History of Androscoggin County, Maine, Part 32

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew, ed
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Boston, W.A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1050

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1 By C. A. Jordan, Secretary.

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MASONIC AND ODD FELLOW SOCIETIES.

A. Jordan, H. P. Thompson, R. G. Greene, B. F. Thorn, Virgil Crockett, W. D. Byrnes, E. T. Smith, C. H. Foster, M. D. Officers, December, 1890 : Charles Slater, N. G .; Frank Haley, V. G .; Charles A. Jordan, Sec .; Arthur Wakefield, Treas.

Monami Lodge, No. 40, I. O. O. F., Mechanic Falls. - This lodge was insti- tuted by G. M. F. N. Laughton and other grand officers, November 20, 1874, at J. A. Bucknam's hall. In the previous September Alvin Reed, Charles Dwinal, F. A. Millett, G. L. Reed, and D. N. McCann held an informal meet- ing to consider the propriety of an organization. Their petition for a charter was granted, and the lodge entered upon a career of continued prosperity. A. C. Denison, A. J. Weston, C. M. Cram, A. L. Gaubert, Luther Perkins, J. H. Fernald, Charles Lane, J. I. Martin, D. B. Perry, J. W. Pray, J. J. Bucknam, and D. F. Cummings were accepted and instructed in the degrees at the first meeting. The first officers were: Alvin Reed, N. G .; D. N. McCann, V. G .; G. L. Reed, Sec .; Wm Whitney, Treas .; C. H. Dwinal, W .; F. A. Millett, C .; D. F. Cummings, O. G .; John Pray, I. G .; A. J. Weston, R. S. N. G .; A. L. Gaubert, L. S. N. G .; D. B. Perry, R. S. V. G .; Charles Lane, L. S. V. G .; J. I. Martin, R. S. S .; J. J. Bucknam, L. S. S. In 1888 the lodge had 211 members in good standing, and owned real estate and other property to the amount of $3,000. This membership had increased to 223 in April, 1891. During ten years prior to 1888 it relieved 161 brothers, paid out for sick benefits $4,182, for burying the dead $2,200, and to widows $1,800. Colfax Lodge, No. 27, Daughters of Rebekah, connected with this lodge, is in a flourishing condition. Among the officers, June, 1891, are: R. C. Mayberry, N. G .; A. B. Clapp, V. G .; E. K. Holbrook, R. Sec .; O. H. Guptil, P. Sec. ; Z. Lane, Treas .; A. S. Ellsworth, W .; C. P. Lawrence, C .; F. Newport, Chap .; F. A. Millett, M .: Geo. E. Moore, L. The Past Grands are Alvin Reed, A. Lewis Gaubert, George L. Reed, Palner T. Murray, Nathaniel Gammon, Hiram Perkins, David F. Cummings, Charles F. Brown, Herbert A. Gerry, Addison E. True, Albert V. Hathaway, Frank E. Thurlow, E. F. Bradford, T. D. Sale, O. H. Guptill, C. H. Dwinal, Andrew J. Weston, F. A. Millett, John W. Pray, Calvin M. Cram, Dimon B. Perry, John F. Briggs, Jesse M. Libby, Luther Perkins, John E. Saunders, George W. Robbins, J. K. Denning, W. W. Dennen, Ernest K. Holbrook, Charles Lane, George Andrews.

Orion Encampment, No. 27, I. O. O. F., Mechanic Falls. - November 20, 1878, Orion Encampment was instituted by G. C. P. E. C. Chamberlain, assisted by other grand officers, a charter having been granted on the petition of G. L. Reed, F. A. Millett, E. A. Gammon, Wm Whitney, Hiram Perkins, J. J. Bucknam, D. B. Perry, I. A. Denison, P. T. Murray, and W. M. Green- leaf. The first officers were: G. L. Reed, C. P .; F. A. Millett, H. P .; P. T. Murray, S. W .; J. J. Bucknam, J. W .; W. M. Greenleaf, Scribe ; Hiram Perkins, Treas. The encampment has grown steadily from its organization,

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and is now in a prosperous condition with sixty members. The officers for term ending June 30, 1891 are: O. H. Guptill, C. P .; A. V. Hathaway, H. P .; A. E. True, S. W .; A. B. Clapp, J. W .; L. W. Mason, Scribe ; J. J. Bucknam, Treas .; R. C. Mayberry, G .; Charles Lawrence, I. S .; W. E. Morton, O. S. The past chief patriarchs are: George L. Reed, F. A. Millett, Dimon B. Perry, Hiram Perkins, P. T. Murray, Wmn M. Greenleaf, P. D. Herrick, Luther Perkins, A. J. Weston, A. L. Gaubert, E. A. Thomas, G. W. Robbins, S. T. Rowe, F. E. Thurlow, A. V. Hathaway, H. E. Thurston. The Past High Priests are : Frank A. Millett, Hiram Perkins, P. T. Murray, Wm M. Greenleaf, John W. Pray, E. A. Thomas, A. E. True, W. W. Dennen.

