Now the building is no longer a mystery and people are walking through the door to discover a unique Willow Glen service organization.

"People drove by for years and didn't know what this building was," says Fraternal Order of Eagles secretary Greg Colburn, 42. "So we put our slogan up there. People stop in all the time now to get information and ask what we're doing."

What they're doing is socializing with members of their community and raising money for charity.

In 1898 six theater owners founded the Fraternal Order of Eagles as a patriotic organization that upholds family values. Originating in Seattle, Wash., the organization has since expanded to more than 1,700 cities across the United States and Canada. There are now more than one million members.

The San Jose order was the eighth established. It moved its headquarters from downtown San Jose to Willow Glen 30 years ago to be in a "safer location," Colburn says.

In the last three years the Willow Glen order has seen a major transformation at the location. In the past more than 80 percent of its members were over the age of 70, but last year more than 200 members joined, ranging in age from thirtysomethings to those in their 50s.

"Everyone told their friends what the Eagles are about and got them to join," Colburn says.

Willow Glen resident Dick Gregg, 53, has a friend who referred him to the organization. Gregg, who used to be involved in Little League, says he "missed giving back to the community." Now Gregg volunteers his time to cook at the club's spaghetti dinner nights and barbecues.

"There is a full calendar of events," Gregg says. "There's something to do for everyone."

The Willow Glen "aerie"—or headquarters—are located at 1036 Lincoln Ave. The building is open seven days a week from 3 p.m. until members want to leave. There is a pool table, a dartboard, a big-screen television and a bar.

Events are held every weekend. Every Saturday there is either a fish fry, ballroom dancing, a free pasta dinner or a band playing. A popular event is karaoke on Friday nights, Colburn says.

Photograph by Sean Penello Tango for Two: Marie Asher and Frank Paris enjoy an evening of dancing during one of the many events organized by Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 8. The service and social organization has been a mainstay on Lincoln Avenue for more than 30 years. Last year membership surged when the organization changed its mysterious sign to one that featured its slogan: 'People Helping People.'

While the men represent the principles liberty, truth, justice and equality, the women talk about values such as home, country and God, says Colburn's wife, Lea Colburn, who is also the San Jose auxiliary president.

"The women have grassroots programs like delivering cookies and lap robes to people in local hospitals," Lea says. "We're the best-kept secret nationwide."

To become an Eagle one must salute the American flag at Eagle meetings and believe in some form of higher power. Members cannot belong to an organization that believes in overthrowing the government. The Eagles are nondenominational, but there is a Bible on the altar during meetings.

The purpose of the social events is to raise money for charity. No administrative cost is taken from a donation, so 100 percent of all funds raised go directly to charity. Eagles across the country give more than $5 million annually to international charities.

The Lincoln Avenue order is also actively involved in the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association and participates in the Founders' Day parade and the Dancin' on the Avenue event. Members pass out candy on Lincoln Avenue during Halloween and dress up as Santa Claus during Christmas events in downtown Willow Glen, as well as collect food for needy families in the area. The Willow Glen order also raised $8,000 for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"We are so blessed to have so much, and it feels great to give back," says auxiliary officer Irene Truchetti, 29, whose mother-in-law and husband are also members. Her husband's father and grandfather were also members.

"It would be nice to have more younger folks in the club because they have lots of fresh ideas," she says. "But everyone here is so positive, and no one is treated like a stranger. We're all like family."

Greg says he would like more young families to join. He would like to have a birthday celebration once a month for children and grandchildren, with a barbecue and games in the parking lot.

"We are just now expanding from a group that was so old," Greg says. "There was a generation lost because they had no time to belong to a fraternal organization."

Ellen Nordby, 70, has been a member for four years. She enjoys volunteering at dinner dances and hopes more young couples will join because "it's like getting together with family, and it's always nice to meet new people."

Last year the building underwent remodeling to become more "inviting," Greg says. Wainscoting was added, as well as an oak dance floor.

Whereas the building used to look like it was "straight out of the 1950s," it now looks more modern, he says.

Betty Ann Rodriguez decided to stop in three months ago. She liked the idea of meeting new people and helping the community so much she got her husband, son, father, nephews and friends to also join.

"It's a place the whole family can come and have fun," Rodriguez says. "My husband is a state champion in darts, and we come several days a week to play with other members. I also volunteer as much as possible. There's no generation gap; everyone can socialize with everyone."

For more information about the Fraternal Order of Eagles, call 408.993.1610 or visit www.foe.com.