Sovereign United Imperial Order of Turtles

The Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles

It all starts with a simple question. Are you a Turtle? 

An honorable drinking fraternity composed of ladies and gentlemen of the highest morals and good character, who are never vulgar.

If you know the answer to this question, welcome! Don't know the answer? No problem, read below for more information about the order and about joining a local pond.

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Ken Noble 33°/ 90°/ 95°

Grand Imperial Master Turtle

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Many members of America's great fraternal organizations, such as the Shriners, Masons, Elks, and American Legionnaires, are familiar with that age-old query, "Are you a Turtle?" Sometimes, one sees a green-shelled turtle lapel pin or even an auto decal with a grinning turtle asking the same question.  But what or who are the Turtles, you ask? Quite simply, The Turtles are a drinking fraternity that exists in the United States of America as a fun-and-honor group usually within the local lodge or post, sort of an auxiliary degree. It traces its honorable origins back to the Second World War, on January 12, 1943, in an English pub, when a group of fighter pilots formed a semi-secret drinking fraternity among its squadron's members, and put prospective candidates for membership through a mock initiation. 

If You Have What it Takes...You Too Can Become A Turtle!!

To be a Turtle you must think with a clean mind. Having no dues, the Turtles simply ask new members to recruit new members. To gain admission, one must be initiated. The initiation normally takes place in a social quarter of the lodge or place after the Supreme Session's business meetings are completed. The Turtles will approach the prospective candidate and solemnly ask him (or her) if they wish to join the Sovereign United Imperial Order of Turtles The Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles. There are different branches of Turtles Worldwide, but all adhere to the same sign, password, grip, and initiation format.