Happy Anniversary to Davis IOOF Lodge #103 as it observes 135 years of being in existence since their Charter was signed by the Grand Lodge of West Virginia on October 25, 1888. The names of nineteen of the original members are included on this Charter which hangs in the current Lodge Hall located at Fifth and Thomas Streets in Davis.
We look back to the history of why these founding members decided on forming this particular fraternal organization. What was about its purpose that attracted them? Does this purpose still hold the same bond now that it did back then?
The name itself, “Odd Fellows” strikes curiosity. Why such a peculiar name? Going back to the early roots of the organization in England in the 1700’s, it was formed by the common laboring men coming together to form a fraternity for social unity and fellowship and, most importantly, for mutual help in times of need. That laboring men should form such a union went against the trends of the times which found other fraternities being established by the more elite class or upper crust. Hence, they were described as “odd”. When legally incorporated, the title “Odd Fellows” was adopted. These original Odd Fellows developed their own unique rituals, philosophy and purpose which are still observed by current lodges.
The Odd Fellows started as a way to care for their members in a time when there were no systems in place to insure one’s welfare, health or job protection. Sickness or death of a breadwinner usually meant poverty and the responsibility of burial was on the family. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows took on the responsibilities of “visiting the sick, burying the dead, educating the orphans and caring for the widows” as a way to support widows, orphans and families in need. The three interlocked rings which is the Odd Fellows insignia stand for “Friendship, Love and Truth.”
In North America, the IOOF was officially organized on April 26, 1819 in Baltimore, Maryland, by Thomas Wildey and four other members of the fraternity from England. And since then, the IOOF has spread throughout the world with about 10,000 lodges in many countries. In 1896, the World Almanac listed the Odd Fellows as the largest of all fraternal organizations. Many famous names have been on Odd Fellow rolls, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Wyatt Earp, Chief Justice Earl Warren, Charles Lindbergh and P. T. Barnum.
So, one hundred and thirty five years ago, what made nineteen Davis men decide to establish Lodge #103? It is important to describe what the town of Davis was like back then. The following is an excerpt from Pearl Mott’s History of Davis and Canaan Valley which she reprinted from the May 1, 1891 Davis City Times under the title of “Davis is Just Six Years Old”: “Six years ago the site on which Davis now stands was inhabited by wild animals, before the railroad was completed to this point. Many early settlers now reflect with pleasure upon the rapid strides made in the last six years. Upon the spot where six years ago there was nothing but a forest, through which roamed at will the deer, bear and other animals, there now stands a live business town having a population of 1,500 people, and where two large sawmills, a box factory, shingle mill, large tannery, mine and railroad with their rush and roar, give to our town the appearance already of what it will be in the near future. The prospects for Davis were never brighter than they are now. We are glad that this is so.”
It is evident that when Davis was just three years old, the men who made up the work force at the sawmills, factories, tannery, mines and railroad fit the description of the original “Odd Fellows” from Olde England; that being the working class. They found security in the purpose of what the Lodge was founded upon as they had no insurances or government safety nets. The Davis Lodge met at various halls until 1911 when they began meeting on the second floor of the Alliance Store at Fifth and Thomas Streets. This building was torn down and the new IOOF Hall was built on the same site during 1999. This is where both Odd Fellows and Rebekahs (the women’s arm of IOOF) meetings are held today. Both men and women can become members of both lodges.
On September 22, 1910, The Odd Fellows Home in Elkins opened its doors to the orphans, widows and elderly suffering from economic hardship. This massive and impressive building has a total of 137 rooms, including 99 bedrooms and 21 bathrooms. It sits on 16 acres of land with a pond. In times past, this home was totally occupied with those it was intended to help. But as more and more government entitlements, insurance and pensions helped keep people financially stable, the residency at the home declined and it shut its doors in for good in 2018 and is up for auction. Excerpts from stories by some of the people who were housed there gave testimony as to their having many good times and it was not sad at all. This writer remembers going with family in the early 1950’s to visit great uncle Brady Harr, who under the rules of the Order, turned over his Davis home’s deed to them in return for care for the rest of his life. He was sitting on the porch in a rocking chair while we visited him, looking as contented as a cat.
That was then, and this is now.
Yes, in 2024 Davis Lodge #103 is still an active lodge, but the members accept the fact that times have changed drastically over the past 134 years. The energies going forward are in the process of being refocused onto where best to apply our three links of Friendship, Love and Truth in Davis, Thomas and the surrounding areas. The members have made improvements to the Lodge hall, including a state of the art heating and cooling system. The interior is cheerful with new paint and a fully functioning kitchen. The members foresee more and more activities that center on social functions, taking into account that our hometown people still love to meet and eat. We are exploring a variety of ways to enhance our social endeavors which will probably evolve into a monthly meeting with some food, guest speakers, entertainment, games and other activities that spark interest with the local citizens. One meeting a month will continue to be dedicated to the ritual and business of the Lodge members. The Lodge members will lend themselves where possible to helping out in the community when a need arises. More volunteer help will go to the Food Bank, especially as they are building a new place in Thomas.
It is necessary to raise some funds to meet Lodge utility, insurance and other expenses. Our most celebrated fund raising event is the sausage and pancake breakfast during Leaf Peepers. Our sausage patties are famous! Another event in the planning stages is our 134th Anniversary celebration currently scheduled for Saturday, August 3, at the Lodge. We will serve chili dog platters, using the recipe for chili sauce served at the old Likens restaurant and bar located in the red building that sits across from the Lodge hall. This is a heritage recipe from days gone by and was loved by all. To mark the anniversary celebration, each patron purchasing a platter or just a chili dog will get cake and ice cream. One more event is being planned for late fall to observe the good harvest time. Brunswick stew, breads, and apple dumplins highlight the menu. Every effort will be made to serve a full course meal that is affordable for families to be able to have a night out. We are also exploring opportunities to offer our very attractive Lodge hall as a venue for someone needing space; for example, to teach an art class, or line dancing.
The end goal is to attract new members into the Lodge by making it not only a fraternal organization with ritual and history, but also serving as a viable resource within the community for service and fellowship. If you are interested in receiving more information, drop a line to 93 Pipeline Lane, Davis, WV 26260. A member will contact you.
ODD FELLOW VALEDICTION
(Recited in unison at each meeting, going back to the Lodge’s beginnings in England)
I AM AN ODD FELLOW:
I believe in the Fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of Man.
I believe in the Friendship, Love and Truth as basic guides to the ultimate destiny of all mankind.
I believe my home, my church or temple, my lodge, and my community deserve my best work, my modest pride, my earnest faith, and my deepest loyalty, as I perform my duty “to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan” and as I work with others to build a better world because in spirit and in truth, I am, and must always be, grateful to my Creator, faithful to my Country, and fraternal to my fellow man.
I AM AN ODD FELLOW