Dear Noble,
Lady Jan and I invite you to travel with us in the fall of 2012 on a relaxing river cruise with Grand Circle Travel along the scenic shores of the Danube River. We'll travel aboard a comfortable river ship, stopping in historic cities and towns, including Budapest, Vienna and Prague. We would be honored if you would join us for what promises to be a memorable journey. Old World Prague & the Blue Danube
Departure Date: October 18, 2012
12 days from only $3345 including airfare We hope you'll take part in this exclusive voyage—available for one departure only—during which you'll share in the camaraderie of fellow Shriners. Plus, I'm pleased to announce we'll enjoy two special included features: an open bar during dinners throughout our cruise, and a Strauss and Mozart Concert during our Musical Vienna excursion.
Traveling aboard the M/S River Adagio, we'll set foot in four nations—the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. We'll unpack just once upon boarding, with all meals on the ship included. Enjoy conversing with new and old friends in the bar and lounge, or watching the riverside scenery unfold from the panoramic Sun Deck. Also, you might be interested to know that the readers of Condé Nast Traveler recently named Grand Circle #2 "World's Best River Cruise Line" for 2011, the seventh year Grand Circle has made the "World's Best" list.
Throughout our trip, we'll be attended to by Grand Circle's dedicated, English-speaking onboard staff and gain invaluable knowledge from an expert resident Program Director. In addition to helping us get to know your fellow travelers, our Program Director will give us a candid, insider's perspective on the region's history and culture. We'll enjoy included tours in Old World capitals like Budapest, and Prague, as well as lesser-known gems like Linz and Bratislava, and gaze upon the castle-studded landscapes of the Wachau Valley.
Since your airfare is already included, why not extend your vacation to experience more of these discovery-rich destinations? Choose from a 3-night pre-extension in Budapest, Hungary, or a 3-night post-trip extension in Prague, Czech Republic. Your extensions each include daily breakfast, comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and the services of an experienced Grand Circle Program Director.
Traveling is always exciting, and we're eager to share this River Cruise experience with you. Click here for more information on this unique departure, including pricing, a detailed itinerary, unbiased Traveler Reviews, and more. We hope that you choose to join us—we're in for a special treat.
Warm Regards,
Alan W. Madsen
Deputy Imperial Potentate To explore one of Europe's legendary waterways in the
company of fellow Shriners, please call
1-800-866-6561 and select Option #2
today and mention your Group Service Code, G2-23824. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Additional government taxes and fees will apply. Pricing will vary by departure city; call for details. Standard Terms & Conditions apply. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.
Privacy Policy | About Grand Circle Travel
Grand Circle Corporation • 347 Congress Street • Boston, MA 02210
.Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 2:49 PM
Subject: Arkansas Special Order
January 17, 2012
To: Potentate and Recorder of Sahara Shriners
Potentate and Recorder of Scimitar Shriners
Re: Special Order No. 3 (Series of 2011-2012)
I attach the Special Order of Shriners International as indicated in my Response to the edict of the Grand Master of Arkansas against Shriners International.
As recited with specificity in my Response there are those who have chosen to resolve an internal fraternal issue between two independent fraternal organizations, with Supremacy and, indeed, Suppression, over Brotherhood, Fraternity and Amity. The result of this unilateral resolve was obvious, and has occurred. It has now occasioned this protective Special Order from Shriners International to safeguard the continued governance of our Order in accordance with its articles of incorporation and bylaws, and to provide its members fraternal protection.
I will continue to pray that the day will soon come when all of us, Freemasons, Scottish Rite Masons, York Rite Masons, and Shriners will, once again, be able to say in Unison and with Amity “Let There Be Light,” and assuredly receive the response “AndThere is Light.” I ask all Officers and Shriners in the state of Arkansas to join me in this prayer.
I am confident that the full import, significance and authority of this Special Order will provide guidance to the Officers and Nobles of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners and their temple units and shrine clubs – as well as the continued operation of our Temples of Mercy,Shriners Hospitals for Children.
This Special Order is to be read at the next meeting of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners and is to become part of its permanent records.
