- City: Boston
- State: Massachusetts
- Country: United States
- Source: Bodin Collection
- Approx. Date: 1916
- Photographer: Unknown
Walking in synchronicity with their heads held high, members of the Odd Fellows Fraternity march through Boston as they display their unity, strength, and power as a group. Wearing their carefully-pressed uniforms adorned with sashes and medals, they walk in rows of three in perfect unison. As they progress down the road, several gentlemen dressed in dark suits and hats admire the parade from the sidewalk. Rustic stone buildings line the streets, and billboards reading "Fenway Theater" and "Edison" peak out from behind the buildings. This photograph perfectly captures many historic, iconic elements of the Boston area and their sense of timelessness, as well as an immense pride for the country of America.
It is unknown when the Odd Fellows Fraternity was first established, but its origins can be traced as far back to the 1700s in England: the Odd Fellows' oldest-surviving lodge record, the “Rules of Loyal Aristarchus Lodge no.9" was discovered in England and dated March 12, 1778. This document confirms that the Odd Fellows had already existed for a number of years and that at least eight other lodges were developed as well. As their influence expanded, the organization came to be officially recognized in America in Baltimore on April 26, 1819 (several lodges had already existed in New York prior to the organization's recognition). The Odd Fellows still operates today, and its objectives include promoting personal and social development and aiding those in need.
From the collection of Fred Bodin of Gloucester MA. Fred was a long time resident and well-known photographer of Gloucester and had one of the best private collections of New England nautical photographs in private hands. Fred was a photojournalist having graduated with this degree from Syracuse University and worked for Yankee Magazine. Fred passed away in 2016 and HIP purchased his collection from his estate.