Today in Wheeling History: December 11--The Independent Order of Odd Fellows' Grand Lodge of Virginia granted a charter to Wheeling Lodge 59 (1847).
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has had a presence in Wheeling since 1834 when Virginius Lodge 3 was established. In 1847, Wheeling Lodge 59 was granted a charter and constructed a building at the corner of 4th and Monroe Streets (now 12th and Chapline) in 1859. This three-story Odd Fellows Hall hosted the lodge's meetings and activities for years, even housing Linsly Military Institute cadets from 1863-1870. In 1865, after West Virginia became a state, Wheeling Lodge 59 was rechartered as Wheeling Lodge 9. The lodge prospered over the years, with prominent Wheeling residents joining. Tragedy struck on March 19, 1950 when a devastating fire destroyed the upper floors of the original Odd Fellows Hall. After using temporary locations, Wheeling Lodge 9 was able to rebuild on the same corner lot by 1956. This new two-story hall ensured financial stability through rented commercial space. Despite post-fire membership declines, Wheeling Lodge 9 recovered by the 1970s by instituting new initiatives like a bowling team, family parties, and an annual Christmas party to boost camaraderie and recruit new members. In 1975, the lodge purchased a player piano to enhance rituals and ceremonies. Other creative membership efforts over the years included upgrading to a cassette tape player and CD player for music and opening membership to women in 2004. Today, Wheeling Lodge 9 remains an active fraternal organization, adapting to the times while preserving its long history, which will mark 175 years in 2022.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/3fzr9c23) (https://tinyurl.com/24ba3y5x)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Google
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has had a presence in Wheeling since 1834 when Virginius Lodge 3 was established. In 1847, Wheeling Lodge 59 was granted a charter and constructed a building at the corner of 4th and Monroe Streets (now 12th and Chapline) in 1859. This three-story Odd Fellows Hall hosted the lodge's meetings and activities for years, even housing Linsly Military Institute cadets from 1863-1870. In 1865, after West Virginia became a state, Wheeling Lodge 59 was rechartered as Wheeling Lodge 9. The lodge prospered over the years, with prominent Wheeling residents joining. Tragedy struck on March 19, 1950 when a devastating fire destroyed the upper floors of the original Odd Fellows Hall. After using temporary locations, Wheeling Lodge 9 was able to rebuild on the same corner lot by 1956. This new two-story hall ensured financial stability through rented commercial space. Despite post-fire membership declines, Wheeling Lodge 9 recovered by the 1970s by instituting new initiatives like a bowling team, family parties, and an annual Christmas party to boost camaraderie and recruit new members. In 1975, the lodge purchased a player piano to enhance rituals and ceremonies. Other creative membership efforts over the years included upgrading to a cassette tape player and CD player for music and opening membership to women in 2004. Today, Wheeling Lodge 9 remains an active fraternal organization, adapting to the times while preserving its long history, which will mark 175 years in 2022.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/3fzr9c23) (https://tinyurl.com/24ba3y5x)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Google
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