The regalia worn by members is described in this 1902 book:

The Official History and Manual of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in …

By Charles H. Brooks

Understanding the Degrees, Titles and Symbols on the Lodge Level

1. Initiate – white
2. Appointed Officers – star, often 5 pointed
   • Worthy Treasurer (crossed keys)
   • Warden (crossed swords)
   • Worthy Chaplain (Bible, black)
   • Guardian (crossed baton)
   • Right and Left Supporter to NG (RSNG or LSNG, 6-pointed star)
   • Right and Left Supporter to VG (RSG or LSG, 6-pointed star)
3. Elective Secretary – emerald (crossed quill); Permanent Secretary (balance)
4. Vice Grand – blue (moon & stars)
5. Noble Grand – Scarlet (sun and rays)
6. Past Noble Grand – Golden (heart in hand, crosses swords)
7. Noble Father – Excelsior, (Seeing-Eye in the night).
8. Past Noble Father (Permanent Noble Father), (7-pointed star).

Understanding the Degrees, Titles and Symbols on the District Level

• Grand Treasurer (crossed keys)
• Grand Secretary – (crossed quill)
• Warden (crossed axes)
• Guards (crossed sword)
• S.A. (skull & cross bones)
• Master Worthy Grand (crossed batons)
• District Grand Master – (crossed shepherd hooks)
• Past Worthy Grand Master – wheat & scythe and 7-pointed star

The structure of Grand United Order of Odd Fellows is reflected in the regalia worn by the members. This is an amazing image that was posted in the article from Tacoma, Washington, a long way from rural Blacksburg of the time. But the collars, staffs, swords and hats plus the proximity of the men to the Noble Grand leader provide a glimpse of the hierarchy. Note the two men on both sides of the GN. LS and RS stand for Left and Right Supporter. Grit City Magazine, Feb 2023

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Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in America (1843-present) By: Michael Barga

Blacksburg, VA Tadmore Light #6184 Lodge Explored

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More Regalia Images from the Odd Fellows Journal, 1900.

Asbury, J. C. Odd Fellows’ Journal. (Philadelphia, Pa.), Vol. 3, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 11, 1900; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth523664/: accessed January 16, 2024),University of North Texas Libraries.

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Iconography

Iconography that is associate with GUOOF is featured and explained by The Library of Philadelphia based on the 1843 chromolithograph created by D.B. Bowser (1820-1900), an African American artist. The symbols used include: “sickle & hourglass, dove, skull & crossbones, lamb, heart-in-hand, lion, seeing eye in the night sky and under a rainbow.”

Juvenile Society, the Juvenile Branch of Odd Fellows.

The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows and the House of Ruth created the Juvenile Branch on September 13, 1897 for all children from age 3 to 16. Their parents did not have to be a member of the order. In support of families, the 4th Sunday of September was designated “Children’s Day.” The Juvenile Branch became known as the Juvenile Society.

Independent Order of St Luke

The St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall, located on Gilbert Street in Blacksburg, stands as the sole remaining historic building from the once vibrant African American neighborhood of New Town. With two floors, it hosted both sacred ceremonies and administrative functions, contrary to the misconception that ceremonies were exclusive to the second floor. The Rules & Regulations book includes a diagram detailing the assigned places for desks and officers, clarifying this aspect.

Floding Company Manufactures Catalog and the KKK Uniform Manufacture

How did the Orders in Blacksburg acquire their regalia? The Floding Company Manufacturers Catalog (Ms1988-009)

From 1875 to 1964, the Floding Regalia Company, based in Atlanta, produced regalia. Owned by W.E. Floding, the company supplied regalia to African American fraternal organizations and secretive costume to, most likely, the KKK.

In 1925 Mr Floding moving his manufacturing to a large space in Atlanta due to the expanding sales of secretive regalia and costume. However, Floding was also financially linked to Atlanta KKK activities under Edward Young Clarke, who was convicted of violating the Mann Act by assaulting and then transporting a woman across state lines. In 1927, Clarke and Rev. JR Straton were instrumental in creating a competing organization to the KKK, pledging operations to other states. Clarke, Imperial Wizard 1915-1922, was booted out of the KKK but started a parallel group. See clipping below.