Prince Hall F.&A.M.

About 20 years ago joined Turtles. My number ID is 1113. I talked with Dave, Lead Turtle, who was out to Stanford for a graduation visit with his daughter.
.
Since that time, I have signed up over 50 to join.

We started small then grew to open ponds world wide. Today it seems out efforts align with yours and we are happy to call ourselves among your ranks.

My husband told me the story about the Ancient Order of Turtles and I immediately knew I was destined to be a turtle. I love that astronauts were turtles!

I was originally inducted into the turtle club in 1977. Membership card long gone, however, to this day I have never forgotten the password! 🐢

Discussion with Steve Herring at a sca event sitting around the campfire in 2007 who gave the requisite questions and explained the response along with some of the history of the club

My husband made me a TURTLE.

I was a a Masonic event at the Grand Lodge of Texas Grand Communication.

Well there I was….. having a beer with Chris Westerdahl and he says “are you a turtle?” To which I replied “no” and the next thing I know he said “we’ll be ready to have your life changed” and dug into his wallet….and the rest is still a mystery!!!

I heard a fella asking the weird questions at a tavern one night and apparently answered them correctly.

A friend of mine became an Honorary Turtle and shared it with me and I felt this was something I would be very interested in.

My High School English teacher's dad was a pilot. She had all of her students become Turtles. She was never afraid to answer the question, even in front of our principal. The students on the other hand had to abide by the school rules, I miss the 70's.

Test origin story about a beer or three

My Uncle Fil initiated me.

I enrolled in a Leadership Management Academy an there were "Turtles" there too

I was cleaning through some old papers and found a card that belonged to my dad and it was a blank membership card but I a read it I felt like it was my destiny to find this club but I also thought it was way to good to be true. So I did some research and found that it was a real organization and so here I am 🫶

After the raising of a few new Master Masons we go together for celebration and fellowship to honor the new members. During the celebration it was asked RUA...To which I had no idea how to answer. A fellow mason who had already answered the call, but did not respond correctly was called out and in turtle fashion treated the others to a round. It was very reminiscent of my time in the Marine Corps with challenge coins, and I said that I must be a part of this. Several of my fellow Masonic brothers joined in, and the rest as they say is history.

I was at a Masonic weekend in Philadelphia, PA and heard they were making Turtles, i wanted to learn more, once i was in the room I never looked back. I became a Turtle in May 1992. Since then I have procured well over 150 turtles. It's rewarding to be able to give back with such a small investment into the lives of those in need.

A friend of mine initiated me some years back.
He just so happened to be a large brother of mine and had a turtle function!
(Bka Pond)

A friend told me that veterans started this years ago,. It sounds like my kind of thing.

My mother was a Turtle.

I became a turtle in the front room of the house I lived in when I was 10 years old. The Leopp’s And the Qwineville’s were over for a Christmas Party 🎄. Way back in 1972.🐢

Can’t really remember, a friend from the 70’s. Remember going to a Turtle dance and doing the turtle

I became a Turtle while a Civil Air Patrol cadet in 1957. My wife is a Turtle and we have procured many Turtles over the years.

I became a turtle member at Masonic camp at the end of July of 2023. Along with five other brothers. The ritual was done by brother David Dumonceaux.

Found website and answered some questions

While spending time with my Aunt Tillie she asked me if I was a turtle, I was about 16? Of course I was not. She shared the story of owning a jack ass and having to buy a drink. Money goes to charity and I was hooked. I've been a Turtle since 1981!

I became a Turtle during Grand Communication 2023 for GLOTX. I have since, been slowly and with deliberations, have procured more Turtles. These have mostly been close friends. I am open to having a community that meets once/twice a month.

I was asked by a few of my OES Sisters if I was interested, which I have always been. I did my own research and it brought me to this page.

When my wifes grandma died we were cleaning out her house and found her turtle member card from the seventies. I was curious and looked it up and joined instantly.

Invited by another Turtle

In 2002, while Enlisted in the Marine Corps, Me, my Wife, and our group of friends were tested and found worthy.

Through a Masonic Organization called El Tor Grotto Wheeling West Virginia.

I was out in the woods one day when I stumbled across an ancient temple dedicated to an honored order of turtles. I was immediately intrigued and longed to learn more about this mysterious organization.

Having heard rumors of a secret initiation ritual, I decided to brave the temple and see if I could uncover more. When I arrived at the entrance, I found myself faced with four large stone turtles. On each turtle was inscribed a question that must be answered correctly in order to gain access.

