A striking new mural has been unveiled on the home of No. 1 Moose Lodge, Tredegar, celebrating both the centenary of Moose in Britain and Tredegar's unique place in the history of the international fraternity.
Created by renowned local artist Jooms Art, the vibrant mural brings together a wealth of symbolism reflecting the heritage, values and community spirit of Moose International. Featuring the iconic moose, elements of the natural world, representations of charitable work, the Tredegar townscape, the centenary logo and a prominent image of James J. Davies, the artwork serves as a visual tribute to a remarkable story that began in Tredegar 100 years ago.
The mural's central symbol, the moose, represents strength, protection and service. Chosen by Moose International as its emblem, the moose is recognised not as a predator but as a guardian – embodying the organisation's long-standing commitment to supporting members, local communities and charitable causes.
While the artwork celebrates many aspects of Moose history, it also highlights the extraordinary legacy of James J. Davies, the Tredegar-born ironworker, statesman and philanthropist whose vision transformed the organisation.
Born in Tredegar, Davies emigrated with his family to Pennsylvania as a 8 year old child. Beginning work in the steel mills at just 11 years old, he rose through determination and hard work before embarking on a distinguished public career. He remains the only person to have served as United States Secretary of Labor under three different Presidents ( Harding, Coolidge and Hoover), later becoming a United States Senator for Pennsylvania.
However, the mural focuses on his equally important contribution to Moose International. When Davies led the reorganisation of the fraternity in 1906, it consisted of just 247 members across two lodges. Under his leadership, it expanded dramatically to more than 500,000 members in over 1,000 lodges, becoming one of North America's most influential fraternal and charitable organisations.
Davies' connection to his hometown remained strong throughout his life. In recognition of his roots, he established the first Moose lodge in Britain in Tredegar on 28 July 1926, giving the town the distinction of becoming No. 1 Lodge and the birthplace of Moose in the United Kingdom.
A century later, that achievement remains a source of immense civic pride. The new mural not only commemorates the organisation's centenary but also reinforces Tredegar's status as the foundation of Moose in Britain, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can appreciate the town's unique place in the fraternity's history.
The mural was officially viewed during the centenary celebrations by Scott Hart, Chief Executive Officer of Moose International, who travelled to Tredegar to mark the occasion. Speaking at the celebratory dinner, Hart praised the dedication of members and acknowledged the invaluable contribution Moose volunteers continue to make within their communities.
As a permanent landmark in the heart of the town, the mural stands as a powerful reminder of Tredegar's historic legacy, the vision of James J. Davies, and the enduring values of service, friendship and community that have defined No. 1 Lodge for the past 100 years.
Cllr John Morgan, Cabinet Member - Economy & Place, said, "Murals such as this play a vital role in preserving and celebrating the rich history of Blaenau Gwent. They bring our stories to life, create a sense of pride in our communities and help people connect with the remarkable individuals and events that have shaped our area. This artwork is a wonderful example of how public art can celebrate Tredegar's unique place in history as the home of No. 1 Lodge while also enhancing the town centre and creating a point of interest for visitors. We know that the story of James J. Davies and Moose International resonates strongly in the United States, and murals like this help showcase our heritage to international visitors while strengthening civic pride among local residents."
Tommy Smith, Governor of Tredegar Moose Lodge No. 1, said, "This mural is a fitting tribute to the remarkable history of No. 1 Lodge and to the man whose vision helped shape Moose International across the world. As members of Tredegar Lodge, we are immensely proud of our heritage and our place at the heart of Moose in Britain. We hope this artwork inspires future generations to learn about our history and the values of friendship, care and community service that continue to guide us today."
Jean Gardner, UK President of Moose International, added, "The centenary of Moose in Britain is a significant milestone, and it is entirely fitting that it is celebrated here in Tredegar, where our story began. This beautiful mural captures not only our history but also the enduring spirit of service that defines Moose today. It stands as a lasting reminder of the contribution made by generations of members and of Tredegar's special place as the home of No. 1 Lodge."
