California Freemason: What was going on in your life when you first knocked on the door of a lodge
Jerry Zeldes: I’m 91 now. Back in 1980, I was telling my cousin it was hard to make friends—especially with other men—and he mentioned Masonry. I didn’t know anything about it, but many of my in-laws were Masons, so I applied to Menorah № 623.
CFM: What made you stick with it all these years?
JZ: When I joined, the master told me, “Don’t just wear a pin—get involved.” That’s what I’ve done for 46 years. I was a member of three lodges—Menorah, Hollywood № 355, and Home № 721—but now I’m just at Home. The most rewarding part has been being a Shrine Clown.”
CFM: How did a CPA end up as Pogo the Clown?
JZ: In 1995, I joined the Shrine in San Diego, and a friend invited me to dinner to talk about a new clown unit. By the end of the night I was in. I had no idea what I signed up for. I was 61. I went to a friend’s toy store in Bel Air, saw a photo of a clown named Pogo, and took the name. It could take two hours to put on the makeup before driving to a gig. But every time I came home, I had a story and a smile. I never turned down a gig.
CFM: What was a typical day like for Pogo?
JZ: I worked the Shrine Circus for 25 years. During intermissions, about 30 of us made balloons for thousands of kids, many from inner-city families. You learn to work fast—dogs, hats, swords. I also handed out “I Met Pogo” stickers by the thousands. [Shrine Clowns] have a rule that we don’t scare people. If someone turns away, we give them space. At Shriners Hospital, I once walked into a room where a young boy was inconsolable. I didn’t know what to do, so I held up a little singing fish. After a few minutes, he quieted down—and later, he was hugging me and wouldn’t let go. Moments like that stay with you.
CFM: Do you still have the costume?
JZ: When I moved to Carlsbad, I gave everything back to the Shrine. Six months later, they sent back my custom clown shoes. I only wore them once—they were so hard to move in—so now they’re hanging on my wall.
CFM: What’s life like for you now?
JZ: I still do some accounting and stay active in my community. I live in a retirement community in Carlsbad, where I moved to be closer to my daughter. I may be retired, but if I can make someone smile, it’s worth it.
Photography by:
Justin L. Stewart
