During Mooseheart’s first five years, a small number of dependent Moose seniors were provided residence at Mooseheart, “the Child City,” on a somewhat experimental basis. However, providing a home for both children and seniors on the northern Illinois campus proved impractical. In 1918, Director General James J. Davis proposed to that year’s International Convention to find “a home in a warmer climate for the aged members and their spouses.”

Supreme Secretary Rodney H. Brandon purchased property on the banks of the St. Johns River in Orange Park, FL consisting of eight acres (and an option for 18 more) with a four-story hotel structure, containing approximately 65 rooms. The original concept was to “organize the residents so that they might help each other and help themselves, and provide from their own energy the major part of the cost of their keep.”

Moosehaven was dedicated on October 3, 1922, and the first 20 residents arrived (mostly from Mooseheart) on November 1. During the first six months of operation, some 54 residents were admitted. By 1926, there were 144 residents. Known initially as the “City of Opportunity”, Moosehaven residents performed all of their own work and operated a successful dairy and farm. At various times, as many as 500 Moose members have resided at Moosehaven

Today, more than 300 Moose members reside on Moosehaven’s 70 acres. Instead of doing farm work as they did in the early years, they pursue new enjoyable experiences every day! Many have “Sunshine” jobs that help keep the community running smoothly—answering phones, driving vans and buses, delivering mail, running the stores, sewing and more. Their jobs are only a small part of the active life they already enjoy with each other.