History of DeMolay in Nebraska

Dr. Zoro D. Clark, a prominent dentist in Omaha, Nebraska, is responsible for bringing DeMolay to the state of Nebraska. Dr. Clark's introduction to the organization came during a visit with his good friend Frank S. Land in Kansas City. Land had recently started a youth organization called DeMolay and he asked Dr. Clark to extend his stay in order to see what it was all about. Dr. Clark did so and was very impressed. So much so, in fact, that he wished his own two sons could join just such an organization in Omaha. After returning home, Dr. Clark worked diligently to bring DeMolay to Nebraska. His persistence came to fruition on May 8, 1920, when Omaha Chapter of the Order of DeMolay was instituted.

"Dad" Frank S. Land, Founder of the Order of DeMolay, brought a degree team from Mother Chapter in Kansas City to initiate the 67 young men of Nebraska. Omaha Chapter has the distinction of being the world's second DeMolay chapter and is the parent organization for all chapters in Nebraska.

At the request of Dr. Frederick Eiche of Lincoln, Omaha Chapter initiated 127 young men into the first class of candidates for Lincoln Chapter. In November 1920, Dr. Clark saw the third chapter in Nebraska instituted when 75 young men became DeMolays in Hastings.

Today, DeMolay has 11 chapters in Nebraska with a current membership of more than 400

History of Leaders

The DeMolay International Hall of Fame was formed in 1937 by Dad Land to honor outstanding athletes of that time. In 1985, it was reorganized to include senior DeMolays in many fields of endeavor. The first class was inducted in 1986 and included Nebraskans Tom Osborne and E. P. Baruth.

Tom Osborne was a member of Hastings Chapter in Hastings, Nebraska. He played football in high school and at Hastings College. From 1972 until 1997, Osborne served as the head football coach for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhuskers. Coach Osborne retired as the most winning active football coach in NCAA Division I-A. Prior to retiring, he led the Huskers to three nationalchampionships in 1994, 1995, and 1997.

E. P. Baruth became a member of Hastings Chapter in 1925. After high school, he enrolled in Hastings College and became a member of track and field activities at the college. He ran in the early Drake Relays.

J. Robert Duncan is Chief Executive Officer of Duncan Aviation in Lincoln, Nebraska. At his induction into the DeMolay Hall of Fame on June 16, 2001, Robert Duncan said, "I credit my family and business success to the values that I was taught—values that include respect for everyone, trusting others, and working as a team. Those values came from my parents, my school, and organizations such as DeMolay. I have always enjoyed and benefited from interaction with others-DeMolay was one of my first experiences in that regard. I would encourage all young people to listen and learn; your values are with you all of your life."

Ronald W. Roskins was President of the University of Nebraska for many years. After leaving that position, he was appointed by President George Bush to head the U.S. Agency of International Development. When his term ended, he became President and Chief Executive Officer for Action International, Inc. Action International is a super think tank of 35 former heads of state from around the world.