History

The Daughters of Mokanna is a fraternal organization for ladies founded in 1919.^[20] The purpose of the Order is to support the Grottoes International in their efforts to provide fun, fellowship, comfort, and aid to one another. They also support the Grotto’s Humanitarian Foundation, which provides dental care for special needs children.^[18]

The Daughters of Mokanna was born on June 5, 1919. There were four original subordinate Daughters of Mokanna that opened in their respective communities were #1 – Amoo - Rock Island, IL; #2 – Mohassan - Davenport, IA; #3 – Ankara - Kansas City, MO; and #4 – Zal - Moline, IL2. Together, these four subordinate chapters formed the Supreme Daughters of Mokanna.^[21]

The aim of the Daughters of Mokanna is to bring into closer relationship the families of Grotto members and to promote Sociability, Friendship, Charity, Education and Patriotism. Their major humanitarian work is supporting the Enchanted Lantern program through the Supreme Council M.O.V.P.E.R. Humanitarian Foundation.^[21]

Requirements

To be eligible for membership, candidates must be either or:

• The wife, widow or adult female relative of a Veiled Prophet (Grotto member can also be invited).
• Related to a Master Mason in good standing.
• Be a member in good standing in an organization recognized by the Masonic Lodge (i.e., Eastern Star, Amaranth, etc.).

Creation of new caldrons

According to their regulations, only a single Caldron can be established within a city limit, with its jurisdiction aligning with that of the corresponding Grotto. The initiation of a new Caldron requires a petition for dispensation, which must be endorsed by a minimum of 25 women. These women must be at least 18 years old and have a familial connection to a Veiled Prophet of the Enchanted Realm.

Once established, a Caldron operates autonomously, managing its own affairs and finances. It has the authority to draft its own Bylaws and governs itself in compliance with the constitution of the Supreme Caldron.

Attire

Different fezzes are worn to signify various ranks or roles within the organization:

• The Regulation Fez is blue, adorned with red tassel and lettering. This is the standard fez worn by members of the order.
• The Mighty Chosen One, a distinguished position within the order, wears a red fez with a gold tassel to signify their status.
• A Past Mighty Chosen One, someone who has previously held the position of the Mighty Chosen One, wears a white fez with a purple tassel and lettering.

Requirements

This group is on invitation only, to be invited, one must be:

• The wife, partner, widow, a female relative, or a female friend of a member of a Veiled Prophet (Grotto member can also be invited).
• Be invited by an existing witch (member) or be part of the formation a new cauldron by Grotto Members.
• Be over the age of 21 years old.

Purpose

The early 20th century was a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization, and many people were feeling displaced and uncertain about the future. In this context, the M.O.W.O.S. offered a sense of community and belonging for its members. The group's name is a reference to the Salem witch trials, which took place in Massachusetts in 1692. The M.O.W.O.S. reclaims the image of the witch, transforming it into a symbol of female empowerment and strong sisterhood.

History

Sometime prior to 1917, the Mysterious Order Witches of Salem was founded as a female auxiliary to the Grotto. The first “Caldron,” the term used for a local chapter of the Order, was founded in Chicago, IL, and was known as Aryan Caldron No. 1.^[22]

On January 15, 1918, Amoo Caldron No. 2 was constituted in Rock Island, IL. In 1918, the Supreme Caldron was formed, consisting of Aryan No. 1 and Amoo No. 2, with officers coming from both groups. Later, Koom Caldron No. 3 was opened in Rockford, IL.^[23]

On or about Wednesday, March 5, 1919, Amoo Caldron No. 2 seceded from the “Supreme Caldron,” which was mostly being operated out of Chicago. The ladies in Rock Island promptly declared themselves the new Supreme Caldron and Amoo Caldron became No. 1. On November 18, 1920, Mrs. Vashti H. Bollman, acting Supreme Enchantress of the "new" Supreme Caldron notes that Mrs. Josephine Mace, Mysterious Enchantress of Amoo No. 2, withdrew Amoo from the parent organization in Chicago. It is reported that she was brought up on fraternal charges, to which she pled guilty, surrendering the charter of Amoo No. 2 in the process. However, she refused to give up the name “Amoo Caldron” and used it to “usurp the name Supreme Caldron from the parent organization.” ^[24] The Amoo group began opening new Caldrons, getting up to at least five with the institution of Hapac Caldron No. 5 in 1920.^[25]

The Daughters of Mokanna formed in 1919, in Rock Island, Illinois.^[26] This coincides with the secession of Amoo from Chicago and the founding of their own Supreme Caldron. They go one to describe how the ritual was decided upon and list the first four Daughters of Mokanna Caldrons – Amoo No. 1, Mohassan No. 2, Ankara, No. 3, and Zal No. 4. This would lead one to believe that Hapac was No. 5 as listed in the newspaper accounts. However, no account is given as to what happened to Koom Caldron No. 3, except that it shows up as participating in the Daughters of Mokanna national Convention in 1922.^[27]

Like its male counterpart, the group is involved in fun and fellowship, as well as charitable activities directed toward cerebral palsy and dentistry for the handicapped. The current number of Witches (members) is unknown as the group is very discreet. The M.O.W.O.S. is also known for its elaborate costumes and rituals, but because of a careful and grand secrecy the rituals are safely guarded and no written copies are made available online or on paper.^[28]