But just as I was about to answer the first question, a voice from behind me said "Wrong! You don't know enough about turtle philosophy." Startled, I turned around to find an old man wearing a robe covered with turtle scales. He then proceeded to explain the deeper meaning behind the questions and what it meant to join their order.

After listening intently and responding correctly, he granted me entry into the temple where I my journey toward total consciousness.

My grandfather served in the US 7th and 3rd Armies in WW2 France and Germany. His unit was attached to Patton's forces that seiged and captured Metz.

One day when I was going through some of his estate documents what looked like an old library card fell from between the pages of an old hymnal.
Upon further inspection I saw his signature on the "Stony Lake Chapter Roving International Association of TURTLES"

I immediately went online and found turtleclub.us and I proud to say I am now the Master Turtle the First Turtle Pond in Florida.

Come visit www.thepinkpiano.club in Lakeland Florida and ask any of our staff if they're a Turtle.

In the Army 2008.

My Mother became a Turtle in the early 70's. I became a Turtle soon after. I have and and will continue my quest to find fellow members. Mostly gray hairs! Lol Meeting folks snd putting them off their guard is immensely fun. I just found my Mom's membership card. She would give out .cards after she got a new member. Collect the money and send it in to headquarters. She was a hoot! I only know I will continued her efforts. Thanks for always making my laugh!

I was inducted into the Order while attending my drill weekend at the Warrant Officer Candidate School in Greenville, KY.

I've been watching for about 5 years. I have been watching a lot more since you started covering Karen Read. I loved what you wrote about the fight at the intersection of Fairmont and Cohassett St. OMG I thought I was going to die laughing. I actually know the people not the ones who were in the car, but the ones who got out first and it didn't show their car. You called one of them fanny pack Felicia. OMG that was the best.

My dad was Army Air Corps in WWII. Came across a reference to Turtles and thought I'd like to find out more. So glad I did!

I grew up a Space Brat in 1960s Brevard County, Florida. Of course, there was Wally Schirra and the whole turtle joke that became a part of our culture. A few years back I created a Facebook page called The Kids of Apollo for those like me -- many the children of aerospace workers at KSC -- who were raised on Brevard County beaches and space lore. Turtle jokes surface regularly on our Kids of Apollo page.

I kept encountering AHOT amongst fraternal brothers and websites so I did a little research and found my way into this glorious pond. YBYSAIA

At a gathering after a shrine function.

I was looking for an anniversary gift for my wife and we LOVE turtles. I stumbled upon this site and here I am!!!! Now a Turtle!

I'm a veteran and also a freemason. So it was only right for me to investigate the AHOT and finally became one. Love being one and procuring new turtles, BLOOP BLOOP!

I was at work. Waiting on my Marine CH-46 Helo to come back from a test flight. Mike McC gave me and a couple other guy's the test. WE all Passed and became Turtles. AUG.15 1984

One of my lodge bro told me about this in 2015

I was hatched in late November 2019. We gathered at a designated location in Mesquite, TX... pond water was had by all and in abundance...LOL
A time was had...!!!

During an event

I had become a turtle back around 2006 or 07 during MWPHGLof GA.

In my youth, I was working as a Front Desk Manager at a hotel near my home. I would have a regular guest, Guy Cooley, that would stop and talk with me for, at least, half an hour every time he checked in and checked out. He would always ask me these riddles that I thought were a little dirty, but I would think about them and I answered them "cleanly". To which, he was surprised that a person of my age wouldn't have their mind in the gutter and answer with the low hanging fruit, dirty answers that so many people gave him prior.

On one of his final trips he slipped me a card that said "Are you a Turtle?" A little confused, I asked what was the story behind it. He then told me his story and how he became a Turtle and asked if I would like to become a Turtle as well. Of course, I agreed and that was that. I always greeted him with a smile and he would always ask if I was a Turtle and proudly gave him the official answer.

I never knew that there was such a strong following, as I mostly forgot about it, until I started at my new job where a gentleman would come around and ask other people "Are you a Turtle?". Immediately I snapped back to 20 years prior and when he finally asked me I said "You bet your sweet ass I am.". His eyes lit up and we've been swapping riddles ever since. We've even brought another person into the Turtle Club and were excited to start our own "Pond".

Hi Fellas,

I'm a Master Mason from UGL NSW/ACT (Australia) who heard about you online and 'Turtle' happens to be the nickname of my 2nd son, so had to join.

