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History

The Jaffa Calliope unit was chartered in 1955 under Potentate Stevens Baird. At the time, the unit consisted of seven charter members with a primary purpose of insuring that all Jaffa’s rolling stock was kept moving for official functions. During the year of 1955, the calliope was purchased. Bought in Texas, the New Tone Air Calliope was built in the early 50’s. The unit constructed a trailer and purchased a four wheel drive Jeep to haul the calliope in parades. Noble Tom Barber was one of the first to entertain both children and adults alike by playing the calliope. Henry (Hank) Cassada was next in line to make the calliope sing. We have many fond memories of listening to Hank play the unique instrument. Joe Steele (Calliope Joe) came forward to play the calliope next.

With the continuation of the fun-filled times of the unit, in 1959, the clowns were added to the Calliope Unit Throughout the years, the Jaffa Calliope Unit grew to become one of the most active units within the Jaffa. Under the direction of president Glenn Edwards the Calliope Unit officially became the Jaffa Calliope Clown Unit. This marked the beginning of a continued tradition of our clowns bringing joy to both fellow nobles and to the public. Jim Harding, the unit’s first Clown Director, was instrumental in organizing many of the early clown events, including their first ever participation in the Jaffa Shrine Circus in April of 1973. Due to the absence of several planned circus acts, the clowns were asked to “fill in” for that year’s circus. Jim went on to become president of the unit in 1977.

As demands and modernization became inevitable, the calliope with the trailer and Jeep became obsolete. Under the administration of Potentate S. Blair Sponeybarger, Jr., a GMC tandem frame vehicle was purchased and the calliope was incorporated into one vehicle. The original clown bus became worn out and was sold by the Jaffa. In 1977 another clown bus was purchased and remodeled for modern transportation.

Since those early days. The Jaffa Calliope Clown Unit has experienced thousands of events for various hospitals, rest homes, schools, parades, fairs and private events. Bringing joy to children is what the Jaffa Calliope Clown Unit is all about.

The unit decided to completely restore the calliope, and in 2002, under the administration of Potentate George Wagner, the old GMC calliope truck was replaced by a new 20O2 GMC 1/2 ton truck to carry the calliope.

Today, the restored calliope continues to let hundreds know that the clowns are in town by playing many entertaining tracks. The Jaffa Calliope Clowns, under the direction of president, Michael T. David (2015), are very actively sought out by parade and activity organizers. During a recent trip to area parades in Juniata, Altoona, and Duncansville, PA, 15 Jaffa Calliope Clowns entertained hundreds of people with the calliope, the double- fronted Studebaker car, and street walkers.

Today, as in the early days, the Jaffa Calliope Clowns are proud to represent the Jaffa Shrine in their efforts to bring joy to thousands of children. The Shrine Circus, community parades, and many other various community events, continue to look forward to an appearance by the unique entertainers … the Jaffa Calliope Clowns.

Leadership

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Randy L. Colyer
Potentate
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Gary W. Smith
Chief Rabban
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Eric L. Ramsey
Assistant Rabban
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Dwayne E. “Butch” Garman
High Priest and Prophet
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James F. Abbott
Oriental Guide
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Aaron J. Lantzy
Treasurer
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Robert P. Baranik
Recorder

Latest News

Claire McMullen: Patient of Dr. Amer Samdani BY CANDACE McMULLEN
Knights of Columbus and Calliope Clowns Present Check for 40th Consecutive Year
May – June 2019 Potentate’s Message
March – April Potentate’s Message
Jan-Feb 2019 Potentate’s Message
Knights of Columbus 20th year – Donations to Philadelphia of over $100K
SHC Named Top Health Nonprofit of the Year
March 2018 – Potentate’s Message
History of the Jaffa Kiddies Christmas Party

Upcoming Events

Chicken BBQs
Potentate’s Trip
Thu, February 8, 2024
Winter Basketball League
Bike for Love
Sat, June 8, 2024
Jaffa Bowl-A-Thon
Fri, October 13, 2023
BINGO – Kiddies Christmas Party
Sun, March 10, 2024
One Day Masonic Journey
Sat, March 23, 2024
Circus
Wed, April 10, 2024
Walk For Love
Sun, June 9, 2024
Sportsmen’s Raffle
Sun, October 6, 2024
Cash Raffle
Sun, October 1, 2023
Annual BINGO – Jobel Court No. 11
Sun, November 5, 2023
Craft Show
Sat, November 9, 2024
Church Service
Sun, November 17, 2024
Kiddie’s Christmas Party
Sun, December 10, 2023
2023 Wrestling Tournament – PENDING
Annual Meeting And Election
Sat, January 6, 2024
Beer & Wine Festival
Sat, January 13, 2024
Jaffa Mounted Patrol Night at the Races
Sat, May 4, 2024
Jaffa Shooters Club Event
Thu, January 26, 2023
Jaffa Shrine Youth Basketball Tournament
Outdoor & Recreation Show
Fri, February 24, 2023
Pending Events