A consortium of African American investors bought Yellow Sulphur Springs in 1926 and entertained African American guests. These men were closely associated with Henry Street businesses in Roanoke, according to this report. The adventure was short-lived as it was sold in 1929.
Maps of the Springs in reference with Blacksburg and Christiansburg. USGS Historic Maps
Past Noble Grand – Golden (heart in hand, crosses swords)
Noble Father – Excelsior, (Seeing-Eye in the night).
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
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.
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.
Courtesy of Scottish Rite MuseumClip for a badge, frontBack
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
Courtesy of Virginia Tech Special Collections & University Archives
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.
Souvenir Medal from 14-20 September 1908 Atlantic City, NJ Gathering
We have much to learn about this Lodge and the people who belonged. This lodge was created before the Roanoke City Lodge, known as Roanoke, #3225, dated 13 March 1890 and the Blacksburg’s Tadmore Light Lodge, #6184
St Luke, Odd Fellows, & House of Ruth Orders served the African American Communities which were settled soon after emancipation and located within the Town of Blacksburg and the surrounding areas within the Montgomery County, Virginia.
Within the region we know that a lodge existed in Roanoke, Christiansburg, Pulaski (Radford) and Blacksburg. The documents indicate that they were in close communications. Who was instrumental in bringing these orders to the New River Valley? Who interfaced with Maggie Walker’s Penny Savings Bank? Much to discover.
St Luke, Odd Fellows & House of Ruth (Photo taken September 2023)
Gathering African American History 