African American fraternal organizations

Content Description

Amateur minstrels show handbill. Dated February 25, 1907. This small handbill publicizes an amateur minstrels show held for the "benefit of the Colored Odd Fellows." Wilbur Miles, a world-renowned entertainer, headlined the show. Includes an envelope addressed to William Russ of Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Scope and Contents

Grand United Order of Odd Fellows color lithograph with "G.U.O.O.F. Record", rainbow and symbols at the top. Various vignettes on the side and a membership record in the lower center. "Published by J.M. Vickory Co, Terre Haute, IND" printed on the lower right corner and "Entered according to Act of Congress in the Year 1907 by JM Vickroy" on the lower left corner.

Content Description A death benefits certificate issued by District Grand Lodge, No. 18, of Atlanta, Georgia, to Cornelia Hill of Winder, Georgia. Dated June 1, 1913. In this document, Cornelia Hill, a member of the Winder Household of Ruth, No. 1445, purchases death benefits to be paid out to her husband in the event of her death. In 1843, Peter Ogden, "a person of color who traveled between New York and Liverpool, England," as a steward on a ship, founded the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, an African...

Content Description

The records of Jephtha Lodge, No. 11, span the years 1892-1982, with the bulk of material dating from 1909 to 1982. The collection features approximately 280 items produced and collected by Jephtha Lodge and includes minutes of meetings, membership applications, correspondence, receipts, and financial records. The collection is arranged by document type.

Content Description A membership certificate issued by Golden Gate Lodge, No. 2007, of San Francisco, California, to William Wesley. Dated February 15, 1888. Imprint under the graphic reads, "Entered according to Act of Congress 1878 by Wm. M. T. Forrester in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. A Hoen & Co. Richmond, VA." In 1843, Peter Ogden, "a person of color who traveled between New York and Liverpool, England," as a steward on a ship, founded the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, an...

Content Description

Attributed to Philomathian Lodge, No. 645, New York City, the first U.S. lodge of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows.