A Brief History of Mantowagan Lodge

Mantowagan Lodge was first chartered in 1993 as the result of the merger of Pamrapaugh Lodge #14 and Elauwit Lodge #37. The name Mantowagan means "Those with Spiritual Power" and had formally been the name of the Elauwit Lodge Ceremonial Team. The youth-run merger committee, co-chaired by Elauwit Lodge Chief Mike Conlon and Pamrapaugh Lodge Chief Hugh Roarty presented the name, along with the totem of a Native American paddling a canoe, to the membership of both Lodges who enthusiastically accepted it. Subsequently, Dan Castle was elected as the first Netami Sakima (Lodge Chief) of Mantowagan Lodge.

In its first year, Mantowagan undertook the great task of completely running Hudson Liberty Council's semi-annual Camporall and Regatta at Liberty State Park. Not only was a youth-run Councilwide event unprecedented in Hudson County, but that Camporall has been considered by many to be one of the great successes in bringing together the members of the new Hudson Liberty Council.

Although a young lodge, Mantowagan has a long and proud history handed down by its predecessors. Pamrapaugh Lodge #14 is known to have been represented at the Grand Lodge organizational meeting held on October 7, 1921. There is some confusion as to the original date of Pamrapaugh's charter because as of that meeting there were only 10 chartered lodges in operation. Yet in 1926, Pamrapaugh was assigned a lodge number of 14. There is some evidence that Pamrapaugh Lodge may have existed prior to Minsi Lodge #5.

Elauwit Lodge #37 was another result of merged lodges. In 1969, Achtu Lodge #37 merged with Chinchewunska Lodge #440. Achtu #37 had the proud distinction of being founded by none other than Carroll A. Edson, one of the founders of the Order of the Arrow, during his tenure as Scout Executive in Jersey City. Mr. Edson was also the first Vigil Honor member of Achtu Lodge. Chinchewunska Lodge was the home of Dr. Carl Marchetti, past Chairman of the National Order of the Arrow Committee, and the Lodge where Dr. Marchetti received his Vigil.

In 1999, Mantowagan Lodge #14 ceased to exist. The Brothers of Mantowagan Lodge joined with three other Lodges to form Lenapehoking Lodge #9 on September 25, 1999.

 The Brothers of Mantowagan Lodge strive to live up to the high standards of our "parent" Lodges. All of the prior Lodges in Hudson County had long histories strong in Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service. As Brothers in Lenapehoking Lodge, the Arrowmen of Hudson County will do their best to continue that tradition.

Lodge Chiefs of Mantowagan Lodge #14

1993-94 - Dan Castle

1994-95 - Fran Bonnacorso

1995-96 - Rob McMahon

1996-97 - Matt Onacilla

1997-98 - Richard Colabraro

1998-99 - Tom Zuber

Brothers of the Vigil Honor presented by Mantowagan Lodge

"He who serves his fellows is, of all his fellows, greatest."