The Oddfellows

The Oddfellows are a benevolent society which had its origins in the working men's lodges of the 18th century.

The Manchester Unity, Independent Order of Oddfellows began in 1810, when about 100 Manchester weavers decided to put aside a few coppers from their weekly wages. If one of their number fell ill, he would receive money from the fund to enable him to buy food until he was able to return to work. This person was known as the odd man out, the Odd Fellow.

They were originally political organisations, but evolved into charitable bodies or friendly societies which helped members who had fallen on hard times.

Travelling relief was paid to members who were in search of work and this was one of the most important functions in the early days.

Lodges began to group together, and the Halifax lodges were affiliated with the Manchester Unity of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of 1810.

• Halifax lodges There were 21 Halifax lodges in 1840 when the Oddfellows' Hall opened. The lodges which met at the new Hall included
  • Hero's Glory
  • North Briton
  • Peace
  • Trafalgar

  Others groups met at local pubs – including

  • Aaron's Budding Rod
  • Good Intent
  • Pride of the Valley
  • Rose of the Valley
  • Social Design
  • Star of Temperance who met in Maude's Temperance Hotel
  • Youths' Glory
  • Youths' Resolution

  In 1917, the Oddfellows (Manchester Unity) was recorded at Palatine Chambers, Market Street, Halifax when Amos Culpan was secretary, and the Independent Order of Oddfellows was recorded at 10 Plymouth Grove, Halifax when Arthur Broadley was secretary

• Luddendenfoot lodge They had their own Hall. In 1884, the lodge had 186 members

See

Hebden Bridge Oddfellows Luddendenfoot Oddfellows' Friendly Society Manchester Unity of Oddfellows Oddfellows' Arms, Elland Oddfellows' Arms, Halifax Oddfellows' Arms, Holywell Green Oddfellows' Arms, Rishworth Oddfellows' Arms, Sowerby Bridge Oddfellows' Arms, Stainland Oddfellows' Arms, Warley Oddfellows' Hall Vaults, Halifax Oddfellows Street, Brighouse

The Oddfellows, Halifax Oddfellows' Hall, Brighouse Oddfellows' Hall, Halifax Oddfellows' Hall, Luddendenfoot Oddfellows' Hall, Todmorden Royal Hotel & Oddfellows' Hall, Halifax Todmorden Oddfellows Todmorden Oddfellows' Friendly Society Victoria Lodge, Queensbury Walsden Oddfellows Widows' Repose Lodge

See Humility Lodge, Lily of the Valley Lodge, Odd Lads, Prudence of the Vale Lodge, J. A. Riley and Rose of the Valley Lodge

This & associated entries use material contributed by David Greaves & Alan Longbottom

Page Ref: MMO174

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