Pow "Wow" Patch - Achunanchi Lodge 135

Achunanchi Lodge 135 was chartered in September of 1938 to serve the Choccolocco Council, from its inception the lodge held many activities including ordeals, fellowships, and an annual Christmas Banquet; but it was not until 1964 when the lodge hosted its first pow-wow. Held from August 7-9 at Camp Zinn this event also marked the first time the lodge had issued a patch for a lodge function. This event was described by Lodge Chief Jim Weed as “the big lodge meeting of the year” and the weekend served as a time to elect lodge and chapter officers, participate in OA Olympics, learn and compete in Native American Dance, and the weekend also served as an Ordeal as well.

At a cost of 3.50 for the weekend it is viewed today as a bargain. The 3.50 fee also included a “beautiful 80 cent Pow-Wow Patch”. Quite a steal as it is difficult to find one for under $800.00 now. The design however for the patch wasn’t original to the lodge. In 1959 Mowogo 243 of Athens, Georgia used the design to celebrate their first pow-wow. Talking with many traders this is a patch that has been difficult to locate ever since the late 1960’s and is one of the rarest OA event patches within Alabama. Many times this is one of the last holes filled by 135 collectors. It truly is a Pow "Wow" Patch!