Odd Fellows Lodge
Next time you find yourself enjoying a stroll through Winona, Minnesota’s beautiful and historic downtown area, take a second to observe the architectural carvings on the buildings. Carvings aside, the red and tan stone buildings leak an aura of the olden days that, when noticed, cause even a millennial like myself to hear the clip-clop of horse and buggy on the cobblestone streets. While still in that moment and mindset, one can close their eyes and hear the various accents and languages of latter-Winona’s occupants during the mid-day rush. Women in bonnets and men britches smile and shout their greetings over the rumble of the passing (and new) train. On one hand, enjoying the pleasantly antiquated theme of the 3rd street is always time well spent. On the other, you might just discover something that has been hiding in plain sight.
I recall noticing “Odd Fellow’s Lodge” carved elegantly into the top of the large stone building on the corner of 3rd and Lafayette for the first time. Having had no inkling as to why “Odd Fellows” would deserve their own corner office, I was hell-bent on learning more. The unclear text placed so conspicuously above the busy street was sure to have a story worth hearing. I assumed that when I began researching the phrase I would find that the Odd Fellows were something of the past; just another brick on the wall of Winona’s decorated and wealthy history. Maybe some sort of spunky haberdashery? What I found, thankfully, is something a little more complicated than I’d originally hoped. My findings, subsequently, only resulted in more questions that needed answering.
Who were they, and where did they come from?
The true origin of the Odd Fellow’s Fraternity is something of a mystery. So much so, in fact, that their very own historical website is forced to speculate. While several historians estimate the first lodges sprang into existence in the “Medieval Trade Guilds” of the 12th and 13th centuries, others report that they began their aristocracy around 1650. The only surety is that plenty of lodges existed in London, England in the 1700s. England’s first printed lodge, “Rules of Loyal Aristarchus Lodge no.9”, dates back to March 12, 1748. The various Odd Fellow Lodges were convened by the average working-man for both social gatherings and providing aid to men without employment. As we (and our Founding Fathers) very well know, England is rather conservative and reluctant to change. For example, some of the rules and regulations set in place by the first lodges still exist today. In the Odd Fellows’ infancy, membership to the fraternity was deemed a criminal offense, which forced the groups to camouflage themselves by using secret codes, passwords, and handshakes. Such tactics are still used in modern Lodges, including those in America, regardless of legality.
Considering the nature of the Odd Fellows’ objectives, it is reasonable to question why they would ever be considered illegal, or even frowned upon for that matter. The organization structured its ceremonies and teachings around “elevating the character of man, and thereby making this world a better place in which to live.” The organization makes it crystal clear that it is in no way, shape, or form a religion. Instead, the Brotherhood is marketed as a friendship-based club that seeks to help and improve their respective communities.
Seems legal to me. (not an expert)
When introduced to the United States, Odd Fellows membership and participation soared. First with Baltimore in 1819, when a group of five men took it upon themselves to organize America’s first (documented) lodge. Thirty years later, just after the invention of the Printing Telegraph, Minnesota’s first lodge was erected in Stillwater. Finally, in the year 1856, only a few years after the first white settlers planted their stake in the city, Winona’s lodge was built.
Winona’s lodge reached its peak in the 1920s as membership surpassed 400 individuals. Although only starting with 11 members, the friendly, community-oriented group was particularly exceptional at recruiting new members through personal interactions. New members joined the cause with enthusiasm, eager to become a part of the philanthropic society. Of course, while Odd Fellows meetings served as a great social environment for individuals to meet and greet with other members of the community, they also stood for a wonderful cause that was, and I believe, remains attractive to most. In many cases, it would be safe to bet that such an organization would stand the test of time. Unfortunately, for the Odd Fellows, that has proven to be a losing bet.
Do you know anyone who is a member of the Odd Fellows? Have you ever heard of them?
