(Courtesy of Beavertown Historical Society)

Shown here is a pin issued by the Beavertown chapter of the Knights of the Maccabees (K.O.T.M). The K.O.T.M. was a global fraternal society founded in 1878 in Ontario, Canada. The name of the group honors Judas Maccabeus, a legendary Hebrew military leader. Specifically, it was his wisdom in the use of power, his persistance, and his generosity to the widows and children of his fallen comrades that were cherished by the KOTM. In 1962 the K.O.T.M. consolidated into a life insurance company and changed its name to The Maccabees Mutual Life Insurance Company.

This was only one of several "secret societies" that were present in Beavertown around the turn of the 20th century.