It’s a name that instantly intrigues: The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). A secret society for odd people? A fraternal order shrouded in mystery, adorned with strange symbols, and steeped in esoteric traditions? While many have never heard of this unusual organization, it once boasted millions of members and, at its peak, was larger than the Freemasons. Some of history’s most notable figures were members, including Charlie Chaplin, P.T. Barnum, Charles Lindbergh, Wyatt Earp, and Al Pinkerton. Even heads of state like Winston Churchill and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt were counted among its ranks.

The IOOF’s penchant for secrecy, its elaborate initiation rituals (some involving human skeletons), and its distinctive regalia make it a fascinating relic of a bygone era. While fraternal orders have declined in modern times, the Odd Fellows persist, continuing their commitment to philanthropy and their legacy of cryptic traditions. So, what exactly is this peculiar brotherhood, and why was it once considered so influential?

Origins and the Meaning of “Odd”

The Odd Fellows trace their roots back to at least the 18th century, though some claim the organization dates back to the Roman Empire. The lack of early documentation has left the true origins somewhat mysterious, with various theories emerging to explain the name. One theory suggests that in an era when self-interest and competition were the norms, those who dedicated themselves to charity and communal welfare were considered “odd.” Another theory posits that the name originated from a group of tradesmen with unusual or niche professions who naturally gravitated toward one another, forming a fellowship of “odd” individuals outside the mainstream guild system.

In 1806, the first documented American lodge was founded by an eclectic group consisting of three boat builders, a comedian, and a vocalist—an undeniably odd mix of professions. Meanwhile, the oldest surviving lodge records date back to 1748 in England, suggesting an even deeper history. The fraternity quickly spread, particularly in the United States, where it grew to become one of the most influential secret societies of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Symbols, Rituals, and Skeletons in the Closet

The Odd Fellows are well-known for their esoteric symbols, particularly the “Triple Links” emblem, representing their motto: “Friendship, Love, and Truth.” The order also makes extensive use of imagery such as the all-seeing eye, the beehive (symbolizing industry and cooperation), and the heart-in-hand (charity and benevolence).

Perhaps the most mysterious element of the Odd Fellows’ traditions is their use of human skeletons in initiation ceremonies. Police investigations into abandoned lodges have frequently turned up skeletons, often prompting alarmed calls from the public. While these discoveries have sparked rumors of occult practices, the truth is more philosophical than sinister. The skeletons serve as a symbolic reminder of mortality, a tradition also present in some Masonic lodges. Initiates were confronted with this stark symbol of life’s impermanence, reinforcing the order’s values of charity and fraternity.

In 2001, the Los Angeles Times reported on multiple discoveries of skeletons in Odd Fellows lodges across the United States, including Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. When questioned, members remained tight-lipped, emphasizing that certain rituals were for initiates only. One longtime Odd Fellow described it simply as “a ceremony that is confined to the members, and if you’re not a member, you don’t discuss it.”

Divisions and Social Change

Like many fraternal orders, the Odd Fellows have experienced schisms over politics, race, and gender. In England, divisions arose during the Jacobean uprisings, leading to separate factions. In the United States, the American branch split from the British order following the Revolution. Later, in the wake of the Civil War, another rift emerged: one branch remained whites-only, while a new branch, the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, was founded to welcome members of all races.

The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows became a cornerstone of African American community-building, with prominent figures like James McCune Smith (the first African American to earn a medical degree) leading lodges that provided crucial social and economic support long before the Civil Rights Movement.

In 1851, the Odd Fellows became the first national fraternity to admit both men and women with the formation of the Daughters of Rebekah, a female auxiliary. Eleanor Roosevelt was one of its notable members. Another African American auxiliary, the Household of Ruth, grew to nearly 100,000 members, supporting women’s social and economic advancement.

The Decline of Fraternal Orders

At its height in the early 20th century, the Odd Fellows boasted over 2.6 million members in the United States, surpassing even the Freemasons in numbers. However, the Great Depression proved devastating to fraternal organizations. With economic hardship gripping the nation, many members could no longer afford dues, leading to the closure of numerous lodges.

The rise of government welfare programs and commercial insurance in the mid-20th century further eroded the need for mutual aid societies like the Odd Fellows. Some fraternal orders evolved into insurance companies, but the IOOF’s membership declined sharply. In just a decade, the organization lost over 20% of its members, and it has continued to shrink ever since.

The Odd Fellows Today

Despite its diminished size, the IOOF remains active, with approximately 600,000 members in the United States and international branches in 26 countries. Some lodges continue to function as social hubs, promoting fellowship, charity, and community service.

For those intrigued by historical oddities, Odd Fellows lodges, cemeteries, and abandoned meeting halls can be found across the country. Many surviving lodges house small museums filled with regalia, antique items, and archives, offering a glimpse into the secretive world of fraternal societies. The organization still champions its core values of “Friendship, Love, and Truth”—though today, membership is more about social connection than secret rites.

Keep an eye out for Odd Fellows symbols in old buildings, cemeteries, and even antique stores. Whether you’re drawn to its philanthropic legacy or its cryptic traditions, the Odd Fellows remain one of the most fascinating and enduring secret societies in history.

References

• Los Angeles Times, “Skeletons and Secrecy: Odd Fellows’ Rituals Unveiled,” 2001.
• Independent Order of Odd Fellows, “History and Traditions,” www.ioof.org
• Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, “Fraternal Legacy and African American Community,” www.guoof.org
• The Golden Age of Fraternalism: American Secret Societies in the 19th Century, Smithsonian Archives.
• Esoteric Symbols in Fraternal Organizations, Library of Congress, 1998.