Yours in the faith,
Michael G. Severe
Imperial Potentate
cc: Enclosure
Boards of Directors and Trustees
Past Imperial Potentates
Jurisprudence and Laws Committee
Grievances and Appeals Committee
Illustrious Sir Robert O. Kuehn, General Counsel
Illustrious Sir Theodore Corsones, Chairman Emeritus, General Counsel
Divan, Sahara Shriners
Divan, Scimitar Shriners
Grand Lodges of North America
Scottish Rite and York Rite Leaders
Shrine Temples
SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL
Special Order No. 3 PO Box 31356
Tampa, FL 33631-3356
Series 2011-2012 January 17, 2012
To the Officers and Nobles of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners, Fraternal Greetings:
The matter of the edict issued by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas in his letter dated December 8, 2011 addressed to Shriners International, All Subordinate Lodges in Arkansas, All Master Masons of Arkansas, All Grand Jurisdictions and All Appendant Bodies in Arkansas, is well known by each of you.
After careful review and consideration, and in consequence of the gravity of the effect of the aforesaid edict, I issue the following findings, conclusions and order.
Findings And Conclusions
Pertaining to the document titled A Response dated January 13, 2012 that I sent to the Grand Lodges of the Conference of Grand Masters for North America and to the subordinate temples of Shriners International and others. By reference thereto, I incorporate all of its provisions herein.
Shriners International, with very few exceptions, has enjoyed a fraternal and harmonious relationship with all Grand Lodges since it came into existence in 1872. The very few exceptions that did occur were approached by Shriners International and the affected Grand Lodge with the utmost respect for each other and their charitable and fraternal missions. With an abundance of good will toward each other, every difference was resolved and we maintained the integrity of our existing relationship for the good of Freemasonry, the good of Shriners International, and for the greater good of humanity.
The Conference of Grand Masters for North America consists of 65 or more diverse and distinctive Grand Lodges. Shriners International consists of one entity. Shriners International acknowledges that no Grand Lodge can cede its sovereignty, power and authority to another Grand Lodge. Each Grand Lodge has its own governance. When a divisive issue exists between two Grand Lodges, there is no claim of sovereignty of one over the other. Instead, with brotherhood, and an abundance of good will, the Grand Lodges resolve the divisive issue and continue operating their respective bodies independently yet in harmony and amity with each other.
Likewise, while cherishing its Masonic background, Shriners International is an independent and distinctive fraternal organization. It cannot cede its sovereignty, power and authority to any other fraternal body – be it a Grand Lodge or otherwise. If it did, it would be governed, controlled and operated by 65 or more independent Grand Lodges – each with differing landmarks, constitutions, bylaws, rules and regulations. Shriners International would no longer exist as an independent fraternal organization as it has since 1872.
It is abundantly evident that the action taken by the Grand Lodge of Arkansas in issuing its edict is designed to suppress or proscribe Shriners International, its members, and its two Shrine temples in the state of Arkansas.
Shrine Law
Articles of incorporation.
§4.1 This nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the state of Iowa, assuming all the powers and obligations granted to bodies corporate under such laws, is to exist perpetually, unless sooner dissolved in the manner provided by law, or as prescribed by the bylaws of this corporation.
§5.1 The objects and purposes of this corporation, and business to be transacted by it are:
(b) To be the irrevocable common agent, representative and supreme authority in all matters appertaining to the government of the system of the subordinate fraternal lodges or temples known in the aggregate as Shriners International, located in states around the world and, as such, shall have supreme and complete original jurisdiction and essential powers necessary to such control and government to:
(1) Enact and enforce bylaws and regulations for the government of itself and subordinate lodges or temples and members of the Order known in the aggregate as Shriners International, and to alter, amend and repeal the same at its pleasure.
(10) Hear and decide all charges and complaints against any officer of Shriners International, or of any subordinate lodge or temple, and to inflict such punishment as may seem just and proper.
(12) Exercise such power and control, and perform such acts, as may seem proper and necessary to carry out the full purpose and intent of this corporation.
Bylaws.
§202.4 The powers, objects and purposes of Shriners International are those set forth in the articles of incorporation, as amended from time to time.
§207.8 Except as specifically provided by the articles of incorporation or bylaws of this corporation, or resolution of the board of directors, no temple, unit Shrine club, group or person:
(a) Has the authority, express or implied, to act as the agent of, to act on behalf of, or to bind Shriners International.
(b) Can by its act or omission obligate or bind Shriners international.