Livermore Falls Lodge, No. 83, I. O. O. F., East Livermore, was organized June 9, 1881, with these charter members: David Cargill, D. F. Blount, A. B. Swift, H. H. Dyke, O. A. Barker, Granville Richmond, J. F. Lamb, S. E. Perkins, J. W. Dunham. The first officers were: David Cargill, N. G .; John W. Dunham, V. G .; D. F. Blount, Sec .; G. Richmond, Treas .; O. A. Barker, W .; C. B. Knapp, C .; J. F. Lamb, R. S. S .; C. F. Brown, L. S. S .; H. W. Bailey, I. G .; W. S. Francis, O. G .; A. B. Swift, R. S. N. G .; H. H. Dyke, L. S. N. G .; S. E. Perkins, R. S. V. G .; R. W. Weed, L. S. V. G. The first year 27 joined the lodge, 15 during the second year, 16 in the third, nine in the fourth, 12 in the fifth, 20 in the sixth, 11 in the seventh, 12 in the eighth, and in its ninth year 37 became members. The membership March, 1891, was 148. The officers then were: C. H. Dean, N. G .; F. H. Foss, V. G .; C. H. Gibbs, Sec .; G. Richmond, Treas. ; Alfred Riggs, W .; J. Ridley, Con .; A. S. Wyman, R. S. S .; C. H. Thurston, L. S. S .; F. A. Millett, I. G .; S. Smith, O. G .; C. P. Brown, R. S. N. G .; R. J. Mitchell, L. S. N. G .; Carroll D. Cargill, R. S. V. G .; F. A. Wendell, L. S. V. G .; David Cargill, Chap. Past Grands - David Cargill, J. W. Dunham, R. W. Weld, F. A. Millett, H. E. Haines, James Ridley, C. H. Gibbs, H. C. Burcely, E. C. Dow, C. E. Knight, I. T. Monroe, Wilder Pettingill. The lodge has had a most prosperous existence, and has erected Odd Fellows Block on Depot street. This block, an ornament to the village, cost $7,000, is 70 x 40 feet in size, and has three stories; the first one contains two stores, which, with the two suites of rooms in the second story, are rented, while the third is devoted to lodge purposes. The hall was dedicated June 11, 1891.

Worumbo Lodge, No. 107, I. O. O. F., Lisbon Falls,1 was instituted in Masonic Hall, Parkin's Block, June 25, 1884, by J. Henry Crockett, G. M., assisted by R. B. Capen, G. W., Joshua Davis, G. Sec., Stephen K. Dyer, G. Treas., Wm E. Plummer, G. M., and Geo. W. Goss, D. D. G. M. Its charter mem- bers were : Simeon Stone, N. G .; Wm E. Stevens, V. G .; Benj. F. Thorn, Sec .; Thos C. Rogers, Treas .; Geo. H. Lancaster, Geo. D. Frost, Geo. R. Foster, A. D. Sawyer, Jeremiah Philbrook, A. T. Bibber, Chas E. Appleby, Jas E. Berry,

1 By William Parkin, Secretary.

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MASONIC AND ODD FELLOW SOCIETIES.

