All Earthly Greatness Goes Away

This is not a solid world in the way we may think of it. Sure, we see rocks as solid, concrete as solid, steel and other metals as solid. Yet, as our skull and bones emblem reminds us, all things decay, disintegrate, and transform. This is a reminder that the natural world around us is […]

Origins and Meanings of the Three Links

In this evolving research piece, I explore the many possible origins of the Three Links. They all have their merits and perhaps one of them is the truth. I also try to delve into the more esoteric symbolism behind the image and the lessons it has to teach us as we contemplate it. Much of this piece is up for interpretation and I welcome any dialogue on this subject.

Copenhagen bike messengers – freedom and friendship

PG rating. May not be suitable for work, or younger family members.

Take Our Odd Fellows Survey

I’ve never seen a survey about Odd Fellowship before. So here’s one. This survey is 25 questions and is NOT ENDORSED by SGL or GL or any local Lodge. It is going to be used only by Heart In Hand. I’m not sure this is gonna work–I’ve never conducted a survey before, and I’ve never […]

The Inclusive Order of Odd Fellows by David Scheer

Regardless of what the “I” in I.O.O.F. officially stands for, in our hearts as Odd Fellows, it should stand for Inclusiveness. Inclusiveness is the actual historic meaning of Odd Fellows. When our Order was born from the trade guilds in England, ODD meant DIVERSE, (as in odd jobs.) A fellow was a member of a trade. Other trade guilds were exclusive. The Masons only allowed masons. The Foresters only allowed foresters. The Odd Fellows were inclusive, they encouraged diversity and allowed members of any trade to join their fraternal guild.

Can’t We All Just Get Along? By Bro. Page of the GUOOF

I say that to say this, are we both so caught up in the past that we cannot evolve? I might be considered outta pocket to elders from both sides but….Am I crazy for wanting our Orders to come together? I’m aware that this is a daunting task that would take lots and lots of planning, debating, discussions, but aren’t we worth it ???

Odd Fellows and the Mystery of an Unidentified Murder Victim

“The Tamam Shud case, also known as the Mystery of the Somerton Man, is an unsolved case of an unidentified man found dead at 6:30 am, 1 December 1948, on Somerton beach, Glenelg, just south of Adelaide, South Australia.” — Wikipedia Below is an article alleging a connection between Odd Fellows and the Somerton Man Mystery. He may have been an Odd Fellow, but […]

The 5 Odd Fellows!

What Niko Taught Us

5 Things Niko Taught Us Odd Fellows who are online are probably aware of Niko Boskovic’s experience with the United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth which is supported by the IOOF. If not, doing a google search will bring up plenty of articles which explain the situation. What I wanted to do is focus on what […]

Fraternal Art Symposium

Famous American Odd Fellows of the Mid-1800s Digital Painting

by Ainslie Heilich Several months ago I was commissioned by Louie Blake Saile Sarmiento to create an image depicting a specific list of famous American Odd Fellows of the mid-1800s for his upcoming book on the Odd Fellows. This was no simple task and was definitely a labor of love. Thankfully, with the use […]

I.O.O.F. Certificates: A Lost Art by Scott Robinson

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is steeped in traditions and a rich history. Being one of the oldest surviving Fraternal Orders in the United States, it is a fascinating study of “lost arts.” What do I mean by “lost arts”? One only has to examine our own fine documents to see skills and pride that our modern society has all but forgotten about.