Frequently Asked Questions About the Davis Odd Fellows
What, exactly, is the Odd Fellows Lodge?
The Odd Fellows Lodge is a fraternal order, so the members have secret passwords, signs and handshakes. It’s also a social organization and the members have fun together with movie nights, trips, game nights, breakfasts and dinners. Primarily, the Lodge focuses on good community works, providing support to many charitable organizations. Over the past few years, the Davis Odd Fellows have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars and other support to community groups.
How did you get the name “Odd Fellows”?
When the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was first formed in England in the 1700’s, the membership was focused on supporting people who were in need. Other fraternal orders at the time were formed to boost the professions and trades of their members. Accordingly, the members of our order were considered “odd fellows”. The name stuck.
Where is the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge located?
The Davis Odd Fellows Lodge is the oldest organization in the area, having been chartered in 1870, well before there was a city of Davis and before there was a UCD. Its first Lodge Hall was located on G Street and was constructed in 1875. In 1955, the Davis Odd Fellows moved into its present Davis Odd Fellows Lodge Hall on 415 Second Street in Downtown Davis.
Who can join Odd Fellows?
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is non-religious, non-political, and non-discriminatory. Men and women over 16 can join. If you are interested in learning more about the Davis Odd Fellows please visit our website at www.davislodge.org. If you want information about possible membership in the Lodge please contact our Membership Chair at Dave Rosenberg at daverose@jps.net.
Who are the members of the Davis Odd Fellows?
Currently, 169 men and women are members of the Davis Odd Fellows. The members include county supervisors, city council members, newspaper editors, judges, police chiefs, the district attorney and the public defender, homemakers, retired persons, students, physicians, lawyers, computer specialists, government workers, teachers, fire-fighters, and many more. Members range in age from 19 to 90.
What do the three links signify?
The symbol of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is the three intertwined links, one of white, one of blue and one of red. They symbolize the three degrees of Odd Fellowship: Friendship, Love and Truth. The three links are displayed on the outside of the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge Hall at 415 Second Street in downtown Davis.
How are the Odd Fellows involved in the “Bicycle Parade”?
The concept of organizing the World’s Greatest Bicycle Parade, setting the Guinness World Record for Longest Single Line of Bicycles, and raising money for our cash-strapped Davis Schools was born and developed by the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge. The Davis Odd Fellows are the primary organizers of this event.
