Abandoned Fraternal Organizations

This is a photographic series displaying abandoned structures once belonging to various fraternal organizations in the United States, such as the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Masonic Lodge, National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

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American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) stands as the most extensive union federation in the United States. It encompasses a total of 55 national and international unions. This federation represents a diverse array of workers from various sectors, bringing together numerous labor organizations under a unified structure. The AFL-CIO plays a pivotal role in advocating for workers’ rights, negotiating fair wages, and ensuring safe working conditions. Its extensive network allows for a significant influence in labor policies and practices across the country, making it a central figure in the American labor movement.

Indiana State AFL-CIO UFCW 1546

This is a view of the Indiana State AFL-CIO UFCW 1546 in Butlerville, Indiana.

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Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), established in 1868, is a prominent American fraternal order and social club known for its commitment to community service and philanthropy. Originally founded as a social club in New York City, the Elks have evolved into a nationwide organization with a strong focus on charitable work, including scholarship programs, drug awareness initiatives, and support for veterans. The organization prides itself on fostering a sense of community and brotherhood among its members, who are dedicated to the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. With lodges spread across the United States, the Elks play a significant role in local community engagement and national charitable endeavors, embodying a spirit of benevolence and protection for those in need.

Cairo Lodge No. 651

The Cairo Elks Lodge No. 651, located in Cairo, Illinois, was established in January 1901, initially holding meetings at 611 Commercial Avenue. ¹⁰ By January 1911, the Lodge began seeking a larger space. ⁷ Initially, plans were made for a grand four-story building, which would include a bar, restaurant, and other businesses on the first floor, two halls for the Elks on the second floor, additional halls for other organizations on the third floor, and a space for the Masonic fraternity on the fourth floor.

In March of that year, the Lodge considered a new proposal for a building at the corner of Washington Avenue and 9th Street. ⁵ Chris Beck, president of the Cairo Brewing Company and owner of the proposed site, offered to construct a lodge for $35,000. The Elks would have a 20-year lease with an option to purchase at any time. The Lodge accepted this proposal in April, ⁶ and the three-story building was completed in January 1912, ⁸ featuring a cafe and businesses on the first floor, Elks’ facilities on the second, and offices for other organizations on the third.

To accommodate its growth, in November 1929, ⁹ the Lodge acquired the Harry E. Halliday residence, located between Elm, 29th, and 30th Streets, and Washington Avenue. Subsequently, the Lodge relocated to the second floor of the circa 1912 Cairo Board of Trade Building on 8th Street, ¹¹ then to the former Kimmel/Jackson/Rodgers/Lincoln Theatre on 9th Street. ¹² Today, the Cairo Elks Lodge No. 651 is actively operating from a location on 16th Street.

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Masonic Lodge

The Masonic Lodge, also known as Freemasonry, is a globally recognized fraternal organization with a rich history dating back to the late 16th to early 17th century. Known for its symbolic use of stonemason’s tools and allegorical rituals, Freemasonry promotes moral and ethical development, community service, and the pursuit of knowledge. Its members, known as Masons, are organized into lodges, which serve as the basic organizational units of the fraternity. These lodges provide a framework for members to engage in various social, charitable, and educational activities. Freemasonry is characterized by its principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth, and it often operates under the motto “Making Good Men Better.” The organization is non-religious and non-political, and it is open to men of all races, religions, and backgrounds who believe in a Supreme Being and uphold the fraternity’s values.

Laurel Lodge No. 104

The charter for Laurel Lodge No. 104 was granted on November 15, 1906. ³ Members met in Lawton, West Virginia, below the Layland mine tipple in the lodge. After that building burned in 1962, they met at Longdale Lodge No. 14 in Lookout before moving to Meadow Bridge to the I.O.O.F. building in March 1964, while a new building for Lodge No. 104 was built in Danese.

Furnishings and floorings for the new lodge came from the Thurmond Lodge in Thurmond, while brick, roofing materials, and slate came from the old McKendree Hospital, donated by Warren B. Thomas Jr., a resident of Meadow Bridge. ³

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Knights of Pythias

The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization founded in Washington, D.C. in 1864 by Justus H. Rathbone. Initially established as a secret society, it aimed to promote friendship, charity, and benevolence among its members. The organization expanded rapidly across the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, boasting a membership that included individuals from various professions and social backgrounds. The Knights of Pythias provided insurance benefits to its members and supported charitable endeavors, such as orphanages and homes for the elderly. While its prominence has waned in the modern era, the Knights of Pythias played a significant role in shaping fraternal culture in America during the late 19th century.

Glendale No. 78 Knights of Pythias Lodge

Planning for a hospital, theatre, and Knights of Pythias lodge in the Elk City commercial district began in the early 1920s. John Norman designed the combination structure using the classical Revival architectural style. Norman was the second registered black architect and the seventh registered architect for the state. ^{13 14 15 16} The cornerstone was laid on October 8, 1921. ^{17 18}

The new complex opened on June 26, 1922, ^{19 20} at a cost of $150,000. ^{14 19 20} The grand chancellor of the Glendale No. 78 Knights of Pythias Lodge, O.J. Rife, and other lodge officers officiated the dedication that evening. On July 1, an open house was held for the public.

