The Odd Fellows and Freemasons are often identified as “secret societies,” but members frequently demonstrated their involvement openly, as they still do today. Printed certificates and badges were commonly purchased by lodges and worn by members. This badge was worn by a member of Bellows Falls Lodge No. 23, located in Vermont. The lodge was initially chartered in 1852 but surrendered its charter in 1859. The group was revived in 1878, and by 1907 the lodge numbered 250 members, including “many of the leading citizens of the town.”