JOKERS
By Marvin Long

April, 2008
    The Jokers unit of Mirza Shrine is one of the oldest units in southeast Kansas. We are still quite active in the western part of Mirza, but don’t travel very far. Because we are one of the oldest units, I would like to share a little of our history.
    The Club owned two fire trucks over the years. The 1943 Ford Fire Truck was purchased from the city of Independence and had been used at the Independence Army Air Base during WWII. The 1926 Page Milk Company Segame Fire Truck was purchased from the Page Milk company of Coffeyville. Can you imagine driving a 1926 Fire Truck to the East-West Bowl game at Manhattan, Kansas and then driving, home in the middle of the night with not many lights and a lot of drinks under your belt. One of the trucks sold for $500.00 and one sold for $350.00. They were a lot of fun. In 1971, each person in the unit purchased their own Scooter. Many of them wish they still had them. I, Marvin, wasn’t
in the unit at the time all this was going on , so I would like to thank Ernie Cain for the article. Ernie is the Lady of Noble Lee Cain one of the charter members of the Joker unit. I would like to say that although I was not in the unit at the time they purchased the Scooters, I have one. I purchased it from a Joker who had quit riding it and I have never ridden it in a parade, but it must have been a fun time. I do have a ’64 Plymouth convertible that I have used in parades to pull the units little merry-go-round. If you don’t belong to a unit, I suggest you find one in your area or one that supports your interest and join a unit. I feel that this is a great way to meet other Shriners and to support a great organization.

Jan 2008
    Noble Jim Harkness and his Lady Shirley have led the Jokers through a very good year and will be leading us for another year. The only meeting Jim and Shirley missed was election month. That won’t happen again. Anyway, they did a very nice job and we are sure they will do equally well this year. If you don’t know our president in another life is Harkie. As a clown he entertains children in many different walks of life. One of the highlights of his clowning is entertaining children at a Burn Camp. We are proud of you, Jim.
    We meet the last Sunday of the month usually in Independence or Sycamore. However; our May meeting was hosted in Altamont by Lois Robison, the Lady of the late Marion Robison. We certainly had a great dinner and meeting. We were also hosted by several of Lois’ children and grandchildren. Lois has two sons, a son-in-law and a grandson who are Shriners. That is something to be proud of. Way to go. Lois.
    The Jokers will have a new look in parades along with our Merry-go-round. Thanks to my wife Joyce. It was my Christmas present, but I am not telling what it is. You will have to see for yourself at one of our many parades.
    For our Christmas party we are joined by the Krazy Karts. It is great that they can meet with us. Nobel Mark Spiliman and his Lady Diane along with Jerry Al1ison PP and his Lady Martha hosted a fun filled party. We want to thank them and everyone who hosted a monthly meeting. If you have a free Sunday evening come and join us.