In modern-day Winona, membership dwindles. While the roaring ’20s brought in a wave of new members, it has since become a different story. Over the past century, slowly but surely, pledges and participation have both declined at a consistent pace. One could speculate as to why this has proven to be the case,
One likely reason as to why the Odd Fellows are slowly becoming extinct could reside in the recruiting strategies. It is reasonable to conclude that mouth-to-mouth soliciting is a dying industry. Anywhere you look, across all facets and industries, the bulk of their marketing and persuasion is conducted online. Far before the initial contact or first impression, prospects are spammed with advertisements and memos regarding the product or service. The lack of education and knowledge as to exactly who the Odd Fellows are is likely among the main hindrances relating to growth. Getting past the who and conveying the what is extremely important for any community aid organization.
While the age gap separates the current members from successfully passing the gauntlet to younger members, it begs the question as to why social welfare college students wouldn’t be lining up at the door to join. Walking around Winona State University’s campus, one will find an abundance of bulletin boards filled the edges with flyers recruiting students to join various groups and organizations. Many of which have an underlying objective that aims to improve and assist those who might be in need. Whether it be in the name of equality, violence, depression or what-have-you, each of them is trying to improve their community. I can neither confirm or deny the success of these groups, but what I do know is that people are aware of their existence. Something that cannot be said about the Odd Fellows in Lodge.
Another key player in the Odd Fellow’s battle against irrelevance could be attributed to the current governmental welfare aid. Unlike the present day, families from previous generations couldn’t file the proper paperwork to compensate for financial gaps. Instead, they relied on their fellow community members to overcome tough times. In many cases, that aid came from the local Masonic lodge in their very own town. Originally, the Odd Fellows aided in providing proper funeral and burial arrangements for individuals who were unable to afford the procedure. Additionally, it was common for them to financially support widows who’d lost their primary source of income. Nowadays the organization continues its giving nature in other ways. Such areas include: providing winter clothing to the homeless, giving food to those in need, granting scholarships to high school students, and assisting in city clean-ups.
For the Odd Fellows Fraternity, keeping up with social trends have proven to be their biggest burden. Brian Voerding of the Winona Daily News speculates on why benevolent societies have been slowly fizzling away. He highlights the evolution of the social landscape since the conclusion of the Second World War. Modern-day community service organizations are typically more successful when they are temporary or short-term. People prefer to avoid the daunting responsibility of joining a pledged fraternity. While the philanthropic nature of our community has remained constant, the way it is carried out has transitioned.
Finally, communities themselves have changed regarding the overall need for sense of belonging. The interconnectedness commonly attributed to cities of Winona’s size has become less relevant. Odd Fellows and organizations of the like thrived in the past because of the sense of belonging and togetherness that came with becoming a member. Characteristics such as these have been pushed to the wayside with the growing reliance on social media, and online communication. The ability to connect with others who share similar values and beliefs has become amazingly effortless since the introduction of platforms like Myspace and Facebook. Whereas before people turned to the local Masonic Lodge for such fulfillment, today one can successfully do so from the comfort of their home.
The importance to recognize Winona’s Odd Fellows chapter resides in two key areas.
First, Winona was once home to over 1,000 masons. That number is now less than 100. The local chapter is currently made up of eight members, just three more than when it started in the 1850s. While much has changed since its birth, the organization’s efforts to improve the community and help its members have remained consistent. The behind-the-scenes community service conducted by the Odd Fellows goes relatively unnoticed. Admittedly, I had no idea they were so helpful to those in need until I began my research.
Second, it has been a part of Winona since day one. Henry D. Huff began the chapter in the year following Winona’s birth as a city. If the Odd Fellows were to fully disappear, our city would lose one of the last legacies dating back to its origin. As a city that promotes its rich history, the loss of the Odd Fellows would be nothing short of a tragedy.
The chapter’s final members hold on to their love for the Odd Fellows. In an interview with the Winona Daily News in 2006, Bruce Reed (98) stated, “The way it used to be, boy, you wouldn’t miss a meeting for anything.” While a full-blown resurgence seems unlikely, it is not too far-fetched to imagine growth. If the Odd Fellows can adapt to fit today's current social and community climate, they just might become visible once again.
