Smoke Signals #1

 

Smoke Signals

 

Greetings!  My name is Dr. Mike Bortner.  I am the library manager and historian for Samoset Tribe #22, I. O. R. M.  We are located in the historic Red Men’s Hall at 431 Georgia Street in downtown Vallejo, CA. 

This introduction is the first of what will hopefully be a series of articles that detail different aspects of our Improved Order of Red Men fraternity.  Topics will include the formative history and lore of the Red Men organization.  In addition, there will be anecdotes and stories on the landmark Red Men Hall in Vallejo, as well as the fraternal organization that built it and who continues to operate within its walls. 

The early pioneers of our Order are long gone, however many of their words and deeds remain behind in the form of news accounts and our weekly record books faithfully kept.  Some of these personalities, both ordinary and distinguished who were proud to be called Red Men, will be brought to life within the paragraphs of this column.  These citizens, people who travelled the streets of our community then, just as we do today, helped establish and grow Samoset Tribe #22 into one of the largest and most influential Tribes in the State (Reservation) of California.  It is to them and to our current members that this column is dedicated.

Respectfully submitted- Dr. Mike Bortner, January 14, 2026

 

 

 

 

(Art taken from the 1907 Improved Order of Red Men, Samoset Tribe #22 Officer’s and member’red book.)

 

 

 

 

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