The Glendale No. 78 Knights of Pythias Lodge closed in 1941. ²¹

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National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry

The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, commonly known as the Grange, is a historic American agricultural advocacy group founded in 1867. Established shortly after the Civil War, its primary aim was to support and uplift the nation’s agricultural community, which was facing numerous challenges at the time. The Grange played a pivotal role in improving the lives of rural Americans, advocating for farmer’s rights, and influencing agricultural policy. It was instrumental in initiating various community service projects, educational programs, and social activities to enhance the welfare and camaraderie of farmers and their families. Notably, the Grange was also a forerunner in championing women’s and youth participation in its activities, promoting gender equality and youth involvement in agricultural communities. Today, the Grange continues to be a significant voice in rural advocacy, focusing on issues relevant to modern agriculture and rural life.

“If any man will not work (doing something that the world needs to have done), neither let him eat.” ¹

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Independent Order of Odd Fellows

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is a global altruistic and benevolent fraternal organization that originated in England during the 18th century and was established in the United States in 1819. Characterized by its commitment to the principles of friendship, love, and truth, the IOOF seeks to promote personal and social development through charitable deeds, community service, and moral conduct. Members of the Odd Fellows, often referred to as “Odd Fellows,” engage in a variety of philanthropic activities, including supporting the needy, contributing to educational initiatives, and participating in community improvement projects. The organization is known for its unique rituals and symbols, which are steeped in tradition and symbolism. The IOOF is inclusive, welcoming members from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and it operates on the foundational belief that serving others and fostering a spirit of brotherhood and compassion can effect positive change in society.

The IOOF became the first fraternity in the United States to accept women when it adopted the Degree of Rebekah on September 20, 1851. ²

Lindside Odd Fellows

The Lindside, West Virginia, Odd Fellows building was constructed in 1909 by the Modern Woodsmen of America. ⁴ At one time, the lower floor contained a casket shop and furniture store, while the upper floor was used as a place of worship for 20 years by the Methodists. The Odd Fellows then occupied the second floor while the post office took over the lower floor.

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Sources

1. Atlman, J.T. The State Grange.” The Star [Reynoldsville], 21 Jun. 1905, p. 4.
2. “History.” The Sovereign Grand Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows, article.
3. Valente, Kim A. “Laurel Lodge No. 104 AF&AM.” West Virginia History Property Inventory Form, Sept.-Oct. 1994.
4. Motley, Charles B., editor, Mabel Ballard. “Lindside.” Gleanings of Monroe County, West Virginia History, Commonwealth Press, Radford, VA, 1973, pp. 115-116.
5. “A $35,000 Home for Cairo Elks.” Cairo Bulletin, 23 Mar. 1911, p. 2.
6. “Cairo Elks Unanimously Accept $35,000 New Home.” Cairo Bulletin, 8 Apr. 1911, p. 8.
7. “Cairo Elks Would Build Four Story Business Block.” Cairo Bulletin, 17 Jan. 1911, p. 1.
8. “Elks Will Hold Social Session Friday.” Cairo Bulletin, 19 Jun. 1912, p. 8.
9. “Cairo Elks Buy Halliday Home for New Home.” Carbondale Free Press, 25 Nov. 1929, p. 1.
10. Walker, Geo B. “Secret Associations.” Walker’s Cairo City Directory for 1908-9. p. 23.
11. “Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Cairo, Alexander County, Illinois.” Sanborn Map Company, 1914.
12. “Lincoln Theatre.” Cinema Treasures.
13. Molenda, Rachel. “Staats Hospital set for purchase, redevelopment.” Charleston Gazette [Charleston] 7 May 2014: n.p. Web. 18 Mar. 2015.
14. “New Temple of the Glendale Lodge.” Charleston Daily Mail 25 Jun. 1922: 8. Print.
15. “Staats Hospital.” PRESERVATION ALLIANCE of WEST VIRGINIA. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2015. Article.
16. United States. Dept. of the Interior. Elk City Historic District. Comp. Billy Joe Peyton. Washington: National Park Service, Dec. 2007. West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Web. 19 Mar. 2015. Article.
17. Congratulations Nights of Pythias. Advertisement. Charleston Daily Mail 8 Oct. 1921: 5. Print.
18. “Charleston Day By Day.” Charleston Daily Mail 31 Oct. 1921: 19. Print.
19. “Week of Ceremonies Planned by K. of C.” Charleston Daily Mail 11 Jun. 1922: 3. Print.
20. “Knights Pythias to Dedicate New Temple Tomorrow.” Charleston Daily Mail 25 Jun. 1922: 8. Print.
21. “Knights Of Pythias West Virginia 78 Glendale.” 501c3 Lookup n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2015. Article.