Order
For all the foregoing reasons, and many more, and by the authority in me vested by virtue of §206.5(a)(5) and §323.8(d) of the international bylaws, I hereby CERTIFY that the Grand Lodge of Masons of Arkansas has taken action which is designed to suppress or proscribe Shriners International, its members and its two temples in the state of Arkansas (Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners).
Now, for so long as such threat of suppression or proscription continues, Shriners International, its members, and its temples in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, retain all their rights, responsibilities and authority, notwithstanding any provision of the bylaws to the contrary.
This special order shall be read by the Recorders of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners in the presence of all of the Nobility at their next stated meetings and it shall be made a part of the permanent record and archives of the temples.
I am confident that the full import, significance and authority of this special order is self-evident and that it will be understood by the Nobles of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners, and such others as appropriate.
Michael G. Severe – Imperial Potentate
Attest: Jack H. Jones, P.I.P., Imperial Recorder
Copies to: W. Warren Upton, Chairman, Jurisprudence and Laws Committee
Jack H. Jones, Executive Vice President, Shriners International
=
Subject: Arkansas Special Order
January 17, 2012
To: Potentate and Recorder of Sahara Shriners
Potentate and Recorder of Scimitar Shriners
Re: Special Order No. 3 (Series of 2011-2012)
I attach the Special Order of Shriners International as indicated in my Response to the edict of the Grand Master of Arkansas against Shriners International.
As recited with specificity in my Response there are those who have chosen to resolve an internal fraternal issue between two independent fraternal organizations, with Supremacy and, indeed, Suppression, over Brotherhood, Fraternity and Amity. The result of this unilateral resolve was obvious, and has occurred. It has now occasioned this protective Special Order from Shriners International to safeguard the continued governance of our Order in accordance with its articles of incorporation and bylaws, and to provide its members fraternal protection.
I will continue to pray that the day will soon come when all of us, Freemasons, Scottish Rite Masons, York Rite Masons, and Shriners will, once again, be able to say in Unison and with Amity “Let There Be Light,” and assuredly receive the response “AndThere is Light.” I ask all Officers and Shriners in the state of Arkansas to join me in this prayer.
I am confident that the full import, significance and authority of this Special Order will provide guidance to the Officers and Nobles of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners and their temple units and shrine clubs – as well as the continued operation of our Temples of Mercy,Shriners Hospitals for Children.
This Special Order is to be read at the next meeting of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners and is to become part of its permanent records.
Yours in the faith,
Michael G. Severe
Imperial Potentate
cc: Enclosure
Boards of Directors and Trustees
Past Imperial Potentates
Jurisprudence and Laws Committee
Grievances and Appeals Committee
Illustrious Sir Robert O. Kuehn, General Counsel
Illustrious Sir Theodore Corsones, Chairman Emeritus, General Counsel
Divan, Sahara Shriners
Divan, Scimitar Shriners
Grand Lodges of North America
Scottish Rite and York Rite Leaders
Shrine Temples
SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL
Special Order No. 3 PO Box 31356
Tampa, FL 33631-3356
Series 2011-2012 January 17, 2012
To the Officers and Nobles of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners, Fraternal Greetings:
The matter of the edict issued by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas in his letter dated December 8, 2011 addressed to Shriners International, All Subordinate Lodges in Arkansas, All Master Masons of Arkansas, All Grand Jurisdictions and All Appendant Bodies in Arkansas, is well known by each of you.
After careful review and consideration, and in consequence of the gravity of the effect of the aforesaid edict, I issue the following findings, conclusions and order.
Findings And Conclusions
Pertaining to the document titled A Response dated January 13, 2012 that I sent to the Grand Lodges of the Conference of Grand Masters for North America and to the subordinate temples of Shriners International and others. By reference thereto, I incorporate all of its provisions herein.
Shriners International, with very few exceptions, has enjoyed a fraternal and harmonious relationship with all Grand Lodges since it came into existence in 1872. The very few exceptions that did occur were approached by Shriners International and the affected Grand Lodge with the utmost respect for each other and their charitable and fraternal missions. With an abundance of good will toward each other, every difference was resolved and we maintained the integrity of our existing relationship for the good of Freemasonry, the good of Shriners International, and for the greater good of humanity.
