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CLUBS AND FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS \7 ne distinctive element of Carbon County's social history is the extensive involvement by residents in clubs and organizations. Fraternal organizations, service clubs, civic groups, ethnic organizations, women's clubs, and youth organizations have all contributed to the development of Carbon County life. Among the earliest of these organizations were fraternal groups such as the Masons, the Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias. Originally the fraternal organizations brought together people of like circumstances and gave them opportunities for social and community service. At first, these organizations accepted as members only those who could prove that their famdies had been American citizens for several generations. Partly in response to this discrimination, and strongly influenced by Old World traditions, immigrants organized their own ethnic fraternal organizations such as the AmericanHellenic-Educational-Progressive Association (AHEPA) for Greeks and Steda D'America for Italians. These organizations provided members with the chance to meet, socialize, and pursue common interests and goals. As fraternal organizations such as the Elks and the Masons 347
