Grand United Order of Odd Fellows Massachusetts Secretary Badge African American

Description

Manufactured by Whitehead and Hoag, Newark NJ
2.25" x 8" Approx.
Grand United Order of Odd Fellows Massachusetts Secretariy Badge/Ribbon/Medal African American
The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows was created in Europe and is a fraternal brotherhood group that includes mutual benefits. Lodges modeled after their European counterparts spread among white communities in the United States during the early 19th century, but they were not officially incorporated in the Grand United Odd Fellows. Blacks who were interested in starting their own branch had discussions with whites in these unincorporated lodges. While these efforts were unsuccessful, they were able to secure incorporation with the Order through a lodge in England. They officially started activities in 1843, and the early membership drew from two established black groups who lacked mutual benefit components: the Philomethan Literary Society and the Philadelphia Company and Debating Society. While some in the American white lodges felt the application would be denied, the [English] Lodge did not hesitate,