Oriental Lodge #12, I.O.O.F. - Newark, DE - Odd Fellow Lodges on Waymarking.com

True to the historical marker's description, the I.O.O.F. Lodge is on the second floor of this free-standing building while the lower level is a commercial space currently occupied by a barber shop and camera shop. The I.O.O.F. has a long history going back to 1819 in America. The charter for the Newark Lodge was granted in 1847. The historical plaque gives many details of the organization. It is inscribed:

{Seal of the State of Delaware}

ORIENTAL LODGE #12, I.O.O.F.

The origins of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows can be
traced to the creation of beneficial trade societies in England.
Composed of craftsmen who practiced a variety of different or
"odd" occupations, the purpose of these organizations was to
support the needs of members and improve the communities in
which they lived. The I.O.O.F. was formally established in this
country in 1819. In 1834, the Odd Follows of North America
separated from the English Order. Some years later, a group of
Newark residents organized for the purpose of establishing a
local lodge. On February 11, 1847, a charter was granted for
Oriental Lodge #12. The present Lodge Hall was constructed
here on land that was conveyed to the organization in 1851.
Like many such facilities, the structure was designed to include
shops for places of business on the first floor, with a meeting
room above. In addition to serving for a time as the location
of the town's library and telephone exchange, the building
has been occupied by tailors, jewelers, barbers, and a camera
shop. Since its organization, Oriental Lodge #12, I.O.O.F.,
has continued to "Improve and Elevate the Character of Man-
kind" through its many services to the citizens of Newark.

Delaware Public Archives - 2004 NC-139