Odd Fellows and Reefer Madness in 1843

Reading back issues of old Odd Fellows magazines from the early 19th century can result in a severe case of bulging eyes. Here’s an article from The Symbol and Odd Fellows Magazine, in 1843. See link below. A SUBSTITUTE FOR INTOXICATION There has been recently discovered in India, by accident in the first place we […]

An Eye For The Lack Of An Eye

You have two eyes. Would you give one of your eyes so someone in a developing nation without sight could become seeing? You have two kidneys. Would you give one up so a stranger could live a longer life? What is it that drives some of us to look beyond our own interests and the […]

Joshua Colaw’s Six Truths for Initiates.

(Adapted from the IOOF book “The Beacon Light,” by J. A. Colaw, pages 92-96) Joshua Colaw, author of The Beacon Light, identified what he believed to be six truths in the Initiatory Degree. He categorized them into two groups. A. Five preliminary truths B. One primary truth As an Odd Fellow I often feel like too […]

The Lost Symbols of Odd Fellowship

Shadowy cabals, connections to European kings and US presidents, and possibly one late 19th century rebellion in a US state, dot Odd Fellow’s history. And although we are not like Freemasonry, we are an organization that has been around since the late 1730’s, and if you spend time digging you can find a ton of mystery. […]

The Gift of Time -by Kelly Hughes

By Kelly Hughes Grand Master Washington State 2017-2018 Originally printed in the Washington Odd Fellow. As I sit here writing this letter for the newspaper, I think about the holidays. I received several wonderful gifts from family, but the most precious of all was time. Mother and I had my nephew and his wife and […]

Hoodwink How To -by Scott Robinson

Scott Robinson Lewisburg, PA Lodge No. 96 http://www.iooflewisburg.org scottr@iooflewisburg.org I have been looking for a source of hoodwinks for some time. Originals are too fragile and expensive, modern steam punks are way too expensive and need to be custom made. While I was at Harbor Freight, I bought a set of el-cheapo welding goggles…$4.99 for […]

Updates from the Carolina GUOOF “Doing the WORK”

Bro. Page NG Wayman lodge #1339 Grand United Order of Oddfellows in America and Jurisdiction of South Carolina I greet you Fellows in the bond of Friendship Love and Truth. Since last I wrote here many things like the seasons, have changed…..The majority of these changes have been for the good as South Carolina has now […]

Let’s Put Pride and “WOW” Back in Our Degree Ceremonies – by Scott Robinson

Scott Robinson Lewisburg, PA, No. 96 When I joined the Odd Fellows, I looked forward to my Initiation night! I was excited, and nervous. I looked forward to taking part in the same mysterious ceremony that my ancestors were in many years ago. I was thrilled to be a part of that tradition, mystery, and […]

Part II: Using the Emblems for Reflection and Contemplation

Part II Read Part I: Using the Emblems for Reflection and Contemplation Part I I recently decided to use the emblems of the Order in one of the ways they were intended to be used: as guides for daily life. I chose the first seven emblems, and applied one each day, starting on a Tuesday. Tuesday: […]

Using the Emblems for Reflection and Contemplation Part I

“Those emblems are there for a reason.” The artwork showing our emblems is enticing– even beautiful. In fact those emblems are one of 3 things that pulled me into the Order. Before I joined the Order I used to think “What do those things even MEAN?!” The mystery behind them did the trick– I joined […]

Odd Fellows Music: “Odd Fellows Rest” by the Danish band The Dirty Diary.

The Dirty Diary is a one man band that hails from Denmark. Music style is a dirty gritty slide guitar blues and spaghetti western themed songs that sound like they could come from a Sergio Leone Western. Musical influences are: Tom Waits, The Kills, Ennio Morricone, Jimi Hendrix, The Black Keys. Grab a beer, and […]

I Have a Question for You. – by Seth Anthony

Submitted by Seth Anthony Triune Lodge #307 Middletown, PA I have a question for you. Would you rather have the very best of a lesser product or the bare minimum of the best product? Let me share some examples. Would you like to have a loaded Kia sedan, with all the bells and whistles, or […]