I was initiated into the Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles in the Summer of 1969 while sailing southbound across the Equator.

My husband is a Turtle and invited me! Our local pond is growing!!

I became a turtle through my grand imperial turtle joshua lewis

Know the password and answer to the riddles when asked while on my boat, USS James Monroe SSBN-622 in Scotland

It was back in the day when I was a wee lass, hanging out with friends and generally acting very prim and proper as I always do. At the dive where I worked, I was asked to become a turtle and of course, I got all of the questions correct since I do not have a dirty mind.
The years went by and I never gave it a 2nd thought and then Bam... here comes Dave with his Turtle information and pond and I was once again hooked.
I am in the DC/Metro area desperately searching for a pond of my own. To my dismay, I am finding a lot of folks around here that have absolutely no clue what it takes to be a turtle.
If you know anyone...

I became a Turtle with my wife Amanda in in 2019 in Louisiana at a Masonic motorcycle rally. My wife Amanda is also a member of my Pond. We have decided to grow our Pond

Was on Facebook and saw the #bloopbloop and wanted to know what it meant. So I did some investigation and found the Turtles.

A friend I was tutoring asked if I was a turtle.

While stationed in Darmstadt, Germany in 2002. I had the honor of being accepted into the greatest fraternity on earth; that of Free & Accepted Masonry... After years of progressing in the ranks, I was honored with receiving the Ancient Honorable Degree of Snapping Turtle immediately following my initiation in the Magnanimous Order of Knights Templar..

Having traveled the world for years, and creating new Turtles at every opportunity I could, counting well over 600, myself and 2 other brothers made the decision to form the very first pond in Houston Tx in 2009... Aptly name "Bayou City Pond #1"

On the flight deck in the Navy a long time ago!

My friend and I were out with our dates and my AirForce boyfriend asked me

As the newest artillery forward observer assigned to the 2nd BN 9th FA in Pleiku, Vietnam one of my buddies there initiated me into the Turtle Club in late December, 1966. It had become a tradition for those of us who were attached to an infantry company to become a Turtle. We had no certificates or member cards of course but we certainly failed to answer the questions with clean minds but after 4 shots of 151 rum it didn't matter.

Became a Turtle during a Masonic Scottish Rite Reunion at the Valley of Galveston in the Spring of 2011. Initiated over 30 over the next several years.

I came to college and didn’t really know anyone when a girl came up to me and asked if I wanted to go out and party during homecoming and when I went we started drinking and I seen turtles who were close and had a bond with each other and we’re drinking a lot more then I could so I wanted to join them for the night and when I did I became close and always hung out with them so I decided to become a turtle to have a closer bond with them and meet new people

Through a friend.

I was initiated in a respectable bar in Cincinnati, Ohio in the early 1960's. I do not remember the name of the Turtle who introduced me to the Brotherhood. My career involved much travel, allowing me to meet many Turtles all over the United States.

I had heard about Turtles before, as somewhat of a joke. After I went through my Masonic degrees, I decided to search the web and join!

Im Yvette. I am a military brat, due to nearly all of my family either being Marine or Navy, most of them in many fraternities. I was doing research on some at 4 a.m. ish and oddly enough drinking, as well as speaking to a friend about fraternities. I made a joke about well known movie that references, The Turtle Club. We laughed, but then was informed that it was a real thing. I wanted to know more.

I heard people talking about it and did some research.

A friend from the VFW (Forked River Post 10118 )
Carl L. asked If I was a Turtle and the rest is history.

Have taken all of his cards plus all that I have and am busy getting new Turtles.
We are calling ourselves (Bamber Pond in the Pines,NJ )

YBYSAIA

At the TAMIN Temple 155 Western roundup on July 5 2024 gathering. We became turtles during a line of questioning and small ceremony.

A lot of my Mason brothers are turtles, and I always wanted to be one so I became one.

The night before my college graduation in 2014, a few of my buddies and I were invited by one of my fraternity brothers.

I attended a turtle party last year in Georgia during an Annual session for our fellow masonic lodge. I was initiated and bought the idea back to my own Grandmaster to start our own pond.

We are having our first turtle party next weekend during our Annual Session for Jerusalem Grand Lodge Inc.

Hard work and patience

Bloop Bloop! I first became a Turtle in 1985. Many years later, the Lagerhead Turtle Pond was founded by myself and others in the summer of 2021 during Covid-19. We are proudly headquartered at Coop's Smokin' Wing House, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Our membership is slow moving, healthy and growing.

