Independent Order of Odd Fellows Member Ribbon Badge1878–1900Frame Dimension: 12 × 5 1/2" (30.5 × 14 cm)Silk with celluloid, bullion, and metalGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.4401555795190Artist unidentifiedBooks/Manuscripts/Information ArtifactsThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. United StatesThree Dimensional WorksFraternal Art and ObjectsJosé Andrés RamírezThe 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.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Member Ribbon Badge," 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.org18781900 2015 1 44 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.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Member Ribbon Badge," 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