Frank Maines, E. C. Tarr, Luke B. Taylor, Chas H. Keopka, and Harris Gins- burg. Names in italics are those of Past Grands. Having been very prosperous both financially and in other ways, April 3, 1889, the lodge removed from Masonic Hall into the large hall adjoining, which they leased for seven years, and furnished to the satisfaction of every member. At this date (July 23, 1890,) the lodge is in a flourishing condition, with the following named members admitted since its institution : L. L. Barrell, Wm Maines, Geo. E. Philbrook, Frank A. Coombs, Vincent A. Hogan, G. Eugene Robbins, Wm H. Foster, Elmer E. Gordon, W. T. Brodmerckel, Geo. W. Pratt, Reuben Harmon, A. D. Holmes, Jas H. Eaton, Edward M. Holland, Jno. S. Randall, Wm Gyngell, Thos B. Brooks, Joseph H. Rabner, Jas S. Sakind, Albert Risska, Jas H. Eacott, Walter E. Plummer, Wm A. Brimijoin, Moses Sheehy, Geo. H. White, Otis S. White, Geo. W. Beal, Jas A. Beal, Frank Wagner, Chas F. Hackett, Wmn Schellsmidt, Geo. E. Huskins, Fred W. Jordan, Clarence L. Proc- tor, Geo. W. Keene, Geo. W. Curtis, Alden A. Appleby, Joshua Wakley, Fred F. Prosser, G. E. Reynolds, Jno. M. Dennison, Frank L. Smith, Willard Jones, Benj. F. Leavitt, Jno. C. French, Robert L. Dwelley, Herbert E. Lombard, Wm Parkin, Lorenzo D. Libby, E. R. Campbell, C. E. Huskins, L. Irving Phil- brook, Boothroyd Fearnley, Geo. A. Prosser, Harry H. Severin, Herbert W. Pike, and Fred E. Crosman. Meetings are held on Wednesday evenings. The officers installed January 14, 1891, were: B. F. Leavitt, N. G .; Wm Parkin, V. G .; W. E. Stevens, Sec .; F. C. Rogers, Treas .; C. E. Huskins, W. L. I. Philbrook, C .; W. II. Foster, R. S. N. G .; B. Fearnley, L. S. N. G .; O. S. White, R. S. V. G .; Geo. N. Pratt, L. S. V. G .; W. Jones, R. S. S. C .; F. Hackett, L. S. S .; G. E. Reynolds, Chap .; L. D. Libby, O. G .; HI. E. Lombard, I. G .; W. E. Stevens, W. A. Brimijoin, O. S. White, Trustees.

Androscoggin Lodge, No. 24, 1. O. O. F., Auburn,1 was organized under a dispensation of the Grand Lodge in February, 1845, with these charter members: Alonzo Garcelon, Temple Tibbetts, George W. Foss, Freeman Newell, S. P. Gorham, Wm R. Frye, Edward P. Weston, Nelson B. Reynolds, W. R. French, Charles Clark, Daniel B. Hawk, James F. Davis, John Herrick, John H. Durgin, Joel Lane, Samuel Stetson, Isaac C. Thompson, James Dingley. The charter is dated May 2, 1845. Edward P. Weston was elected the first Noble Grand. He was a graduate of Bowdoin College, of the class of 1849, and principal of Lewiston Falls Academy. He was afterwards state superintendent of schools, principal of Gorham Seminary and Little Blue School of Farmington. He died in Chicago, where he was president of a college. He was one of the best educators in Maine. Dr A. Garcelon, Hon. Wm R. Frye, Rev. W. R. French, and others, were extensively known, and the lodge commenced under favorable circumstances. Many applications were soon sent in; quite a number from adjoining towns. Several came from

1 By H. G. Garcelon.

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HISTORY OF ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY.

Canton and Durham, and Lewiston was equally represented with Auburn. The lodge soon became a strong one, and has always been regarded one of the best in the state. Past Grands-Edward P. Weston, Frank W. Brooks, George W. Bumpus, George W. Curtis, James Dingley, George L. Duston, Richard Dresser, Clarence A. Davis, Ira W. Fitz, Horatio G. Garcelon, Lewis W. Haskell, John T. Hale, Rev. James J. Hall, Frank M. Jordan, Charles A. Jordan, Horace G. Kingsley, Josiah P. Longley, Edmund Libby, A. P. Lamb, Thomas Littlefield, Frank L. Lowell, Nahum Morrill, R. M. Mason, S. P. Miller, Franklin Martin, Clark Mitchell, Rev. Jason Marriner, Henry W. Oakes, O. C. Phillips, Merritt I. Paine, John Read, Levi N. Smith, L. M. Starbird, L. L. Small, E. G. Spofford, Benjamin L. Tuttle, Albert E. Verrill, Dr L. P. Woodbury, Daniel Wood, George W. Yeaton, Clarence Young, Roscoe P. Wood, Frank C. Currier. Permanent Secretaries-Benjamin Dunn, H. G. Garcelon, J. M. Steadman, Joseph Littlefield, F. M. Brooks, George W. Bumpus. Mr Dunn served 12 years, Garcelon 10 years, Brooks 11 years. Bumpus has held the place since 1885. Treasurers- Wm S. Young, J. P. Longley, F. M. Jordan, Daniel Wood, James Dingley, L. W. Haskell, Frank A. Rendall. Recording Secretaries-James G. Read, John Read, Dana Goff, A. T. Bean, C. C. Frost, F. W. Gamage, W. H. Foss, H. G. Garcelon, A. M. Peables, O. C. Phillips, John March, H. A. Thompson, N. B. Reynolds, F. M. Jordan, C. F. Dunlap, Philip Briggs, J. F. Davis, Henry M. Sprague, L. L. Small, A. E. Verrill, Clarence Chase, George L. Duston. Since the lodge was organized it has had about 700 members, and now has (1890) 400. It has changed its place of meeting several times. For the last few years it has been located in Goff Block, the lodge leasing the entire upper story when it was built, and it was finished under its direction, so they have fine and convenient accommodations, and a long lease of them. This hall is sublet to the other lodges of the order. The relief Androseoggin Lodge has afforded in times of siekness has been a great blessing to brethren when pecuniary aid was needed, and also when a few kind words and a warm grasp of the hand, with a " God bless you, my brother," has brought joy and comfort to the sick and afflicted. The words of a visiting brother Odd Fellow have often been like "apples of gold in pictures of silver."