I became a Turtle in 1986... Through an Ancient Order of Traveler...

I was made a Turtle in 1981 by a masonic buddy of mine! I made my cousin a Turtle on July 4th of 1981 and he carried the card in his wallet for 41 years until his recent death. I lost my card so I just rejoined!

I became a Turtle during the annual Masonic concert connected to the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Texas

After Many years in the Masonic community I was Drawn to the Ancient and Honorable order of the Turtles .
Its fun and secretive nature interested me and attracted me .
I Applied and was accepted in. I look forward to establishing lasting friendships worldwide within the group.

Became a turtle flying in Vietnam in 1971.

We had 2 5ths 1 Hennessy and 2 belvedere my wife love that belly back then and we was in my daughters room away from the bigger party in the living it was about 8 of us that wanted to join. Awwwww lawd the answers my wife's drunk friends it was hilarious but it was ridiculous.. and I'm trying to get a card I lost mine from years ago

Found through a FB post from a friend

Late one foggy night in the year 2009 in the mystical hills of Humboldt County, I found myself sharing tales of the unknown with my drinking buddies. Little did I know, our laughter echoed through the ears of the ancient and honorable order of the turtles. Intrigued by our camaraderie, a mysterious figure emerged – my future sponsor.

His eyes held the wisdom of generations, for he was made a turtle by his grandfather, an air force hero during World War Two. As the night unfolded, he spoke of a hidden brotherhood, one that met in the depths of an abandoned Masonic temple beneath the Veterans Affairs building in Vallejo, California.

In the clandestine basement, amidst the dimly lit chambers, I was initiated into the enigmatic order, where history and secrecy intertwined. The air was thick with the spirits of those who came before us, guiding us through rituals that transcended time.

As destiny beckoned, I pursued my studies at the California Maritime Academy, a journey that further fortified my bond with the turtles. The Masonic temple became a sanctuary where maritime cadets and veterans convened, sharing stories that wove the tapestry of our connections mainly via libations.

Graduation marked my return to the Bahamas, where I embraced the responsibility passed down through the ages. In the moonlit nights by the ocean, I now carry on the tradition of making turtles, preserving the ancient order's legacy. Each crafted turtle embodies the resilience, strength, and wisdom that binds us across borders and time – a testament to the enduring spirit of the honorable order of the turtles.

Three years ago at Danny's bar in daytona beach

I became a Turtle on my first flight after graduating from Eastern Airlines Flight Attendant Training. I knew at that moment that I had chosen the right path!

I’m a Master Mason and everyone around me is a turtle and they told me to go online and join.

Social gatherings with friends and colleagues in college

I was in the United States Navy Seabees stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1962. I was at the Red Dog Inn and was asked by a mechanic if I was a turtle, I said no and he inducted me then and there. I have yet to fail to provide the proper response to the questions.

Joined in 1984 with my wife.

I was made a Turtle by Imperial Turtle Timothy Ward in a Pond of Turtles at South Portland, ME in 2018.

Started with the Interstellar Assoc of Turtles when I became a pilot. Also joined the International Assoc of Turtles. So I had a head start on the questions!

While at a meeting of another ancient fraternal organization, I was helping a member sort out an issue with his membership card for that organization. And while he was rooting through his wallet, he pulled out a green card and asked me "Are you a Turtle?" So of course, I said "What?". After several minutes of stories and the prescribed questions, I found myself to be a Turtle. The member that had made me a Turtle happened to be an elder member of that organization and a former Vietnam-era Navy fighter pilot. The exchange was rather short but struck me. I was honored that this member chose to share a little bit of his life story with me. And, I am honored to be made a Turtle by him.

Received an invite from a friend & couldn't wait to check it out!

i became a turtle after my uncle randy randomly one day decided to tell me to become a turtle. at first i thought he was insane, asking me if i was a turtle or if i wanted to be one and this and that. but by the end of that I actually ended up becoming one. honestly great decision because i can now do the same thing to others.

I became a turtle as a member of a Fraternal organization that is no longer in operation. I do not have any turtles under me..yet

OES / S.O.U.L #14
September 2022
🐢Came up on Galveston trip
G.O.D #33's 2nd Annual Boat Party.
Online Initiation - Dont Judge me!

My (then future) father-in-law inducted me into the turtle club in 1977. My husband and friends also became members.

In Memory of my late Grandfather Robert Truman Vaughn Master Sargent USAF Vietnam.