The Conference of Grand Masters for North America consists of 65 or more diverse and distinctive Grand Lodges. Shriners International consists of one entity. Shriners International acknowledges that no Grand Lodge can cede its sovereignty, power and authority to another Grand Lodge. Each Grand Lodge has its own governance. When a divisive issue exists between two Grand Lodges, there is no claim of sovereignty of one over the other. Instead, with brotherhood, and an abundance of good will, the Grand Lodges resolve the divisive issue and continue operating their respective bodies independently yet in harmony and amity with each other.
Likewise, while cherishing its Masonic background, Shriners International is an independent and distinctive fraternal organization. It cannot cede its sovereignty, power and authority to any other fraternal body – be it a Grand Lodge or otherwise. If it did, it would be governed, controlled and operated by 65 or more independent Grand Lodges – each with differing landmarks, constitutions, bylaws, rules and regulations. Shriners International would no longer exist as an independent fraternal organization as it has since 1872.
It is abundantly evident that the action taken by the Grand Lodge of Arkansas in issuing its edict is designed to suppress or proscribe Shriners International, its members, and its two Shrine temples in the state of Arkansas.
Shrine Law
Articles of incorporation.
§4.1 This nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the state of Iowa, assuming all the powers and obligations granted to bodies corporate under such laws, is to exist perpetually, unless sooner dissolved in the manner provided by law, or as prescribed by the bylaws of this corporation.
§5.1 The objects and purposes of this corporation, and business to be transacted by it are:
(b) To be the irrevocable common agent, representative and supreme authority in all matters appertaining to the government of the system of the subordinate fraternal lodges or temples known in the aggregate as Shriners International, located in states around the world and, as such, shall have supreme and complete original jurisdiction and essential powers necessary to such control and government to:
(1) Enact and enforce bylaws and regulations for the government of itself and subordinate lodges or temples and members of the Order known in the aggregate as Shriners International, and to alter, amend and repeal the same at its pleasure.
(10) Hear and decide all charges and complaints against any officer of Shriners International, or of any subordinate lodge or temple, and to inflict such punishment as may seem just and proper.
(12) Exercise such power and control, and perform such acts, as may seem proper and necessary to carry out the full purpose and intent of this corporation.
Bylaws.
§202.4 The powers, objects and purposes of Shriners International are those set forth in the articles of incorporation, as amended from time to time.
§207.8 Except as specifically provided by the articles of incorporation or bylaws of this corporation, or resolution of the board of directors, no temple, unit Shrine club, group or person:
(a) Has the authority, express or implied, to act as the agent of, to act on behalf of, or to bind Shriners International.
(b) Can by its act or omission obligate or bind Shriners international.
Order
For all the foregoing reasons, and many more, and by the authority in me vested by virtue of §206.5(a)(5) and §323.8(d) of the international bylaws, I hereby CERTIFY that the Grand Lodge of Masons of Arkansas has taken action which is designed to suppress or proscribe Shriners International, its members and its two temples in the state of Arkansas (Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners).
Now, for so long as such threat of suppression or proscription continues, Shriners International, its members, and its temples in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, retain all their rights, responsibilities and authority, notwithstanding any provision of the bylaws to the contrary.
This special order shall be read by the Recorders of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners in the presence of all of the Nobility at their next stated meetings and it shall be made a part of the permanent record and archives of the temples.
I am confident that the full import, significance and authority of this special order is self-evident and that it will be understood by the Nobles of Sahara Shriners and Scimitar Shriners, and such others as appropriate.
Michael G. Severe – Imperial Potentate
Attest: Jack H. Jones, P.I.P., Imperial Recorder
Copies to: W. Warren Upton, Chairman, Jurisprudence and Laws Committee
Jack H. Jones, Executive Vice President, Shriners International
=
Imperial Council Session of 2012 Inc Shriners International
Imperial Shrine Unit and Association Competition 2012 (See below)
The 2012 Imperial Session in Charlotte is fast approaching. It’s time to start making your plans for this tremendous event being held in the Carolinas for the very first time.
Click below for the Competition Sign-up Form to fill out and return to the Competition Committee here in Charlotte. We would like to have this information before April 30, 2012, to help with the planning of all of our different events that will be going on during this week. We are extremely excited to be the host city for this event and want your experience in Charlotte to be a good one! You can help by getting this information back to us in a timely manner.
We look forward to hearing back from each and every one of you and will do everything possible to make sure your stay in Charlotte is a pleasant one!
