that it has rejuvenated many Americans’ interest in civic and political engagement. Civic groups, which had been in decline for decades, have staged something of a comeback.

Source: New York Times November 28, 2019 12:56 UTC