The Racoon Lodge

MEMBERS OF THE BENSONHURST CHAPTER

Ralph Kramden
Edward Norton
Frank Brady
Brother Casey
Red Courtney
Brother Donovan
Brother Durgom
Flaherty
Brother Garrity
Brother Gavin (whose father had the honor of being a thirteen-tail Racoon)

Brother Hurdle
Brother Kennedy
Brother Miller
Jack Philbin
Brother Poss
F.Ruggerio (president)
Brother Smithers
Brother Stevens

Charlie Sullivan
George Williams

Morris Fink- The Grand High Exalted Mystic Ruler

RACOON LORE

• The Racoons were established in 1907 . Both Toots Mondello and Herman Hildebrand are credited with being founders of the lodge.

• The Racoon have been known as "The International Order of Friendly Sons Of the Racoons" and "The International Order of Loyal Racoons"

• The Racoon's Slogan is : "E Pluribus Racoon"

• The Racoon Toast- as originated by Toots Mondello : "Fingers to fingers , thumbs to thumbs, watch out below here it comes!"

• The Racoons have held conventions in Switzerland and Chicago. Ralph was loaded with gags for the Chicago get-together: toy gun, dribble glass, chattering teeth, electric stick, and paper bags for dropping out the hotel window.

• The Bensonhurst lodge has a drill team.

• Brother Jack Philbin is a big-time fight promoter.

• There are 300 members in the Bensonhurst chapter of the Racoon lodge.

• Norton has served as secretary and sergeant at arms he was also named "Racoon of the Year"

• The Racoons hold an annual dance. Ralph has served as chairman of the dance committe-though it almost cost him his membership when he lost all the tickets.

• Dues at the lodge have been $2. and $4.

• Ralph is treasurer of the Racoons. He beat out Charlie Sullivan with a campaign promise of beer and hot dogs (oh no not hot dogs again LOL) after every lodge meeting.

Privliges of Racoon of the Year

The Racoon Lodge Marching Song

In the west and in the east
There's a mighty little beast
For courage there is no other.
When the chips are all at stake
The Racoon will never break
We are proud to call him brother.
So with our noble tails entwined
And a spirit strong of mind
We'll have hearts that cannot melt.
In the forest, in the trees
On the land or seven seas
We're brothers under the pelt.
Racoons, the noble Racoons.

Racoon Alma Mater

From the hallowed streets of Greenpernt,
To the shores of Sheepshead Bay,
From the Verrazano Narrows,
To Canarsie across the way...
We have come together one and all,
In fellowship to commune,
And to glorify the Grand Exalted Brotherhood of Racoons. [Howl]

References : The Official Honeymooners Treasury book. by Crescenti & Columbe
All information taken from The Honeymooners Treasurybook Copyright 1990
Peter Crescenti and Bob Columbe. I posted them under the "Fair Use" of
copyright materials for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not the intent of the author of this site to violate or infringe on anyone's copyright materials. All Rights Reserved.