To honor his memory and keep his spirit alive.

🐢 Late Nights Early Mornings 🐢

Well, when I was in highschool my best friend's mother was/still is a turtle. I asked her about it and she said I could be a member too but I had to answer the 4 riddles. I could not so she didn't let me in. About 10-15 years later I asked again and she sent me the like. I missed one riddle so I passed. Today, July 22, 2022 I answered them all correctly and feel I earned my place.

1967 ROTC cadets with whom I worked at Scout Camp recruited many of us.

I was driving at the lake, as I am a delivery driver for fedex. One of my customers that I had never delivered to before asked my name after joking around and having a job time! He didn't catch my name the first couple of times, he kept thinking I said Tammy. Thats a normal thing for me haha. So I just said Sam for short. He said nice to meet you Sam, I said same to you. I was getting in my truck to go about my way and he flagged me down to tell me the story of the lady named Sam who invited him to be a turtle 🙂

I'm a Indiana freemason. Thought this was a fun piece of history to share with my other masonic bros and bring the turtles to my aera.

Well, it came up in conversation with my mum. I found out she was a Turtle. So I thought hey, maybe I could be a turtle too. It might be fun! Thanks for letting me be part of the pond!

Cheers,
Travis

Y.B.Y.S.A.I.A.
Initiated VFW post #2924 “Joshua palms”
02/01/2023

My Uncle who was a sheriff & survived a been shot, became a forensic composite artist for the Los Angeles police department. He & my father became members of the Footprinters Association…almost all members were Turtles. At 21 (1964) I became a turtle!
Somewhere I still have my original card!

Well, I hatched out off an egg one day & there I was! I’d heard of the Turtle Club 55 ago, but didn’t get an opportunity to join.

My firefighter Uncle

Around 1970, Time-Life had a set of books with vinyl record albums depicting manned space flight and space exploration up to Apollo 11 or 12. On one of the albums, someone asked Wally Schirra was in orbit in Sigma 7 and asked him, "Are you a Turtle today?" He absolutely replied, "You bet your sweet ass I am!" (One word was bleeped out on the album, but it was not rocket science to figure it out.) I looked into the Turtles (pre-Internet no less!) and have considered myself a Turtle ever since. Now I can make it official! (PS- Yes. I am a Trekkie, too!)

I am a Freemason, and we have a fellow brother that made a bunch of us Turtles during a Nite of Fellowship.

I was hatched at an event with the IBPO Elks of the World in 2010 in Winton, NC.

Being a Mason, I love being part of a fraternity and a drinking fraternity sounds like my kind of group.

Invited by another Turtle.

I’ve been a turtle for about 15+ years. My husband’s friend (both deceased now) from CO procured a bunch of his friends from NY and PA during one of his trips home to NY. Another friend made up stickers for us. I put a pic of a couple of them where my profile pic goes. Their 4WD club was called the High Riders from Rochester, NY. He and myself have matching YBYSAIA state license plates on our 4Runners - his from NY, mine from PA. This was right up my alley because my Dad was a Bombardier on a B-24 in WWII. in the 15th Air Force and became a POW when they had to bail out over Hungary in 1945.. General George S. Patton liberated him. I asked him if he was a Turtle but surprisingly he had not heard of this club or remembered it. He sure had a lot of good stories to tell before he passed in 2017 at age 92. Thanks for organizing this website. People are always asking about my license plate and I tell them about the Turtles but won’t tell them what it means.. I need to buy some “official” swag and membership cards so I can start procuring my own Turtles and maybe create a pond for us to hang out in😀🐢🐢🐢. Happy Turtling! Jeanne

I became Turtle though my friend Ian who challenged me with these seeming naughty riddles. However, the answers were wittingly more honest than I first imagined. He was also an Odd Fellow member.

My father taught me just after World War II when I was just a kid.

Heard about them in the 70's, something this good is not going anywhere. So I went to search the web a couple years ago and there you were, where you have always been

Initiated by high school English teacher in 1970.

I was at a fundraiser event for the Kiwanis Club of Glendale. While my wife and I were eating I invited another couple to share the table with us. I was wearing my own organization attire and they noticed that I had Turtle as my road name. They asked if I was a true Turtle, in which I said how I got the nick name turtle but said I was unaware of what they meant. They in return informed me of the meaning, asked me all the questions, and we ended up talking about the whole back story for over an hour.

Have heard several people mention the club, but no one told me how to join, so I looked it up on the web and now here I am.

