By MARY TURNER
The Car Show was a successful good time in Knights Ferry this past Saturday. The weather was perfect and word on the street was that it was one of the best ever. But what I really want to say is, did anyone else get a cheesecake from the Rebekah’s? It was phenomenal! It was one of the best cheesecakes I’ve had in a very long time. Kudos to the Rebekah’s for making a stellar cheesecake and for bringing it to the community year after year. I was able to speak with Shirley Watson from the Rebekah’s, and she was kind enough to share some history on the lodge — plus a little about their cheesecakes below.
“The Knights Ferry Rebekah Lodge #361 is the sisterhood of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On September 20, 1851, Schuyler Colfax an Oddfellow himself, spearheaded the “Rebekah Degree” for female relatives of Oddfellows to gather together. In 1874 it developed into “Degree Lodges” and women could elect their own officers, manage funds, and conduct charities. Rebekah’s focus on the Golden Rule, community service, and supporting the IOOF’s mission to “visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan”. The IOOF was the first national fraternity in the U.S. to accept women.
Moving forward, our lodge is involved in a number of fundraisers which include a Saint Patrick’s dinner, a Mother’s Day Luncheon, a Thanksgiving dinner and local events i.e.: the car show, the Pumpkin Roll, etc. The original idea for cheesecakes as well as the recipe came from Annette VanNorman of Oakdale. Cheesecakes were made in her home (having 2 ovens) and eventually moved to the Knights Ferry Community Center due to the success of the fundraiser. At one point the lodge was making 120 at a time. The cakes were purchased by local and surrounding area individuals.
Currently the cheesecakes are made in large quantities for purchase for Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are also available throughout the year for smaller purchases of 1 to 10. The recipe has not changed except they are now available without almonds in the crust. They sell for $20.00 and can be ordered through Shirley Watson at 209-247-6686 or htt107@earthlink.net.
As a 501(c)(8) organization, our profits are used to support local needs. KF Rebekah Lodge #361 proudly contributes by providing Christmas gifts for Knights Ferry Elementary students, supporting Oakdale High School’s Grad Night Out, and awarding college scholarships.”
*****
Ongoing Events:
Odd Fellows Breakfast - 1st Sunday of the month @ The Odd Fellows Lodge
Free Market - 2nd Tuesday 3:30pm @ The Odd Fellows Lodge
Taco Tuesday - 5pm-8pm @ Rick’s Saloon
Thankful Thursdays - 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month. Free meal with drink purchase 5pm-8pm @ Rick’s Saloon
Upcoming Events:
School Board Meeting - April 9, 5:30pm @ Knights Ferry School
Odd Fellows Community Breakfast - April 12, 8am-12pm @ The Odd Fellows Lodge
Millers Hall Meeting - April 14, 9am @ The Millers Hall
Water Board Meeting - April 16, 7pm @ The Miller’s Hall
Gold County Peddlers Faire - April 26, 9am-4pm - Main Street/Covered Bridge, Knights Ferry
*****
Do you have any exciting Knights Ferry local news, upcoming events, historical facts about the area, jokes or recipes to share? Contact Mary Turner at knightsferrynews@gmail.com
