1902-1904 Minute Book of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Auburn Encampment #112

On offer is a century-old Minute Book from a large and successful international fraternal organization.

The Minute Book belonged to the Auburn Encampment #112 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. It was located in Auburn, NY. The Minute Book covers the time period from Dec 26, 1902 until Dec 25th, 1904.

This Minute Book details the routine steps these men took to put into practice the values, principals and teachings of the IOOF as they met on a monthly basis in their community. It also records the practical things that had to be done to keep the Encampment operating in a sound and organized manner. The entries are signed by the men who held the position of Scribe – C.E. Parcell, Harry L. Pope and G Elerofoot.

Some excerpts follow:

"... C.P. stated that owing to his being unable to treat the boys with a smoke at the time he took the Chair, he had decided to treat tonight to a good smoke. Our most worthy Chief kept his word for he at once dispatched a messenger who returned with a box of xcelent cigars which was highly appreciated by all the [ ].... "[p 6].

"...C.P. Buckman reported the drawing of $15.00 from the Treasurer, the death benefit for our deceased Ptr J. Adamson..." [p. 32].

"...A letter was received from Satina Encampment No 114 of Syracuse inviting the Auburn Encampment to visit them on Nov 20th and confer the Golden Rule degree..." [p. 65].

The Minute Book provides extensive lists and references to its many members. The IOOF broadly drew members from across the social spectrum. Notable members included Wyatt Earp, Charles Lindburgh and at least 5 Presidents of the United States.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is an international fraternal organization that dates back to 18th century England. Consisting of affiliated ‘Lodges’, it can be traced back to 1748 in London.

One accepted explanation for their unique name is that the original Odd Fellows were men who were engaged in various or odd trades that lay outside those of the old, well-established trade guilds such as weavers, bakers, masons, etc. These workers of “odd jobs” banded together and initially met in the back rooms of pubs, paying a penny per week in dues that would help members who fell ill or had passed away. Eventually, the idea spread and a network emerged of more formalized Lodges and the Odd Fellows developed their own unique rituals, philosophy, and purpose.

In 1810, the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity in England was established. Odd Fellows spread overseas, including formally chartering the fraternity in the United States in 1819. The Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity became the largest and richest fraternal organization in the United Kingdom

American Odd Fellowship is regarded as being founded in Baltimore in 1819, by Thomas Wildey. In 1843 the Oddfellows in America declared their independence from the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows and became a self-governing Order – the Independent Order of Odd Fellows – which established lodges across the world.

Today, beyond recreational activities, Odd Fellows promote philanthropy, the ethic of reciprocity and charity. The American-seated Independent Order of Odd Fellows enrols some 600,000 members divided in approximately 10,000 lodges in 30 countries.

“Encampments” are one level above the standard Lodges of the organization.

For a social historian, this Minute Books offers an insight into the inner workings of this fraternal organization and how it worked to respond to the needs of its members at the beginning of the 20th Century. For a genealogist, it’s lists of members are an excellent reference resource.

This Minute book measures 9.75 inches by 8.0 inches and contains 152 pages and is about 98% complete. The cover and binding are in good condition as are the pages. The handwriting is legible.