At the Minnesota Masonic campground in July of 2023. Myself and two other brothers from Aurora Lodge 100 became turtles thanks to the incoming Grand High Priest of the Knights Templars in Minnesota. What an amazing experience.

On the search to find a community to have gatherings, with like minded people, a dear friend and fellow turtle had shared a link with me to be the best turtle that I can be.

The idea of being a Turtle also greatly reminds me of "Master of Disguise".

I became a Turtle after learning about it by a Brother.
My profile picture is of an Aspen leaf. Therefore, my Daughter is Aspen - named after the beautiful trees.
Oh, I’m also a Master Mason of Warwick Lodge #336 located in Newport News, Virginia and a 27 year U.S. Air Force retired veteran.
Love it!
- Robb, AKA, “Burto”

It was the early 2000s (2003 would be my guess), when an ordinary weekend at the bars changed my life forever. After a few drinks, one of my companions asked the question "Are any of you guys turtles?"

Confused by the inquiry, I said "No, but what do you mean?" I then underwent our mystic initiation rites. Then details of the evening were fuzzy at best, but I knew from that point forward that my diabetic donkey would guide me on my way.

When I was 13 my girlfriend introduced me to The club..it took me 50 Years to find you

Turtle club.us

I became a turtle at a meeting in Maine in 2010 (?).

I was not very active, until I attended an event with some friends and joked about being a turtle. They fell in love with the idea, and we started our pond in 2022.

Since then, I have been asked to create turtles at various Masonic, Shrine and other events, and we have all found ways to really have fun with this!

Learned about Turtle-dom from my Dad, a Navy Seabee and a Vietnam Vet. Sought out the Turtles after I joined the Navy.

While at a Municipal Government conference, I was approached by a Turtle and invited to join.

I’ve always wanted to be more than just a human. I found the Turtles online and being of pure mind and willing to stick my neck out, I had to join.

I was initiated into the International order of Turtles in Mannheim Germany in the winter of 2005 by the military Masonic lodge , Guiding Light #95 and have been making turtles ever since. I love and am loyal to my turtles and still keep up with some of them to this very day.

Brother Daniel Hanttula from the Masonic Grand Lodge of Oklahoma asked me if I was a Turtle, and having No idea what he was talking about, I answered "No". A short few months later at an "Oklahoma Masonic Cigar and Scotch Degree" Daniel made me a Turtle by asking me the riddles.

It was at that meeting the new Tulsa Pond was created the "Mystic Order of Naughty a Slut Turtles in the Enchanted Realm (M.O.N.S.T.E.R. Pond)".

I have been elected their treasurer for the pond.

"You bet your sweet ass I am". I became a Turtle on August 24, 1976, when my father initiated me with the the applicable greeting, and an opportunity to respond accordingly, to the challenge questions. My father then presented me with my membership card; which although tattered, I still have to this day.

I’ve always had a fascination for turtles. And learning that my fun natured, bright eyed and bushy tail attitude, with a clean mind I get made fun on for, actually put me in a category with so many others! Makes me feel amazing! A friend told me about being a turtle, and I knew I had to join!
And here I am!

During a Four Corners meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

On my 26th birthday, my dad invited me to become an AHOOT member. He presented me with several riddles, then inducted me with everyone else at the table laughing and having a really good time. Most were veterans, and a few libations were involved. At first I thought they were pulling my leg and having fun with me, until they all pulled out their membership cards, and handed me mine. He taught me the secret handshake. He told me how he became a turtle while stationed at Hardwick Airfield, near Norwich, England, and several others shared how they were inducted Dad was the left waist gunner on the B-24 bomber, the "Gambling Lady". He served in the 8th AAF, 93rd BG, 409th BS, during WWII.

My mother was a Turtle for years and a local Masonic podcast (Masonic Lite Podcast) talked about it and how people could join, so I searched you out. Kind of a tie to my mother who I lost in October.

I found my Grandpa's card. Frank B Webb

I became a Turtles in 1998 as a freemasonry and Noble (Shriner) of Zafa Temple #176 AEAONMS in Durham, NC.

We would make "turtle soup" occasionally and bring folks into the organization. I once had a green membership card but have misplaced it decades ago.

Google search about turtles in my area

I was initiated in 2017 at a Masonic function with about 20 others.

