A striking new mural has been unveiled at the home of No. 1 Moose Lodge in Tredegar, celebrating the centenary of Moose in Britain and the town’s unique role in the history of the international fraternity.
Created by renowned local artist Jooms Art, the vibrant artwork brings together symbols reflecting the heritage, values and community spirit of Moose International. It features 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, whose vision transformed the organisation and established Tredegar as the birthplace of Moose in the UK.
At the heart of the mural is the moose, the organisation’s emblem, representing strength, protection and service. Rather than symbolising a predator, the moose reflects Moose International’s long standing commitment to supporting its members, local communities and charitable causes.
The artwork also pays tribute to Tredegar born James J. Davies, whose legacy continues to shape Moose International.
Born in Tredegar, Davies emigrated with his family to Pennsylvania at the age of eight. After beginning work in the steel mills aged just 11, he went on to enjoy a distinguished public career, becoming the only person to serve as United States Secretary of Labor under three different Presidents, Harding, Coolidge and Hoover, before later becoming a United States Senator for Pennsylvania.
His influence on Moose International proved equally significant. When Davies led the reorganisation of the fraternity in 1906, it had just 247 members across two lodges. Under his leadership, it grew to more than 500,000 members in over 1,000 lodges, becoming one of North America’s most influential fraternal and charitable organisations.
Despite his success in the United States, Davies maintained strong ties with his hometown. On 28 July 1926, he established the first Moose lodge in Britain in Tredegar, giving the town the distinction of becoming No. 1 Lodge and the birthplace of Moose in the United Kingdom.
One hundred years later, the new mural commemorates that milestone while reinforcing Tredegar’s place at the heart of Moose 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, he praised the dedication of members and recognised the contribution Moose volunteers continue to make within their communities.
As a permanent feature in the town centre, the mural serves as a lasting reminder of Tredegar’s historic legacy, the vision of James J. Davies and the values of service, friendship and community that have defined No. 1 Lodge for the past century.
Cllr John Morgan, Cabinet Member for 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.”
