The Caddo Herald
May 15, 1925
Two Thousand Here for Odd Fellow Jubilee
Two thousand people, Odd Fellows, families and friends, partook of the hospitality of Caddo Friday, it being the occasion of the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the Order in Oklahoma.
A welcoming program was had at the high school auditorium in the morning with A. N. Leecraft of Durant, the president of the Southeastern District Association, I.O.O. F. presiding. Rev. M. A. Cassidy cordially welcomed the visitors in his inimitable way. This was responded to by Past N. G. Shearer of Tishomingo.
A short session of the grand lodge was held, with Grand Master J. K. Wright presiding.
Adjournment to Lions Park where barbeque lunch had been prepared, for more than twice as many as attended. Being considerate folks, knowing that the town’s capacity for entertainment might be surpassed, many brought lunch baskets filled with good things to eat, and this with the thousand pounds of well cooked barbecue was enjoyed by those present.
Former Governor and Grand Sire J. B. A. Roberson was the first speaker at the grounds immediately after lunch, followed by J. K. Wright, grand master.
Owing to wet grounds the parade was dispensed with.
In the afternoon a session of the Rebekah Assembly was had at the Odd Fellow Hall, with Mrs. Higgins presiding. At the High School Auditorium the District Meet and Grand Lodge was held. At this time about 100 took the Grand Lodge Degree.
At night at the several places the subordinate lodge degrees were conferred by visiting teams.
Visitors were present from all parts of Oklahoma and several from adjoining states. The largest number, however, were from Durant, Hugo, Caney and Atoka. And the Odd Fellows brought their families with tem so that all might enjoy the season of Fellowship and friendship which always goes with Odd Fellows.
Mrs. Harley, widow of the founder of Odd Fellowship in Caddo fifty years ago was present and was introduced to the assembly.
Great strides have been taken in civilization in Oklahoma during the fifty years that Odd Fellowship has been in existence. From raw prairies and primeval forests we have seen the state grow into vast and numberless farms, thriving towns, and cities; and from a few scattered tribes the population has increased to nearly three millions. People familiar with the history of the state also know that the influence of men like Odd Fellows has had much to do with the establishment of this civilization. The ideas of Faith, Love, and Truth as exemplified by this Order has been a vital influence for good to all the people. Oklahoma owes much to these wonderful friendly people who have taught charity and practiced fraternity. Many a stony path has been rendered smooth by their kindly ministrations and many a sad heart has been cheered by their kindness.
Not one thing except the rain occurred to mar the proceedings of the day. Everybody was friendly and everybody was in a good humor. They came to enjoy the day and they enjoyed it.
The town was decorated with flags bearing welcome signs to Odd Fellows with U. S. Flags flying from each store and citizens placed many autos at the disposal of their guests, these cars being marked “I.O.O.F. FREE RIDE” which were used to convey the visitors from one place of meeting to another.
It was late that night when the last visitor departed and those who talked about it expressed themselves as having had a most delightful day and were high in their praises of the townspeople and local lodge who had done so much to make their stay pleasant.
And Caddo was equally glad to have had this noble band of men and women as guests and hopes occasion may again arise when the twain shall meet again.
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