Odd Fellows (1871)

Post date: Mar 15, 2013 11:57:23 AM

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph of Saturday 15th July 1871. The Oddfellows were an order of mutual benefit societies providing support to members in the event of sickness or other misfortune. The name may have originated in areas where there were not sufficient tradesmen of one trade to form a specific trade guild, so a "guild" of multiple trades, or oddfellows, was formed. The reference to the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows is a reference to a federation that broke away from the national federation in the early 19th century. The Amicable Benefit Society, which also paraded and met at the Duke's Head, would have provided a similar function to the Oddfellows. The new room referred to is now a separate home and a brick has the initials GEB 1871 on it, the initials of the brickmaker, builder or owner. Possibly it was George E. Boorman, the son of the then publican David Boorman and who, aged 35 in the 1881 census, was described as a "Surveyor and Builders Manager" living with his wife Ellen and two small children, Eva and Hubert, in Old Road.

WATERINGBURY. ODD FELLOWS ANNIVERSARY,

The members of the Flower of Kent Lodge of the Ancient Order of Odd Fellows, held at the Duke's Head Inn Wateringbury, held their anniversary on Tuesday last but the weather was very unfavourable, rain falling in the morning up to between eleven and twelve o'clock, when a procession was formed with flags and banners and headed by the the regalia of the order, the 1st Kent Rifle Volunteers band under the direction of Major Crowe, paraded the village, and afterwards dinner was served up in a new room (built for ??? to hold their meetings in ) by Br. Host Boorman to which a large number sat down, amongst who were Mr W. Jude, Mr Henderson, Mr Shepherd,Mr Godden, sen., Br. W. Reeve, C.S., (from the Hand of Friendship Lodge, Maidstone),etc. The chair was taken by Br. J. Hart, P.P.G.M., and the vice-chair by Mr J. Featherstone. The Chairman gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, Bugle Major Crowe and Sergt. Cornell responding to that of the Army, Navy, and Volunteers. The toast of prosperity to the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows was dwelt upon at length by the Chairman, and ably responded to by Br. W. Reeve. The Chairman in giving the " Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese," said he was very sorry to find that they had no clergyman present. Mr Godden responded. The Chairman proposed the " Maidstone District of the Ancient Order Odd Fellows," with which he would couple the name of their indefatigable corresponding secretary, Br. Reeve. Br. Reeve responding said having been corresponding secretary for 15 years, he had much pleasure in responding to the toast. When he first took the office there were only two lodges , in the district, but now he was happy to say there were five, but it had been a work of time to get them together. The district was in a good condition far as funds and members were concerned, and he hoped it would continue to keep so, and Flower of Kent Lodge would go on and prosper. The Chairman in a speech of some length then gave the toast of the day "Prosperity to the Flower of Kent Lodge," which was received with much enthusiasm, and coupled it with the name of Br. Boorman, secretary to the lodge. Br. Boorman in responding, said he was a young member the society, having only been , initiated 13 months, but pleased to take the office he held. Although they had not been progressing so well they might wish for some time, he was pleased say they had now taken a fresh start, and in a short time would stand in a good position. They had been visited by deal of sickness, but they now stood £10 better than they did last Christmas. He hoped the lodge would continue to improve as it was now improving, and thanked the district officers for the assistance they gave him in carrying out his office. The toast of the " Ancient Order of Foresters" was responded to by Mr Featherstone, who stated that the court he belonged to at Mereworth was in a good position. " The Visitors" was responded by Br. Henderson, who, in turn, proposed the " Health of the Chairman," who briefly responded, remarking that he was always willing to " put his shoulder to the wheel" for the furtherance of all good objects. The Chairman highly praised the dinner they had partaken of, and proposed the " Host and Hostess." The " Vice-Chairman," the " Press," and the " Ladies," concluded the toasts. Rain came on and continued, and the party remained indoors, where the band played a choice selection of music, and Paddy Mills, a professional singer, gave some first class English and Irish songs. Other songs, &c , were given by the company, and the evening passed off very pleasantly, Mr W. M. Graham, of Maidstone, ably presiding at the pianoforte.