The Oddfellows: 200 Years of Making Friends and Helping People

On 10 October 1810, 27 men came together to form the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity. It was to be the beginning of an organisation which for the last 200 years has appealed to the best in people, treated them as capable of exercising responsibility, and empowered them to face the challenges of life. All the principles and practices of Oddfellowship developed from these core values, which still characterise the Society today. The story of the last two centuries, including many dramatic changes, is chronicled in this well-researched, readable and lively history, lavishly illustrated with many wonderful photographs, documents and commemorative memorabilia. And, as befits a Society which values its members so highly, there are also contributions from present-day Oddfellows, whose memories and recollections have been passed down through families over generations. This wonderful book vividly portrays the life of the Oddfellows since its birth and is certain to fascinate all current Society members, for whom it will be a treasured keepsake. It is also, however, a valuable and interesting resource for historians, those connected with the study of friendly societies, and anyone interested in British social history.

Table of Contents:
Foreword by the Oddfellows' Board of Directors vii Acknowledgements ix Introduction 1 1 Early years 5 I Long gestation, multiple births 5 II Growing up in 'Shock City' 17 III 'Rearing the infant Society' 26 IV Conclusion 32 2 The setting 35 I The development of insurance and saving 35 II Fraternal antecedents and connections 43 III Charity 53 IV Christianity 59 V Travellers and networks 65 VI Conclusion 72 3 Respect and reciprocity 73 I The gift 73 II 'Matters appertaining to the Order which its Rules or customs declare shall be kept secret' 79 III Reputable parades and excursions 87 IV Fraternity beyond the grave 100 V Respectable leaders 106 VI Conclusion 110 4 Citizenship and security 112 I Financial safety 112 II Joining the political nation 126 III The Good Samaritan 132 IV Conclusion 140 5 Administering National Health Insurance, 1912-1948 141 I '9d. for 4d.': Implementing the National Health Insurance Act 142 II 'The needs that remain in a social service state' 173 III Conclusion 183 6 Inside the lodge 185 I Communicating identities and ideas 185 II Structured for learning 191 III 'A peculiar and mysterious awe' 202 IV Debates about ceremony 217 V Conclusion 229 7 Families, fellowship and finance 230 I Families 231 II Siblings and peers 244 III Investment strategies 260 IV Conclusion 283 8 'A mutual, caring Society, but with an up-to-date twist' 286 I Pathfinder 289 II Two centuries of Oddfellowship 301 Appendices 1 Oddfellow membership, 1832-2009 314 2 Glossary of some Oddfellows terms 316 3 Biographical notes 321 4 Conferences, Grand Masters and Secretaries of the Order 327 Notes and references 333 List of subscribers 365

About the Author :
Daniel Weinbren has published widely on the subject of friendly societies and fraternal and mutual associations, and in 1999 he established the Friendly Societies Research Group. His publications include books about the First World War, the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, Royal Ordnance Patricroft and people's lives within the Labour Party. He is currently writing a history of the place where he works, The Open University.