How Doors Opened for John David Norman and Francis Shelden? One theory of many

Disclaimer: These are not absolutes on how exactly these connections were made as we can only look at the relics left to decipher - motivations are assumed unless we have quotes and documents to verify. At the very least this does show how networks overlap and doors can be opened, even if innocently.

The infamous child pornographer , John David Norman, father, Earl,  was a Freemason in Oklahoma. The family moved to Houston in the 40's and as a teen Norman worked at a radio station housed within the Rice Hotel. 

Wikipedia - Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel.  

William Marsh Rice (1816–1900), the Texas merchant, financier, and founder of Rice University, was a Freemason. Multiple credible historical sources confirm his membership in Freemasonry: He was a member of Holland Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M. (Ancient Free and Accepted Masons) in Houston, Texas—the oldest Masonic lodge in the state, chartered in 1837.

The Rice Hotel was named after a famous Texas Freemason, William Marsh Rice. Norman worked on a show called Experiment in Radio which aired from KTRH, housed within the hotel.  He was given a scholarship by Norman Peale's Conservative org - 

Google AI: " Norman attended Northwestern University, where he was awarded a scholarship by radio station WIND in Chicago. He claimed that his education at Northwestern was specifically made possible by a scholarship from Norman Vincent Peale, the famous author of The Power of Positive Thinking."...cont  "Committee for Constitutional Government (often abbreviated as CCG).

" Committee for Constitutional Government was a highly influential conservative lobbying group and foundation active during the mid-20th century. John David Norman received a scholarship from the Houston Committee for Constitutional Government (a local chapter) while attending Lamar High School in Houston."

Norman Peale's Masonic credentials and involvements included:

33rd Degree Mason: He was elevated to the 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite on September 23, 1959.

Lodge Membership: He was initiated into Midwood Lodge No. 1062 (sometimes cited as No. 310) in Brooklyn, New York, in 1926.

Leadership Roles: Peale served as the Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of New York. He was also a member of the Crescent Shrine Temple, where he served as the Imperial Grand Chaplain.

Public Advocacy: He was often called the "best-known champion of Freemasonry in America," frequently speaking on how Masonic fellowship and ideals complemented his Christian faith. 

Francis Shelden - North Fox Island fame 

Both Peale and Francis Shelden have connections to the surname Alger. But it's not what you may first think - 

Norman Peale's link to the Alger surname: (Google AI) "Norman Vincent Peale was involved with several organizations that provided scholarships, most notably the Horatio Alger Association and his own Peale Foundation. 

Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans: Dr. Peale was a co-founder of this association in 1947. While it began as an organization to honor successful individuals who overcame adversity, it established a massive scholarship program in 1984. Today, it is one of the largest need-based scholarship providers in the U.S., awarding millions annually to students who demonstrate "integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity".

If the relation is there it stems back to England when they were hopping religions pending a King's fancy - rather it is actually sooner than that -  it's Freemasonry - its PEALE - he connects it Russell A Alger was a Freemason - Francis Shelden's grandpa. 

The Alger family had Masonic ties through his father-in-law, Russell A. Alger (1836–1907), who was a confirmed Master Mason in Corinthian Lodge No. 241, F. & A.M. in Detroit (raised 1895). After Russell's death, his Detroit mansion was purchased by Palestine Lodge No. 357, F. & A.M. (the largest lodge in America at the time), which used it as their lodge house, likely facilitated by family/Masonic connections. However, this does not extend to Alger Shelden himself but the connections within the family Alger line is strong in Michigan - meaning also within their prestigious network of influence.

There will be more post linking to this post soon -

It's a wild adventure!

If any information is incorrect, please contact me and provide the accurate information.

There is a lot of confusion and bad information out there to whittle through - and -as we've seen in our recent news, everything is not what it appears.