Higher Officers from this Lodge .- P. G. John Read has held the office of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge and Grand Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. P. G. Dr L. P. Woodbury holds an office in the Grand Encampment. P. G. H. G. Garcelon has been Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge. P. G. Read is secretary of Odd Fellows' Mutual Relief Association.

Most of the old members have gone to their immortality. Their record has been made up. They ever had the respect of the community at large. The influence they imparted to the lodge endures, and the good deeds it has

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done, and the virtues it has inculcated have been in line with the principles of the order, and it has always stood well with the lodges of the state.

Abou Ben Adhem Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F., Auburn.1-Although this lodge is the youngest of this order in this vicinity, its organization and subsequent work make it worthy a place beside any kindred organization in this city, and it has had a marked influence in bringing the order to the high position it occupies in Auburn and Lewiston. In 1872 Odd Fellowship was almost unknown to the writer, he knowing, like many others, that such an order existed, but being entirely ignorant of its aims and purposes. At that time Lewiston and Auburn had but one lodge each, and such low ebb had the order touched that Androscoggin Lodge, of Auburn, held its meetings in Odd Fellows Hall, Lewiston. With such a state of affairs, it is bnt reasonable to suppose that some residents of Auburn joined Manufacturers and Mechanics Lodge who would have connected themselves with Androscoggin Lodge had it met in Auburn. The writer was one of that number, but in looking back he feels quite satisfied that he was ignorant of the situation, for it has enabled him to assist in a work that otherwise would have fallen to another. About this time the members of the order seemed to awake from their lethargy. Androscoggin Lodge began to agitate a return to its original home, new life seemed to be given it, a deeper interest soon prevailed, and, as a result, rooms were leased in Phoenix Block, Auburn, and a hall fitted up, which was considered second to none in the state. In the fall of 1873 the Lewiston brethren felt the need of another lodge in Lewiston to such an extent that enough members of Manufacturers and Mechanics Lodge and Androscoggin Lodge withdrew from their respective lodges and formed Golden Rule Lodge. This is mentioned to show the rapid strides taken by the order inside of three years, and how, indirectly, the above events aided the organization of this lodge and are closely allied with its formation. With this addition of a lodge and a rapidly increasing membership, it seemed possible to some of the brethren of Manufacturers and Mechanics Lodge who resided in Auburn, to add greater interest to the order and a contribution to its membership by forming another lodge in Auburn. A few of them had been quietly at work for some time to accomplish this object, which was at first met by opposition and thought to be downright folly by those who opposed it. They argued that in a city which so short a time before could not support even one lodge, a second could but be a failure. It sometimes happens, however, that the greater the opposition, the more complete the success. It was so in this case. To C. M. Lander, Enoch Perkins, Geo. B. Briggs, and Chas S. Yeaton must be given, in a large measure, the credit for the existence of Abou Ben Adhem Lodge. They were residents of Auburn and believed in Auburn institutions. They met opposition with one answer: "We are bound to have another lodge."

1 By Charles S. Yeaton, P. G.

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HISTORY OF ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY.

