Rochester Merry Medics
Rochester Merry Medics
The Osman Merry Medics were formerly known as the Osman Shrine Clowns of Rochester, a satellite group of the St. Paul Osman Shrine Clowns. The original membership consisted of five men including three officers. The name Merry Medics was developed to distinguish the new unit and to identify with the city of Rochester, a prominent medical community.
In 1974, Osman Shrine agreed that the group should be a separate Unit serving the southern part of the state. Under its constitution and by-laws, qualification for membership is being a Noble in good standing of Osman Shrine.
From a charter membership of former active Osman Clowns, the Merry Medic membership now includes both active and honorary members. Members are rewarded with a smile of a frightened child in a hospital bed or the thank you of a lonely nursing home resident. The Unit enjoys participating in parades and encourages the presence of members’ Ladies at parade and post-parade activities. The Ladies support the Unit activities and also enjoy the fun that goes with being associated with a Merry Medic. The Osman Merry Medics have appeared throughout southern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and at a Ceremonial in Iowa. Special appearances have included school interest days, school carnivals, homecoming parades, retail promotions, company parties and picnics, hospitals, nursing homes, county fairs, and several weddings.