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Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Crisfield records

1 folder (0.01 linear feet)

(1931 – 1934)

Edward H. Nabb Center for Delmarva History and Culture, Salisbury, University, Salisbury, Maryland

Identifier 2006.308
Creator(s) Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.)
Acquisition

The records of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Crisfield, Md., were donated to the Nabb Research Center by Rob Hall, July 2002. 
Language(s) English
Use Records are open for research. Copyright, including literary rights, belongs to the author(s) or their legal heirs. Permission to publish or reproduce must be obtained from the Nabb Research Center which extends beyond "fair use."
Preferred Citation "Item, collection title and identifier, box # and folder # (if applicable), Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture, Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland."
Attribution Finding aid written by Leslie M. McRoberts, April 2014.
Related Materials None
Separated Materials See Nabb Center Staff
Abstract

The Independent Order of Odd Fellow, Crisfield, Maryland, Lodge 51 documents the fraternal organizations meeting minutes from 1931-1934 and includes the business activities as well as membership information.

Administrative History

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is a global altruistic and benevolent fraternal organization derived from the British Oddfellows service organizations of the 17th century.There are a number of explanations of the origin of the name – for example:
 
In 17th century England, it was odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and of pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind. Those who belonged to such an organization were called "Odd Fellows".[1]
 
The Order is also known as "The Three Link Fraternity", referring to the Order's "Triple Links" logo - three links contain the letters F, L and T, (Friendship, Love and Truth).
 
The word "Independent" in the organization's name was given by the English parent organization as part of the chartered title of the new North American chapter:
 

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded on the North American Continent in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819, when Thomas Wildey and four members of the Order from England instituted Washington Lodge No. 1. This lodge received its charter from Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows in England.
 
Odd Fellowship became the first fraternity in the U.S. to include both men and women when it adopted the "Beautiful Rebekah Degree" on September 20, 1851. This degree is based on teachings found in the Holy Bible, and was written by the Honorable Schuyler Colfax who was Vice President of the United States during the period 1868-1873. Odd Fellows and Rebekahs were also the first U.S. fraternal organizations to establish homes for senior members and for orphaned children

Arrangement Statement See Nabb Center Staff

Subject Terms

  • Topical Terms
    • Clubs
    • Greek Fraternities and Sororities
  • Corporate Names
    • Independent Order of Odd Fellows
  • Location Terms
    • Crisfield (Md.)

Inventory List

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Artifacts

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Attachments

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