History of Our Building
In 1876 our current building was built by The Odd Fellows Organization for $5,000.00.
The first floor was rented as a store front. Smith Clothing Store occupied the first floor from 1914 until 1985. In October of 1985, the Covered Bridge Art Association purchased the building and began renovation. Since then, we have continued the preservation of our building. Soon the second floor will be restored. the additional space will be used to display and store our permanent collection. It will also provide studio space to conduct various art and craft classes. This will help promote and enhance fine art skills for children and adults alike in Parke County.
Find our table of pictures which contains a photo history montage of the building, gallery, and remember members who have made their mark on local art appreciation.
The first floor was rented as a store front. Smith Clothing Store occupied the first floor from 1914 until 1985. In October of 1985, the Covered Bridge Art Association purchased the building and began renovation. Since then, we have continued the preservation of our building. Soon the second floor will be restored. the additional space will be used to display and store our permanent collection. It will also provide studio space to conduct various art and craft classes. This will help promote and enhance fine art skills for children and adults alike in Parke County.
Find our table of pictures which contains a photo history montage of the building, gallery, and remember members who have made their mark on local art appreciation.
The Odd Fellows
The second floor was an Odd Fellows member social area.
The third floor was used for ceremonial activities.
Friendship Love Truth
Origin of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), also known as the Three Link Fraternity, is a global altruistic and benevolent fraternal organization began as the British Odd Fellows service organization. It is believed groups began to form in the 18th century during the time of industrialization. British branches or lodges were organized in many cities and small towns and often did not associate with other lodges.
The IOOF was founded in North America in 1819 in Baltimore, Maryland, when Thomas Wildey and four members of the English order instituted Washington Lodge No. 1, receiving their charter from the British Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows in England.
In 1943 the American Lodges separated themselves from the parent order in England. Odd Fellowship became the first national fraternity to include both men and women adopting the Rebekah Degree in September 1851 to provide volunteer work for the order, hosting lodge and community.
All In A Name
Many theories try to explain the meaning of the name "Odd Fellows." One theory claimed it was a lodge that opened its doors to the working class who at that time did not ordinarily belong to fraternal orders-and were this 'odd fellows.'
Another theory states that Odd Fellows were people who engaged in miscellaneous or 'odd' trades. In the 18th century, major trades were organized in guilds, but smaller trades did not have any social or financial security. For that reason, people who exercised unusual trades joined together to form a larger group, hence, Guilds of Odd Fellows.
Origin of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), also known as the Three Link Fraternity, is a global altruistic and benevolent fraternal organization began as the British Odd Fellows service organization. It is believed groups began to form in the 18th century during the time of industrialization. British branches or lodges were organized in many cities and small towns and often did not associate with other lodges.
The IOOF was founded in North America in 1819 in Baltimore, Maryland, when Thomas Wildey and four members of the English order instituted Washington Lodge No. 1, receiving their charter from the British Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows in England.
In 1943 the American Lodges separated themselves from the parent order in England. Odd Fellowship became the first national fraternity to include both men and women adopting the Rebekah Degree in September 1851 to provide volunteer work for the order, hosting lodge and community.
All In A Name
Many theories try to explain the meaning of the name "Odd Fellows." One theory claimed it was a lodge that opened its doors to the working class who at that time did not ordinarily belong to fraternal orders-and were this 'odd fellows.'
Another theory states that Odd Fellows were people who engaged in miscellaneous or 'odd' trades. In the 18th century, major trades were organized in guilds, but smaller trades did not have any social or financial security. For that reason, people who exercised unusual trades joined together to form a larger group, hence, Guilds of Odd Fellows.
Masks, Gavel, Ax, Shields,
and Stuffed Goat
These items are Regalia and initiation props from the Odd Fellows Lodge of Bloomingdale, Indiana. A gavel, wooden axe and goat, along with the screenwire masks, hats and breast shields, were possibly used in membership rituals and plays for members to attain new ranks or degrees. These were acquired by Frank Schlater at the lodge closing and donated to the Parke County Historical Museum. Our thanks to the Parke County Historical Society for allowing the Art Association to borrow them for a time. To view these items, visit the Historical Society
Museum on West Ohio Street in Rockville, Indiana.
and Stuffed Goat
These items are Regalia and initiation props from the Odd Fellows Lodge of Bloomingdale, Indiana. A gavel, wooden axe and goat, along with the screenwire masks, hats and breast shields, were possibly used in membership rituals and plays for members to attain new ranks or degrees. These were acquired by Frank Schlater at the lodge closing and donated to the Parke County Historical Museum. Our thanks to the Parke County Historical Society for allowing the Art Association to borrow them for a time. To view these items, visit the Historical Society
Museum on West Ohio Street in Rockville, Indiana.