Posted 12 months ago
Watchsearc…
(88 items)
My grandparents died in the 1980s and some of their belongings were recently passed on to me. I’m scrapbooking all the pictures and documents.
Here are my grandfather’s Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) lapel pin and 1923 membership certificate.
Lodge #46 of Lindale Georgia no longer exists, nor does the huge cotton mill that was the centerpiece of that town and was my grandfather’s employer for almost 50 years.
Odd Fellows are expected to embody the attributes of Friendship, Love and Truth.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a non-political, non-sectarian fraternal organization. Their purpose: “Visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan”.
The back of the membership paper lists the code words used to communicate between the different lodges when an out-of-town person was seeking help while claiming to be an Odd Fellows member.
My grandfather’s certificate shows him in good standing on August 1, 1923 when he paid dues of $3.00 which covered his membership until November 25, 1923 in Lodge #46 of Lindale Georgia.
I’m proud to know that my grandfather was a member.
Thanks for reading. All comments welcome and appreciated.
Interesting stuff. I like the notary stamp too. And the secret words.
Fascinating info about your grandfather's fine organization, what an unusual name
Such a wonderful treasure from your Grandfather and I love the story behind it. Just wonderful!!
dav2no1, thanks for the love and comment. I was fascinated by the secret words myself.
Newfld, thanks for the love. I had to look up the organization. From what I read, back in the 1700s in Europe (England?) where this organization started, the dedication to charity was rather unusual/not the norm/certainly odd…..thus the name “ Odd Fellows”.
Jscotto363, thanks for the love. I’m finding out things about my family that I never knew before….my grandfather being an Odd Fellow was new to me….but recalling his quiet demeanor, kindness, dedication to hard work, dedication to his family and his religion, I can see that he fit right in with the Odd Fellows.
How interesting and nice....
Thank you all for the comments and loves!