I went to a social gathering and I don’t remember the rest lol

First Impressions

My dad gave me the test years ago. I have now decided at age 70 to make it "official"

I was initiated on a group trip that included several turtles in Cabo San Lucas on May 10, 2023 by Storm, president of Paradise Snappers and several members of Paradise Snappers, and 2 other ponds in attendance. I had 11 shots of 1800 reserve tequila during my initiation and was given the nickname Cuervo.

Hatched on June 8, 2024 at a joint ceremonial of Shriners in Fryeberg, Maine by Jason H. Sanderson; Snapping Turtle

I became a turtle when I was in college, 49 years ago. My friend and I met a turtle and became turtles. The years flew by and yesterday I was walking home from work and I saw a bumper sticker asking Are You a Turtle? I tapped on his window and said
You Bet your Sweet Ass I Am!!! It’s about time I got my turtle rating back

Visited Marion lodge #56 May of 2021 as our group was leaving I was pulled aside and was asked to do the turtle degree, oh hell yes and what a great privilege it was to have it done in the same Lodge as the Duke did his degrees.

Many years ago in a bar in Hammond, IN.
After my dad had passed away, I found a turtle club card in his wallet. Cool.

I was offered the opportunity by a turtle member

at a party on kentucky lake

I originally became a Turtle on December 22, 2001, but did not receive a membership card. Then later meet Imperial Turtle Anthony Joseph in 2018 and again in 2023 who elected to sponsor me, and he encouraged me to find a group. This my first time associating with a group (pond).

Hatched as a HardShell on G/S… Then our Pond started to claim the Ronin Charter. Real TuRTles know THe ResT of THe sToRY. #38 #43 #79 #80 #81 #YBYSAIA #R80s #SMRT #RoninHood

In Angier, NC and will be updating profile soon.

My partner knows i love turtles., the occasional drink, being a good person and whimsy and he recruited me.

Watched a space documentary.

Hanging out one night after a masonic lodge meeting, we met some fellow turtles enjoying some beers. they invited me and a few others to join.... The Rest is history

My pop, James Langley hooked me up with a membership!

I joined on line

Hatched by Dave in 2018 over phone, was a over the road truck driver

At the annual OES Ga conference, I was asked to become a turtle. We drank, we laughed, and memories were made.

My brother is a turtle, and found a card for the ancient honorable order of turtles at a funeral. To carry on his friends legacy he joined, then invited me.

a friend found an International Association of Turtles membership card used as a bookmark, so I looked up what this was. As I am retired and on turtle time, and am dedicated to serious drinking and am always game for some fun, so I decided to join the organization.

The South Texas Leatherbacks where created out of a sense of brother and sisterhood. We are Wanderers, nomads, and drifters of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Turtles. We meet at VFW Post 7108 in San Antonio, TX.

Invitation from a friend

Initiated into Sheridan Wyoming pond on April 11, 1967. Joined Turtle Club Us in 2019 #804.

A Mason from Texas posted a message about the Turtles on the TX Freemasons FB page. I was intrigued!

My uncle was a Lt Col in the Air Force, and flew all over the world as Navigator on Air Force One in the early 70's and my dad was buddies with astronaut Scott Carpenter in the late 60's when he worked at North American Rockwell, so my mom had both International and Interstellar membership, she and my uncle both officially initiated me and I inherited her Interstellar membership card. I have recently initiated a few new members of our favorite local badass "drinking group with a musical problem" The Boilermakers into an unofficial "puddle" at our local American Legion Hall. I would LOVE some swag to share with my new pondmates!

My Uncle Frank, a WWII veteran serving in the OSS, introduced me to Turtlehood in the early 1970's. I must admit, that my mind was in the"gutter". He talked me through it to get the right answer's. He presented a sticker that I proudly displayed for years on my truck. It read, "Member of the Confederate Order of the Imperial Turtle Association.

I was contacted on Facebook and Joined!!
YBYSAIA!!!

Initiated by a good friend at a charitable fundraising event.

On 6/10/2023 six existing fraternal Turtles formed a Pond in New Haven CT and brought up over 25 new turtle hatchlings. Since that time we have brought the values and excitement of the group around and through to new turtles in Torrington and now back home to Ellington at Frog Pond 287!

I was hatched at Camp Humphrey Korea in 2001 in the 348th Quartermaster Company Barracks.

Online thru your website. I’ am a Freemason and always wanted to be a turtle. But I couldn’t find anyone to make me a turtle unfortunately.

My sorority sister asked me if I wanted to become a turtle. I was like I love turtles so why not. I then asked what is required. So advised that it was secret order and that I need to pass a test. I was like I'm all in. I did the test and I've been happy about it every since.

