Woodmen of the World.

Lacking health insurance and retirement benefits, working men like Joseph were drawn to fraternal organizations that would provide life insurance to protect their families' future if they were injured or died.

Founded in 1890, Woodmen of the World was open to men over the age of 18. Those in some dangerous occupations, like lumbermen, were not accepted and members were not allowed to drink liquor to excess. As with many similar groups there were rituals; members of W.O.W. conducted drills with axes (aluminum heads and the initials WOW engraved on the head).

Service to the community was an important component and chapters would provide relief in the event of disasters, like they did to hurricane victims in Galveston, Texas in the early 1900's. A patriotic group, American flags were widely distributed. For a time families were offered headstones, often in the shape of tree stumps, for the graves of deseased members.

Joseph was the Deputy of Woodmen of the World (WOW) - John A. Logan Camp, No. 90, brandishing a ceremonial sword. They met the first and third Fridays at a building on North California Avenue.

It was not all business, for the group hosted dances and picnics like many similar organizations. Baseball would become a lifelong passion. They followed the professional team, the Cubs, as it won pennants and world championships.

Amateur leagues were sponsored by many businesses, fraternal organizations like WOW, as well as churches.

Joseph and his son Walter played for the WOW baseball team. Joseph pitched and Walter played catcher, leading the team into the baseball league championships in 1910 and 1911.