Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Records of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lignite Lodge 185, Accession #2011.6.23, Roanoke Public Libraries, Roanoke, VA

Acquisition Information

Donated by the David L. Lemon

Biographical Note

As an organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows aims to provide a framework that promotes personal and social development. Lodge degrees and activities aim to improve and elevate every person to a higher, nobler plane; to extend sympathy and aid to those in need, making their burdens lighter, relieving the darkness of despair; to war against vice in every form, and to be a great moral power and influence for the good of humanity. Teachings in the Order are conducted through the exemplification of the Degrees of membership. The Degrees are conferred on the candidate by their Lodge, and are teachings of principles and truths by ceremonies and symbols. The Degrees are presented largely by means of allegory and drama. For Odd Fellows, the degrees in Odd Fellowship emphasizes a leaving of the old life and the start of a better one, of welcoming travelers, and of helping those in need. Lodges also provide an international social network of brothers and sisters that extends to more than 26 countries worldwide. If traveling is an interest, membership can provide a valuable network that will very much welcome an international visitor, and assist in their enterprises, and certainly their travels wherever possible. The command of the IOOF is to "visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan."

Scope and Content

The collection consists of 1 legal-size storage box which contains meeting minutes, a property deed, treasury records, a question book. Items are specific to Lignite Lodge 185 once located in the Oriskany area of Botetourt County, Virginia.

Arrangement

Documents are arranged by document type.