History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon.
Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon

HISTORY OF THE ODD FELLOWS
By J.H. Ferguson.

     Idlewilde Lodge I.O.O.F was instituted Aug. 29, 1891. Charter members were: H.J. Hibbard, L. Neff, H.W. Brice, Geo. A. Herbert, M.P. Watson, and A.B. Jones. Mr. Hibbard was the first noble grand.
     Laurel Rebekah Lodge was instituted May 22, 1897. The first meetings were held in the hall over the Jones & Perry market. The Rebekahs met in the same place. The lodge purchased the property and the present structure was built. The building committee in charge was composed of the following members: L.B. Morse, Andy Gatchell, and H.J. Hibbard. Mr. Morse, father of Mrs. C.H. Castner, is the only surviving member of the building committee.
     The I.O.O.F. Hall, the lower story of which has been continuously occupied by the department store of the Paris Fair, was for many years the most pretentious fraternal building in Oregon, east of Portland. At the time of its dedication many prominent officials, including Grand Secretary Sharon were present.
     Eden Encampment, No. 48, was instituted May 19, 1903. The writer was a charter member.
     Idlewilde Lodge is the parent of Odd Fellow Lodges at White Salmon, Odell, Parkdale and Mosier. In earlier days members in these localities were affiliated here. Twenty-five years ago many of the old-timers were accustomed to travel three, four and five miles from their ranches on lodge night.
     I do not know who has been a member of the Odd Fellows the longest among the members now resident here. It lies between S.E. Bartmess, Joseph W. Morton and myself, but all three of us, from the old fellows down to the youngest wearer of the three links, representing friendship, love and truth, will be constantly busy endeavoring to do all we possibly can to entertain our visitors.

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