Fraternal Organizations: The Secret Support of Thurber

By Shala Scarlato

Fraternal Organizations were the backbone of much of American society both after the Civil War and before World War I. Fraternal organizations have been clouded in rumors of “magic” and “mystery” for as long as they have been around. Yet, the truth is that the organizations supported their members, like family.

One of the more popular organizations in Thurber was the Woodman of the World Fraternity. This Fraternity took a small collection of dues every meeting and stockpiled it both for when the organization needed something, or when one of its members was down on their luck. Up until 1926, membership of the Woodsmen led to a beautiful gravestone carved to look like a tree.

The Organizations did more than just help in hard times; they gave the people of Thurber a larger sense of community. Italians joined, the Ancient Order of Druids. Black men, Like John R. Gaines, found friendship in groups such as the Grand United of Odd Fellows, The Royal Arch Masons, The Woodsman of the World, and more. Even women found community in organizations. Black women in Thurber could join the Order of the Easter Star and White women joined a branch of the Woodsmen called the Woodmen Circle.

Proof of how beneficial Fraternal organizations were can be found in books and proceedings of Supreme Groves or Grand Orders. The 1914 Journal of the Supreme Grove of the United Ancient Order of Druids states that there were 129 members of the Pietro Micca Grove, and those members received a sum of $1,644.50 dollars, which is equal to $51,910.94 today. Fraternal organizations were more than just a group of friends or a “secret” society, they were a place to find help, both financially and socially. It’s no wonder they were so popular.