Division 61

The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America granted a charter to Division 61 in Philadelphia on October 1st, 1895. The organizer was William J. O'Rourke. Who was Joseph Patrick Schickling? Joe was the embodiment of the AOH creed: Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. Joe was an employee of Harbison Dairies for 43 years, hence the nickname "Joe th... e Milkman". Along with his wife Ellen of nearly 60 years, they raised nine children and still found time to serve the Division in practically every capacity. Joe was a perennial delegate to both state and national conventions. As if all of the above was not enough, Joe contributed are good deal of time to organizing fundraisers, delivering donated goods to needy families, and selling chances. Joe's Irish heritage came mainly from his mother's side, the Ronoghan's. Joe loved being Irish ... and he loved being a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. For these reasons and more, the Division elected to honor Joe's memory by naming 61 after him in 1985, four years after his death. Joe not only lives on in name and spirit, he lives on through Division 61's membership which currently enlists three of of his sons (the late Jimmy Schickling was a former member also), a son-in-law, seven of his grandsons and the spouses of three of his granddaughters. Division 61 has its roots in St. Michael's parish at 2nd and Master Sts. Many of the current members trace their roots back to North Philadelphia, Fishtown and Kensington. Division 61 is comprised of numerous families, fathers and sons, uncles and nephews, son-in-laws, and brother-in-laws. They have spread out all over the Delaware Valley: all over the Northeast (Mayfair, Lawndale, Tacony), Montgomery and Bucks Counties, and South Jersey. Our Division is active in the promotion of Irish heritage and culture. We also participate in athletic and entertainment activities, but promoting Christian Charity is certainly at the core of our existence. The following are some examples of activities our division promotes: Harry Rutter ...Read More