Noble Jim Harris of El Hasa Temple, Ashland, Ky. had no idea or the magnitude of his dream when he founded the Grand & Glorious Order of the Hillbilly Degree. Although this noble work began in 1970, the Degree was almost unknown at Tripoli Temple until 1977. It was not until January of 1980 that Noble Wally Ferch obtained the permission of Tripoli Temple's Potentate, Illustrious Arnold C. Lange to form a Hillbilly Clan in our area. Clan 50 was chartered January 15th, 1980.

Clan 50 is also known as the "Badger" or "Tripoli Hillbillies". This group is part of an international organization of over 90 Clans throughout North America. This Order has two purposes, to raise funds for our Shriners Hospitals & Burns Institutes and to promote sociability among the members. Records will show that Clan 50 has been very successful in both areas.

In the short space of five years the Clan has grown from less than a dozen members to over five hundred. Tripoli Hillbillies are the second largest group in Tripoli Temple. Enrolled in the Clan are over eighty dual members from more than 30 Shrine Temples. There are also overthree hundred Mommas who assist our Clan in many ways.

Our Tripoli Hillbillies are as well known for their ritual work as for their contributions to our great Shrine philanthropy. Tripoli's Hillbilly Raban, Wally Ferch, along with some of the Clan officers, have conferred Hillbilly and Mommas Degrees from coast to coast and border to border.

The Clan has two main social events each year. In the Spring there is the Hoe-down at Tripoli's Mosque, and in the Fall there is the Annual Hog Roast & Barn Dance. Both of these events are very reasonably priced and well attended. Our Hog Roast & Barn Dance is held in a rural setting and has become one of the most popular fund raising events of the Clan.

The Clan's initiation fee serves as lifetime dues. The informal nature of the Clan and our dedication to our Shrine philanthropy has made Clan 50 one of the most successful Clans in the A.A.O.N.M.S.