The sympathies of seven brothers of Androscoggin Lodge were enlisted, who, in conjunction with the 15 from Manufacturers and Mechanics Lodge, were able to present quite a strong petition to the grand officers for the formation of another lodge. The Grand officers acted favorably upon it. Rooms had been secured by hiring of Androscoggin Lodge their beautiful hall. This lodge also kindly loaned its regalia and paraphernalia that the new lodge might be ready for business the night of its institution. Everything being in readiness, the grand officers were notified, and March 15, 1875, Grand Master Frederick M. Laughton, assisted by Joshua Davis, Grand Secretary, Hiram Snow, Deputy Grand Master, Henry P. Cox, Grand Guardian, Silas W. Cook, Grand Marshal, instituted Abou Ben Adhem Lodge, with these charter mem- bers: Isaac A. Johnson, Geo. B. Briggs, Henry L. Johnson, John D. Johnson, Martin W. Penley, Horace E. Penley, Chas S. Yeaton, Chas M. Lander, Enoch Perkins, Augustus M. Pulsifer, Chas E. Cook, Jas F. Cook, Chas A. Merrill, Nathan H. Lander, Henry D. Donovan, Geo. F. Stetson, Lyford N. Reynolds, Henry A. Noyes, Eliphalet C. Noyes, Almon W. Swett, Geo. H. Glover, Philip Briggs. Bros. Reynolds, E. C. and HI. A. Noyes, Briggs, Swett, Glover, and H. E. Penley were from Androscoggin Lodge; the others from Manufacturers and Mechanics Lodge.

After the institution ceremonies a dispensation was granted by the Grand Master to receive and act upon applications for membership the same evening. The following names were presented and accepted: Chas Donovan, M. B. Preble, W. E. Irish, J. B. Jordan. P. G. M. Geo. A. Callahan being present, he was called to the chair by the Grand Master, who took that of the P. G., and the candidates were duly initiated. The election of officers resulted as follows: C. M. Lander, N. G .; Geo. F. Stetson, V. G .; Philip Briggs, R. S .; M. W. Penley, P. S .; H. D. Donovan, Treas .; Isaac A. Johnson, Enoch Perkins, A. W. Swett, Trustees. Grand Master Laughton then installed the officers. These minor officers were then appointed: Geo. B. Briggs, W .; H. A. Noyes, Con .; Il. L. Johnson, I. G .; L. N. Reynolds, O. G .; N. H. Lander, R. S. N. G .; II. E. Penley, L. S. N. G .; C. S. Yeaton, R. S. V. G .; Geo. H. Glover, L. S. V. G .; J. F. Cook, R. S. S .; C. E. Cook, L. S. S. Seventeen applications were then read, making 21 received the evening of institution. The first regular meeting was held April 1, 1875, when two applications were received, and three candidates initiated. At the second meeting, April 9, two more applications were received, and ten initiated. June 30 (a little more than three months from its institution) the lodge voted "that an order be drawn on the treasurer, for $300, to be placed at interest."

The elective officers for the second term were: George F. Stetson, N. G .; Philip Briggs, V. G .; Charles Donovon, R. S .; H. D. Donovan, Treas. The first death occurred this term, that of Bro. Elias M. Stevens, September 24, 1875. His death gave the lodge an opportunity to exemplify one of the great

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principles of Odd Fellowship-" Bury the dead " - and he was buried with all the honors of the order. October 7 Bro. Philip Briggs tendered his resig- nation as V. G. Bro. George B. Briggs was elected and received the full honors of the term. December 30 George B. Briggs was elected N. G .; Enoch Perkins, V. G .; Isaac A. Johnson, P. S .; F. W. Hunton, R. S .; H. D. Donovan, Treas. The term following Enoch Perkins was chosen N. G. Bro. Perkins completed his term and was succeeded by C. S. Yeaton.

