 Familiar White Cloud Landmark Destroyed Eagles Lodge lost in fire Story and photos by Charles Chandler, White Cloud Mayor Back in the early days of SNL Gilda Radner’s character Roseanne Roseannadanna would often say ‘It's always something. If it isn't one thing--it's another! It's always something.’ Friday around the lunch hour a fire started at the White Cloud Eagles Aerie #4170 located at 461 North Evergreen Dr, White Cloud. The building was soon engulfed and a total loss. Five fire departments from Newaygo County municipalities responded quickly and made every effort to contain the fire but... ...by around 3:00 PM the smoldering remains were being demolished. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time but from photos appeared to have started outside of the main building on the North Side. It was mentioned that a motorist passing on M37 saw the fire, stopped and notified the lunch crowd to leave the building and all did so safely.
The Eagles lodge was a White Cloud landmark and familiar gathering place for members and a meeting space for community functions and other organizations. The White Cloud Rotary met in the Eagles Banquet Room each Wednesday. Quick action by Rotary Vice President Stewart Sanders, Eagles Member and White Cloud Firefighter Joey Kukal helped recover Rotary Club's properties including the Rotary Bell, Gavel, Badge Box and other items. I am sure that in the near future Eagle President Mr. Jerry Bidelman., Officers and members will determine next steps for Aerie #4170 and make some public announcement as to their decision. The Eagles were good neighbors and supported many worthy causes in White Cloud. Their motto was “WE ARE "PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE" and now it is our turn to help the Eagles and please know we are truly sorry for your loss. Comments are closed.
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March 2023
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