Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1
Auxiliary
Our History
November 3, 1997 the Auxiliary of Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1 celebrated its 77th anniversary. In reviewing the history of the Auxiliary, it is important to reflect on how the Fraternal Order of Police itself began.
The F.O.P. came into existence in the home of Kathryn Milton, when a handful of men met in her kitchen one Sunday evening in 1915, to formulate plans for what was to become Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Admiring the determination of these men, and knowing of their struggles, worries, and their anxieties (she was married to a policeman) she pledged her assistance, because at that time the police job was a political one. The politicians used them as pawns and hired and fired them on a whim. Kathryn helped the men write the original Constitution and Ritual and Bylaws.
Wednesday, November 3, 1920 Kathryn Milton, Maude Schmotzer, and several determined women met secretly to form the first F.O.P. Ladies Auxiliary. At that time the "Woman Suffrage" movement had gained momentum in the nation and they were very close to secure the right to vote. The men and women felt that this was the right time to join ranks and secure much needed legislation in behalf of the police. In 1925 the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County granted the Auxiliary their charter.
In the summer of 1941 Ohio formed the first State Auxiliary and in September the Grand Lodge followed suit and granted National status to the Ladies Auxiliary.
Realizing her ability as an organizer and dedication Kathryn Milton was elected president of the infant organization. She possessed first-hand knowledge of the purpose of the organization and its objectives. As president she authored the national rules and rituals by which all auxiliaries are governed.
As in the beginning their main goal is legislation and they are constantly attempting to improve the way of life for the police officer. However over the years they have seen the need to branch out into other civic and community affairs.
A scholarship fund has been established for the family of our members and police officers. Locally they have consistently assisted Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1 with their many projects. Just to name a few, they have sponsored cook outs, bingos, making wheel chair covers, lap covers, collecting novels for the local V.A. hospitals. During the recent conflict they assisted dependents who were in need because of the Desert Storm campaign in the Middle East. The auxiliary is always out to promote the well-being and good-name of the Pittsburgh Police Officer. They will "Never Let Them Walk Alone."