Competition Sign Up Form
Fraternally yours,
Todd Ham, Competition Chairperson
Charlotte, 2012
Imperial Shrine Unit and Association Competition 2012 (See below)
The 2012 Imperial Session in Charlotte is fast approaching. It’s time to start making your plans for this tremendous event being held in the Carolinas for the very first time.
Click below for the Competition Sign-up Form to fill out and return to the Competition Committee here in Charlotte. We would like to have this information before April 30, 2012, to help with the planning of all of our different events that will be going on during this week. We are extremely excited to be the host city for this event and want your experience in Charlotte to be a good one! You can help by getting this information back to us in a timely manner.
We look forward to hearing back from each and every one of you and will do everything possible to make sure your stay in Charlotte is a pleasant one!
Competition Sign Up Form
Fraternally yours,
Todd Ham, Competition Chairperson
Charlotte, 2012
IMPERIAL POTENTATE'S ALASKA CRUISE
On behalf of Imperial Potentate Mike Severe and Vantage Deluxe World Travel, I’m forwarding this link to an informational video about the upcoming Shriners International cruise tour to Alaska. Mike has asked that this link be emailed to your members, and if possible, posted to your website.
Alaska Cruise Informational Video
http://www.brainshark.com/vantagetravel/imperial_shrine_alaska
(Both links go to the same presentation)
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance, or if you have questions about the upcoming river cruise.
Best regards,
Cheryl Sheehan
Group Account Manager
Vantage Deluxe World Travel
1-800-994-6321 x7147
Alaska Cruise Informational Video
http://www.brainshark.com/vantagetravel/imperial_shrine_alaska
(Both links go to the same presentation)
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance, or if you have questions about the upcoming river cruise.
Best regards,
Cheryl Sheehan
Group Account Manager
Vantage Deluxe World Travel
1-800-994-6321 x7147
Former Topekan makes large donation to hospitalPosted: October 18, 2011 - 6:21pm Advertisement<a href="http://clicks.beap.ad.yieldmanager.net/c/YnY9MS4wLjAmYnM9KDE0dTgzdmYxYyhnaWQkZDdmN2I4NjYtZmQ4Yi0xMWUwLTllNWEtMzM2OTE5ZWE3MGQ0LHN0JDEzMTkzODM3ODg2NzI3MTYsc2kkMTEwNTU1MSx2JDEuMCxhaWQkYURlOG8yS0lWU1ktLGN0JDI1LHlieCRoNElRZHc0TWxyX0NNTGEzOFREb2lnLHIkMixpZCRub3NjcmlwdCxyZCQxMG9hb2ZmbHMpKQ/2/*http://cjonline.com/jobs" target="_blank"><img src="http://ads.yldmgrimg.net/apex/mediastore/077b8e6c-82d4-4630-b108-bcf80c913248" width="300" height="250" border="0"></a> By Ann Marie BushFormer Topekan makes large donation to hospital THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL A former Topekan’s gift of more than $60 million to Shriners Hospital for Children will help perpetuate the life-changing medical care the hospital has provided for nearly 1 million children since it opened in 1922, an official said earlier this week.
Shriners Hospital announced officials will gather in St. Louis with A.B. Hudson’s family members and friends to honor Hudson for his gift of more than $60 million, which is the largest in the organization’s 90-year history.
“For 90 years, our philanthropy has relied upon kind donors such as Mr. Hudson,” said Douglas E. Maxwell, president and chief executive officer of the international pediatric hospital system. “His gift serves as a wonderful inspiration to others who may also wish to establish a legacy for the children we serve.”
Hudson is widely known throughout Kansas as a rancher, businessman, entrepreneur, inventor and benefactor. He died in 2008 at the age of 84 in his home in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Hudson was a lifetime member of the Shriners International fraternity and also was a member of this chapter’s Mounted Patrol and traveled the county — from California to the White House — with his horse, Hobo.
“According to our records, this is the largest gift by a single donor in the nearly 90-year history of Shriners Hospitals for Children,” Maxwell said. “It humbles us to know that someone of Mr. Hudson’s accomplishments had the lifetime desire to leave his estate to Shriners Hospitals for Children. It’s perfectly fitting that we name our St. Louis Hospital in his memory.”
Hudson’s daughter, Michele Rothe, members of her family, and numerous friends, employees and colleagues of Hudson’s will gather at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in St. Louis for a ceremony in his honor.