Thus far none but charter members had been elected to the important office of N. G. At the election held to choose a successor to Bro. Yeaton, Bro. J. B. K. Drake, a young member, was elected N. G. Then followed Bros. F. W. Hunton, J. W. Mitchell, Charles W. Campbell, S. S. Smith, and George F. Sturtevant, all new members. It was now a charter member's turn, and Bro. Henry A. Noyes was elected, and up to date (1890) he was the last of the charter members to hold that office. These names are given, as upon its officers depend almost wholly the success or failure of a lodge. They were the ones to place the lodge upon a solid foundation, shape its policy, and, in many cases, establish precedents for future lodge rulings. "As a twig is bent the tree is inclined." So with a lodge. If it takes pains to instill into its members the necessity of aiming as near perfection as possible in conducting lodge affairs, every member who takes office comes better equipped than he would be if no attention were paid to properly conducting the business of a lodge. That the above officers tried hard to do this is not saying too much ; how well they did their work the standing of the lodge to-day is evidence. Now, what has been accomplished? Has it been of benefit to the community ? Has it carried out the teachings of the order -" We command you to visit the sick," " relieve the distressed," " bury the dead," and "educate the orphan?" There have been initiated 234 members. There has been paid out for sick benefits alone $4,000; for watching with the sick, $200; for special relief (and by this I mean aside from any lodge obligations-specially needy cases), $400; for burying the dead, $500: a total of over $5,000. In addition $300 has been paid for the relief of unfortunate lodges, etc. The lodge has been very liberal, yet it has a fund (on hand and invested) of $5,000. It has an active member- ship, and has had fully organized degree staffs in order to more effectually perform lodge-work. Abou Ben Adhem and Androscoggin lodges own jointly very fine paraphernalia, and some is owned separately.

During the fifteen years of its existence this lodge has had many public installations, and has observed a number of its anniversaries, by addresses by members of the lodge, music, readings, etc. Fifteen brethren have "joined the majority." One was our most valuable member. Connected with all the degree staffs, and holding an important place in each, the death of Charles W. Campbell, P. G., was a severe blow. These are the names and dates of death of the deceased brethren: 1875, September 22, Elias M. Stevens; 1877, Feb-

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HISTORY OF ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY.

ruary, Frank Wilson; 1881, April 8, Elmer W. Metcalf, April 25, Joseph Niles, November, J. F. Tarr; 1883, May 26, L. R. Lovejoy; 1884, January 12, M. B. Preble, November 15, Chas E. Smith ; 1885, January 11, Benj. Conant ; 1887, January, M. W. Penley, March 11, Chas W. Campbell, P. G., July 5, Nathan Briggs ; 1888, January 20, R. M. Jordan, August 22, W. A. Cobb, December, F. A. Williams.

While this lodge is composed largely of laboring men, it has some of our most distinguished citizens as members. First we might name Hon. A. R. Savage, mayor and representative of this city, who has been Supreme Dictator of the Supreme Lodge of Knights of Honor. Bro. Savage has a large law practice; all combined makes him a very busy man, and few men in this section equal him in ability. Tascus Atwood, ex-county attorney, a young lawyer of more than ordinary ability, has long been a brother of upright character; he is a credit to his lodge and his profession. J. W. Mitchell, Esq., is a Past Grand, and until a rapidly increasing business compelled him to devote his time to his profession, was an active worker. Judge Geo. C. Wing, Chas E. Wing, N. W. Harris, A. M. Pulsifer, N. II. Woodbury are, or have been, members. Among its representative business men are Murray B. Watson, of the Ara Cushman Company, a thorough gentleman and con- sequently a good Odd Fellow, quite an active, working member; S. B. Smith, at present District Deputy Grand Master; J. W. Peables, one of our old and respected citizens, and a prominent business man ; J. H. Twombly, and many more I might name who give influence, character, and aid to the lodge. While these men impart dignity to any order they are connected with, yet, as a rule, it is upon the men who labor for a living (wage workers) that the work of the lodge falls. Every day, in the shops, in the factories, in the various trades, they encounter circumstances calling for just such work as Odd Fellowship is organized to perform. Of limited means, their sympathies are easily aroused, for they see how liable they are to need the aid and sympathies of others. The Vice Grand is chairman of the sick committee, and in a lodge of large membership, or when it is sickly, he must be active and see that none are neglected. Our business men are too busy, as a rule, to do this. They keep their dues paid and call themselves Odd Fellows; but the laboring men have plenty of time. If a brother is sick they find time to visit him. If watchers are needed, they can sit up and attend to their work the next day, and if, after all their tenderness and devotion, the brother die, they are the ones who escort his body to the tomb and give him an Odd Fellow's burial. Of the 32 Noble Grands of this lodge, 25 were laboring men, three were in business, two were book-keepers, one a cashier, and one a lawyer. Of the 25, 21 were shoe- makers, and from the ranks of the others I could take two who worked years at the shoe-bench. We are in one sense a shoe-makers' lodge, and yet it is not too much to say that during our existence our record will compare favorably

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with any similar organization in the state for the intelligence and efficiency of our officers, and the business-like manner in which the work has been done.

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History of Androscoggin County, Maine, Part 32

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew, ed Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Boston, W.A. Fergusson & co. Number of Pages: 1050

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew, ed
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Boston, W.A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1050