US // I.O.O.F. Funeral Flag This is an Odd Fellows Funeral Flag; they can be used either to mark Odd Fellows Graves or be used to mark the vehicles in a funeral cortege.
In 17th century England, it was odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to that in need and of pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind. Those who belonged to such an organization were called "Odd Fellows". Odd Fellows are also known as "The Three Link Fraternity" which stands for Friendship, Love and Truth.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded on the North American Continent in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819 when Thomas Wildey and four members of the Order from England instituted Washington Lodge No. 1. This lodge received its charter from Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows in England.
Odd Fellowship became the 1st national fraternity to include both men and women when it adopted the beautiful Rebekah Degree on September 20, 1851. This degree is based on the teachings found in the Holy Bible, and was written by the Honorable Schuyler Colfax who was Vice President of the United States during the period 1868-1873. Odd Fellows and Rebekahs were also the first fraternal organization to establish homes for our senior members and for orphaned children.
The Odd Fellows, like the Freemasons, is among the longest established of the present day fraternal organizations. The first recorded lodge was in 1745 in London and met at various taverns. It combines the social aspects with elements of mutual assistance to members. The predominantly working class members would often pass the hat for a fellow member in hard times. Over the years, many schisms have occurred resulting in various offshoots of the secret society.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows began in North America either in 1819 or 1843 as a fraternal organization. It has four Lodge degrees, three Patriarch Militant degrees and one Honorary degree. Many of its symbols are similar to the Masons and Masonic rituals are influential in the Odd Fellows versions. The order claims not to be religious, but belief in a Supreme Being is required.
Alan Axelrod's book, International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders contains fairly detailed descriptions of their order.
As to presence in the cemeteries, the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs are among the greatest placers of flag holders and flags. They rank with the Fire Departments in quantity. In New York State and Pennsylvania, their flag holders are abundant as are memorials placed in cemeteries
This flag was found by Jimmy Ferrigan in a Reno, Nevada antique store in 2003 who thought at the time, Ben might like it. It was conveyed to the collection by his father James Ferrigan in 2005.
ZFC Noteworthy Flag
