History of the "ZOB"

ZOB

The Zuhrah Oriental Band (Z.O.B.) was accepted as a marching musical unit of Zuhrah Temple by Potentate J. Miles Martin in the year 1951. Since then, we have become one of the most representative units of Shrinedom with our elaborate make-up and colorful Arabic-type uniforms - complete with head dress, billowing shirts and pants and curl-toed shoes.

SHRINE

Outside of it's many parade units, the general public seems to have little knowledge of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine or Shriners as they are usually called. Therefore, we offer this portion of the Web Site as both a source of information about Zuhrah Shrine Center "The Shrine" as an International Organization.

WHAT IS A SHRINER?

What kind of organization attracts truck drivers, dentists, contractors, heads of state, movie stars, generals, clergymen, and accountants? What is the Shrine?

Someone might answer: "Oh yeah, Shriners are those guys who always have those parades with the wild costumes and the funny little cars". Another might think of Shrine circuses and Shrine clowns.The fellow next to him might interject, "No, Shriners are the guys who wear those funny hats -- like flowerpots -- and have big conventions".

"I do not know about that," a passerby might add. "But I do know my little girl was born with club feet and now they are straight, and she can walk like anyone else thanks to the Shriners Hospitals for Children".

"She can walk?" questions another still. "I thought the Shriners ran those fantastic burns institutes. I have read stories about them saving kids with burns on 90 percent of their bodies".