The life of Imperial Sir Thomas W. Melham

Thomas W. Melham was the Imperial Potentate of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.) from July 18, 1957 to July 17, 1958. Imperial Potentate Melham was  instrumental in the founding of the Great Lakes Shrine Association, which was organized in 1949, Imperial Treasurer 1966-1981, and Emeritus Member of the Board of Trustees of Shriner's Hospitals for Children of the Shrine of North America. Imperial Sir Melham's fraternal activities received his greatest attention. Beginning with his election to Kappa Sigma at the University of Wisconsin. He was also a member of Skill and Crescent, an honorary inter-fraternity group.

Melham was born on January 19, 1902 in Brandt, South. Dakota. He was a graduate of University of Wisconsin in 1923. He began his career in the workforce with the National Cash Register Company in Dayton, Ohio, and later in Philadelphia.

Turning to insurance, he returned to Wisconsin as a special agent and was the first person in that state to receive the professional degree of Charter Life Underwriter. In 1937 he joined Prudential Insurance Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and in 1952 transferred to New York City, New York as manager of the Manhattan agency.

He was Raised a Master Mason in Silver Spring Lodge No. 337, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin in 1928, where he later served as Master in 1952. He was also a member of Kenwood Chapter No. 90, R.A.M.; Ivanhoe Commandery No. 24, K.T.; and Wisconsin Valley Scottish Rite in which he held several offices, all of these Fraternal Bodies were located in Milwaukee. He joined Tripoli Shrine Temple in 1930 and was their Illustrious Potentate in 1943; member of St. Quentin Conclave No. 75, Red Cross of Constantine, and Honorary Member of National Sojourners.

Past Imperial Potentate Thomas W. Melham passed away in Fort Salonga, NY from cancer on Sunday, February 28, 1988, at the age of 86.

Full Biography of Imperial Sir Thomas W. Melham

Imperial Sir Thomas W. Melham was Imperial Potentate 1957-1958, Imperial Treasurer 1966-1981 and an Emeritus Member of the Board of Trustees of Shriner’s Hospitals for Children of the Shrine Of North America. Imperial Sir Melham’s fraternal activities received his greatest attention beginning with his election to Kappa Sigma at the University of Wisconsin. He was also a member of Skill and Crescent an honorary inter-fraternity group.

He was raised in Silver Spring Lodge #37 in 1928 and was elected Worshipful Master in 1952. He was a member of Kenwood Chapter #90 R.A.M.; Ivanhoe Commandery #24 and Wisconsin Valley Scottish Rite in which he held several offices.

FRATERNAL: Imperial Sir joined Tripoli Temple in 1930. He served on the Divan and Ritualistic Divan and was elected Potentate in 1943. He was a member and past director of R.O.J. Court 101; member of El Hajj Court #2; Past National Emir; member of the Cabiri; member of St. Quentin Conclave #75 Red Cross of Constantine; and a honorary member of the National Sojourners.

In 1948, he was elected Imperial Outer Guard, being the first Wisconsin Shriner so honored.

During 1948, he helped organize the GLSA refusing any office. He was elected its Honorary President. In 1949 he gave full support to Illustrious Sir Herbert Mount, then Potentate of Tripoli Temple, in starting the Midwest Shrine Football Game which has raised large sums of money for Shriner’s Hospitals. He became Imperial Potentate in 1957. In 1966 he was elected Imperial Treasurer and became a member of the Board of Trustees of Shriner’s Hospitals. He served honorably until he elected to retire in 1980 at which time he was elected to the honorary position of Trustee Emeritus. As Imperial Treasurer, he made many contributions to many committees and was a long time member of the Investment Committee leading to much financial success of the Hospital Corporations.

BUSINESS: He received a degree in Commerce and Business Administration from U of Wisc., and became associated with the National Cash Register Co. In Dayton then later Philadelphia. He returned to Wisconsin and entered the field of life insurance. He was one of two to receive the professional degree of Charter Life Underwriter. In 1937 he joined Prudential Insurance Company of America, and in 1952 became manager of the Manhattan Agency later receiving a Presidential Citation for excellence. He retired in 1963.

COMMUNITY: During his early years in Wisconsin, his civic involvement was wide and varied. He served as Trustee of Whitefish Bay, a Milwaukee suburb; as Chairman of the Whitefish Bay Finance Committee; and as Chairman of the Whitefish Bay Board of Health. He was elected as the first President of the Whitefish Bay Club and acted as Trustee in several financial capacities. After Pearl Harbor, he was appointed State Rationing Officer by Governor Heil, heading up tire, gasoline and other related activities.

CHURCH: Imperial Sir Melham was a member and Deacon of Plymouth Church in Milwaukee.

FAMILY: Imperial Sir Melham’s family came first in his life. His wife, Lucia, was a delightful and wonderful lady who served at his side. They had three outstanding children: Mary Lou, John and Tom.

Past Imperial Potentate Thomas W. Melham passed away in Fort Salonga, NY from cancer on Sunday, February 28, 1988, at the age of 86.

This biographical information provided by Imperial Sir Robert S. Bailey, 1995-1996, Honorary President of GLSA.

Imperial Potentate Melham's Past Imperial Potentate Jewel at the link below:

http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/past_imperial_potentate_jewel.htm 

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