The Odd Fellows Lodge was founded in England during the 18th century, and in 1819, it made its way to the United States. It took its name from what it felt was its unique purpose- to help the poor, sick, orphaned, and “distressed.” Like many fraternal societies, it found fertile ground in 19th century America, where a rising middle class sought out fraternal organizations in the midst of rapid social change.
The Square-Showing Odd Fellows Hall, Savings Bank and Post Office, Orange, Mass. Photograph. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/1999-03-0062/. Accessed on October 16, 2024.
Please note: Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.