Duke William's Independent Order of Odd Fellows Signc. 184029 3/4 x 15 1/2 " (75.6 x 39.4 cm)Paint on woodGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.2101554505054Artist unidentifiedArchitectureThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster28734EnglandThree Dimensional WorksFraternal Art and ObjectsJosé Andrés RamírezBoth the American Freemasons and Odd Fellows are descended from English predecessors. Although the English and American branches continue to share many similarities in ritual, regalia, props, and procedures, some differences have evolved over the centuries. For instance, they may use different symbols or follow the rituals in a different order. It is sometimes difficult to ascribe a fraternal object as American or English. This sign, inscribed “Duke William,” is probably English. It is decorated with an early version of the Odd Fellows seal, which was devised in England. An 1856 directory of English Odd Fellows lodges lists one that met in Worcestershire at the “Duke William Inn.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Duke William’s Independent Order of Odd Fellows Sign," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.orghttp://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster28734http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster28734http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster2873418351845 2015 1 21 Both the American Freemasons and Odd Fellows are descended from English predecessors. Although the English and American branches continue to share many similarities in ritual, regalia, props, and procedures, some differences have evolved over the centuries. For instance, they may use different symbols or follow the rituals in a different order. It is sometimes difficult to ascribe a fraternal object as American or English. This sign, inscribed “Duke William,” is probably English. It is decorated with an early version of the Odd Fellows seal, which was devised in England. An 1856 directory of English Odd Fellows lodges lists one that met in Worcestershire at the “Duke William Inn.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Duke William’s Independent Order of Odd Fellows Sign," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org