Call Number:

02

Repository:

Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library

Extent:

5.25 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1843-1967 (bulk) and 1843-1982 (inclusive)

Creator:

Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Hopkins Lodge No. 87 (Bristol, Pa.)

Abstract:

An altruistic and benevolent fraternal organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.), which was originally organized in England in the 18th century, was started by Thomas Wildey in the United States in 1819. Hopkins Lodge No. 87, located in Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was organized in 1843. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hopkins Lodge No. 87 (Bristol, Pa.) records, 1843-1982, consist primarily of minute books and ledgers, and a Junior 3 Link Club minute book and Link Club membership forms. Also included in the collection is a Washington Hall Association of the Borough of Bristol minute book.

An altruistic and benevolent fraternal organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) was originally organized in England in the 18th century by "ordinary people from different trades and walks of life" who "found it necessary to group together as brothers and sisters and contribute some of their hard-earned wages to a common fund which they could use for unfortunate times such as sickness, losing a job and even death."(I.O.O.F. "About Us")

The first I.O.O.F. branch in the United States, Washington Lodge No. 1 in Baltimore, Maryland was started in 1819 by Thomas Wildey and four other members of the Order from England. The members, who came to the city at a time when the city was suffering both a yellow fever epidemic and mass unemployment, dedicated the organization to "Visit the sick, relieve the distress, bury the dead and educate the orphans."

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was the first national fraternity to include both men and women, adopting the Rebekah Degree, based on biblical scripture, in 1851. As of 2013, Odd Fellows and Rebekahs continued to exist with nearly 10,000 lodges in approximately 26 countries. (I.O.O.F. "About Us") "Their main purpose is providing financial assistance to students beyond high school It also recognizes individuals with an Outstanding Person Award for service to humanity." (Evans)

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Hopkins Lodge No. 87 is located in Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania and was organized in 1843. As of the early 2000s, their stated mission was to "improve and celebrate the characters of mankind while striving to make the world a better place." The organization has sponsored scholarships at Bristol High School and offered donations to the Police Department and various charities. (Evans)

Bibliography:

Independent Order of Odd Fellows. "About Us." Accessed February 8, 2013. http://ioof.org/

Evans, T.S. "Odd Fellows Recognize Members for Years of Service." Pennsylvania Odd Fellow and Rebekah Magazine Vol. 78, No. 6 (June 2003). Accessed February 8, 2013. http://glpaioof.org/magazine%5C2003%5C2003June.pdf

This collection consists primarily of minute books and ledgers of I.O.O.F. Hopkins Lodge No. 87, as well as some records from the junior branch of the lodge (the Junior 3 Link Club) and the association that owned the hall where the Hopkins Lodge met (the Washington Hall Association of the Borough of Bristol.)

The minutes of Hopkins Lodge No. 87 date from 1854 to 1939. The ledger books date from 1844 to the early 1900s. There are also propositions and reports that appear to provide information about those applying to become members, 1843-1865; a docket book, 1843-1867; an order book, 1846-1856; and rolls of officers, 1938-1967.

This collection also includes a Junior 3 Link Club minute book, 1954-1955, that includes minutes of the first meeting (November 2, 1954) and membership forms.

Lastly, the collection also contains a minute book from the Washington Hall Association of the Borough of Bristol, 1846-1856.