Built in 1890, the lodge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
This lodge may have been used in an episode of the "X Files" in the 1990's.
Found in the Book "Dictionary of Worcester (Massachusetts) and its vicinity (1893)" written by Rice, Franklin P. (Franklin Pierce), 1852-1919 Site: (
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Odd Fellows' Home.—State homes for
disabled members of the I. O. O. F., and the
widows and orphans of deceased brothers who
required assistance, had been erected in different
sections of the country before the idea was
taken up in Massachusetts. The matter came
before the Grand Lodge in this State in 1874,
and was put off from time to time till 1887,
when active measures were taken to effect a
practical result in the raising of money to
build a State Home. Within two years
$35,000 had been obtained, and the offer of
Thomas H. Dodge, Esq., of a tract of eleven
acres of land near Barber's Crossing in Worcester
settled the question of the location of
the Home, and steps were taken towards the
speedy erection of the buildmg. The trustees
purchased considerable land in addition to
that given by Mr. Dodge, and of this 10,000
feet was set off in garden plots to be allotted
to Rebekah Lodges, which will assume the
care of them. The site of the building is
elevated, and the whole tract affords a fine
prospect.
The building was erected from plans by
Barker & Nourse. It is four and one-half
stories high, built of brick and brownstone.
Forty inmates can be accommodated, allowing each a room.
The cost was about $50,000. The corner stone was laid Oct. 8,
1890, with appropriate ceremonies. The oration
was deUvered by C. M. Busbee of North
CaroHna, grand sire of the Sovereign Grand
Lodge. The Home was dedicated on the
22d of June, 1892, on which occasion there
was a grand parade of Odd Fellows from all
parts of the State.