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Alamo Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge Certificate

 Item
Identifier: RH-A-4320

Scope and Contents

This collection is a certificate establishing the Alamo, Michigan lodge (461) of the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). It was signed by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, John W. Eisman on December 6, 1921. The lodge was first headed by James W. Carl.

Dates

  • Creation: December 6, 1921

Creator

Biographical / Historical

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established in 1819 by Thomas Wildey in Baltimore, Maryland. This was a continuation of the Order of Odd Fellows that was started in England in the 1700s but became independent in 1842. The IOOF is a non-political and non-sectarian organization. The command of the IOOF is to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan. The organization is still active as of 2022.

The Alamo lodge of the IOOF received its Dispensation for Subordinate Lodge certificate on December 6, 1921. It was approved and signed by Grand Mater John W. Eisman (Detroit, MI and Grand Secretary Fred A. Rogers. It was given lodge number 461 and 11 men are named as brethren. James W. Carl was the first head and promoter of the lodge. The lodge no longer appears to be active.

James W. Carl was a farmer who was born in Canada on June 29, 1852 and died in Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 12, 1927.

Other brethren listed: Lee A Harten, J. C. Baughman, David Baughman, Oscar P. Hutchens, Walter H. Snow, James Hart, Burton F. Askins, Henry H. [illegible], Lyle Abbot, and F. Pasqua Tayer.

Extent

.10 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by the Alamo Township Museum.

Physical Description

This collection amounts to .10 cubic feet. It is one 12” x 10” paper certificate. The paper has browned and is somewhat fragile. It has been folded in the past and has a large tear on the upper right-hand side, but neither affects readability. It has been encapsulated to prevent breakage. Most of the certificate has been printed but variable information such as lodge number, date, and member names are handwritten. All writing, except one last name, is legible. The border of the certificate is decorated with five-petaled flowers and the lower left-hand corner contains the seal of the Grand Lodge IOOF of the State of Michigan.

Title
Alamo Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge Certificate finding aid
Status
Completed
Author
Stephanie Chapman
Date
2022-11-29
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490