Independent Order of Oddfellows

The Independent Order of Oddfellows was founded on the idea that it was important for communities to come together to support those who were in need. When this order was founded in the 17th century Europe, the idea of assisting community members in need was considered an odd interest. The North American branch of the Oddfellows was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1819, and the earliest IOOF lodge in Humboldt County was established in Arcata in 1859. Lodges appeared in Eureka, Fortuna, Ferndale, and Hydesville, with towns like Eureka hosting multiple lodges. One of the most interesting photos in the museum collection (pictured below) shows 11 local Independent Order of Oddfellows groups posing for a photo on the old Eureka Courthouse steps-a very popular site for Fraternal organization photos at the time- with hundreds of members in celebration of the 91st anniversary of the Oddfellows arriving in Humboldt County.
There are many instances of Oddfellows organizations hosting a variety of parades, sometimes stretching for blocks and complete with drill teams, marching bands, and clowns.
The Rebekahs, the female auxiliary to the IOOF was the first female auxiliary of its kind in the United States. It was founded in 1851. The Rebekahs arrived in Humboldt County in 1887 and lasted until the late 1920s

Gathering to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the Independent Order of Oddfellows arriving in Humboldt County. Cat #: 2005.63.162

Independent Order of Oddfellows building in Blue Lake, constructed in 1891. Cat # 2005.63.768

Independent Order of Oddfellows (IOOF) Building in Blue Lake, photo by Art Barab. Cat #: 2005.95.149

Independent Order of Oddfellows Building in Old Town Eureka. Cat # 2007.062.466

Oddfellows Gathering at the Arcata Plaza (pre-McKinley statue), c. 1890. Cat #: 1964.1.173