My parents are turtles.

Private initiation for Grand Imperial Snapping Turtle in 2023

Initiated by another Turtle-USAF pilot about Jun 1995 @ McChord AFB O'Club, WA.
Sorta an old time ago!

Became turtle in 1997,in Winton Salem NC,the night after I became a shriner,while stationed at Ft Bragg ,NC
I hope tostart a large group of turtles here in Philly.

1984 met a college in Atlanta Georgia and he was a turtle. Asked me if I wanted to join and asked me a few questions and viola! I’m a Turtle!

One Saturday night at our state convention we had a ceremony in the President's suite and we all had a great time becoming turtles. That was about 28 years ago.

Way back in 1972 while attending a party with friends I was honored to be inducted into the Turtles. Now after all these years I have made it to Imperial Turtle and am still going strong. Many friends have been made and our Pond grows even bigger! Our local Lodge has begun making Brothers Turtles and awarding Masonic Turtle pins.

I became a proper Turtle after learning the proper etiquette & education at Aledo Square Dancing Club in 1990. Over the years, I had been involved in initiating a Turtle here and a Turle there, UNTIL I joined and became a Texas Freemason. Since then, I have become one of the Primary Initiating Officials at the Annual Waco Gathering of Turtles during the Texas Grand Lodge Communications each year. I have been involved in bringing to the Ancient Order of Turtles over 50 new Turtles each year. Therefore, I have taken on the title of Master Imperial Turtle by rights of Initiation and Raising of Turtles to the Ancient Order of Turtles 🐢 for over 30yrs. Creation of the Texas Brush Country Pond was made in 2018.

A Chaplin in the Widows son’s motorcycle group inducted me to a turtle. His name is Bobo…

My name is Zach Jarrott, I am a prior service member and a Master Mason. I discovered the Turtles through Freemasonry, had heard of the Turtles before in my service days but never understood what it was, and I have wanted to become a Turtle for a long time once I was better informed.

A Brother at Lodge pointed me towards the Pond. I am a Veteran if the US Army, a Mason and Past Master of lodge #247 Neosho Mo.

While chatting with a buddy in his backyard tiki bar after a day of buffoonery, he asked me some risqué questions that turned out to not be so risqué.

My dad served in the Air Force and spent forty years in the Aviation industry. The tradition of the Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles was upheld by him and he grew a global network through aviation. Forming Turtle Club Us was a way to honor my dad's memory. It makes me smile to picture him procuring Turtles in any setting.

The community of Turtles is motivating and I'm happy to be able to apply the skills of my team to develop this website as a resource and tool to keep the tradition alive.

Don't hesitate to reach out. Now, go forth and procure more Turtles!

I was sitting with two and then became one.

I am a four time past master with the CA Masons. My wife and I collect turtles and make turtles as art from hard shell gourds. I have interested in becoming a Turtle for some time and finally got around to it.

I was listening to the Masonic Lite Podcast, heard about the order and thought it would be a fun thing to join.

One night at guys night I said guys we should be turtles in a turtle club. Because we are slow but we always have fun.

BigTeddy Pond was started to gather like-minded brothers and sisters to fellowship and network under one goal of being a turtle. Bloop Bloop!!

I was at Boy Scout camp, Camp Pioneer, and one of the councilors had a turtle pin. I inquired about it, talked for a while, and he eventually gave me the test & the oath.

I became a Turtle while a student at the University of Illinois, Champaign, IL.

Initiated by my brother in 1981. Have spread Turtle across my time in the college, Air Force, and thru our family. I welcome the 3 am call to inquire "Are you a Turtle?" but more often than not, I am the one calling.

They said I wasn't turtley enough for the turtle club but they were wrong

I became a turtle while stationed in Thailand in the United States Air Force during the early 1970s. I have enjoyed being a turtle and have made many more!

Through Tall Cedars of Lebanon

Joined in college (1975) at a roomies house where her mom was aTurtle. Been one ever since! And own 5 live turtles 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

I met a turtle and decided to join

My dad was a member before I was born 55 years ago. He also collected turtles. I had his original black and red or orange folded turtle membership card but fear I may have lost it. My dad passed 35 years ago and becoming an honorable turtle is a great way to remember and memorialize him for me. Today, I was thinking about the answer to the question, "Are you a Turtle?" I looked up the Ancient & Honorable Order of the Turtle online and much to my pleasure, I found you!