Description
The Odd Fellows Charity Lodge Records consist of correspondence,
financial statements, reports, bills and other financial papers
(1852-1867).
Background
Odd Fellows Charity Lodge of Stockton (Calif.) was organizaed in
February 1852. Initially, the Lodge's membership reached about 150, but
internal disputes fostered by the regionalism that gave rise to the American
Civil War led to the establishment of a second Odd Fellows Lodge in Stockton
and a subsequent decline in the Charity Lodge's membership. Activities of the
Lodge included participation in civic events, care of sick and diseased members
and the operation of Stockton's first public library. Charity Lodge built its
own meeting hall in 1865.
Availability
Collection is open for research.