A group of local Shriners plans to drive to the ceremony, said Roger Farthing, public relations director for ARAB Shriners of Topeka.
The Hudson family oil business began in the early 1930s when A.B.’s brother, T.J., started a business of delivering gasoline to Kansas City-area taxis. Eventually, A.B., his brother M.R. and their sister Mary also got involved in the business.
When A.B. got his first driver’s license at age 14, he began driving new trucks for the business to break them in.
When he turned 17 in 1941, he became a partner, according to previous Topeka Capital-Journal articles. The business, Hudson Oil, expanded from hauling gasoline and oil to running gasoline stations. That business later dissolved, and A.B. Hudson created Highway Oil, Workingman’s Friend and Fairway Oil companies that operated chains of gasoline stations across much of the United States.
Many people knew of him, too, from seeing camels grazing on one of his ranch properties along Interstate 70 near Maple Hill. His ranch house sat at the top of the hill south of the highway and was easily visible.
At one time, Hudson was one of the largest landowners in Kansas, according to information provided by Shriners Hospitals. He was one of the largest independent cattleman in Kansas and Texas for many years.
In addition, he anonymously supported numerous projects, such as rebuilding a foundation to build new homes for tornado victims in Greensburg.
“Dad was very proud to be a Shriner and the accomplishments they made assisting children requiring medical care,” Rothe said of her father in a news release. “I am proud that my dad’s life desire was to leave this gift to Shriners Hospitals for Children, and I know that his friends and I are also very proud to be a part of his legacy and the ability to contribute to pediatric care.”
Shriners Hospital announced officials will gather in St. Louis with A.B. Hudson’s family members and friends to honor Hudson for his gift of more than $60 million, which is the largest in the organization’s 90-year history.
“For 90 years, our philanthropy has relied upon kind donors such as Mr. Hudson,” said Douglas E. Maxwell, president and chief executive officer of the international pediatric hospital system. “His gift serves as a wonderful inspiration to others who may also wish to establish a legacy for the children we serve.”
Hudson is widely known throughout Kansas as a rancher, businessman, entrepreneur, inventor and benefactor. He died in 2008 at the age of 84 in his home in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Hudson was a lifetime member of the Shriners International fraternity and also was a member of this chapter’s Mounted Patrol and traveled the county — from California to the White House — with his horse, Hobo.
“According to our records, this is the largest gift by a single donor in the nearly 90-year history of Shriners Hospitals for Children,” Maxwell said. “It humbles us to know that someone of Mr. Hudson’s accomplishments had the lifetime desire to leave his estate to Shriners Hospitals for Children. It’s perfectly fitting that we name our St. Louis Hospital in his memory.”
Hudson’s daughter, Michele Rothe, members of her family, and numerous friends, employees and colleagues of Hudson’s will gather at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in St. Louis for a ceremony in his honor.
A group of local Shriners plans to drive to the ceremony, said Roger Farthing, public relations director for ARAB Shriners of Topeka.
The Hudson family oil business began in the early 1930s when A.B.’s brother, T.J., started a business of delivering gasoline to Kansas City-area taxis. Eventually, A.B., his brother M.R. and their sister Mary also got involved in the business.
When A.B. got his first driver’s license at age 14, he began driving new trucks for the business to break them in.
When he turned 17 in 1941, he became a partner, according to previous Topeka Capital-Journal articles. The business, Hudson Oil, expanded from hauling gasoline and oil to running gasoline stations. That business later dissolved, and A.B. Hudson created Highway Oil, Workingman’s Friend and Fairway Oil companies that operated chains of gasoline stations across much of the United States.
Many people knew of him, too, from seeing camels grazing on one of his ranch properties along Interstate 70 near Maple Hill. His ranch house sat at the top of the hill south of the highway and was easily visible.
At one time, Hudson was one of the largest landowners in Kansas, according to information provided by Shriners Hospitals. He was one of the largest independent cattleman in Kansas and Texas for many years.
In addition, he anonymously supported numerous projects, such as rebuilding a foundation to build new homes for tornado victims in Greensburg.
“Dad was very proud to be a Shriner and the accomplishments they made assisting children requiring medical care,” Rothe said of her father in a news release. “I am proud that my dad’s life desire was to leave this gift to Shriners Hospitals for Children, and I know that his friends and I are also very proud to be a part of his legacy and the ability to contribute to pediatric care.”