Fraternal Organizations

The fraternity-secret society syndrome is probably as old as man. It has appeared in all ages and among all peoples. But probably no historical period spawned such a plethora of fraternal organizations as that between the Civil War and World War II. They filled a place of importance in the social structure and retained their positions until overwhelmed by television, travel, increased sports participation and more recently by the "Womens' Lib" movement.

The Masons, The Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, has endured in the Weedsport community longer than any other fraternity. The first Masonic lodge in Weedsport was chartered August 18, 1819, under the name Brutus Lodge No. 324. The duration of this charter is not known. However in 1824 another charter was granted for Erie Canal Lodge No. S85. The new lodge dissolved and surrendered its charter in 1826 as the result of anti-masonic sentiment related to the disappearance of William Morgan of Batavia.

Weedsport Lodge No. 385 was chartered June 13, 1856 and is still funcMoning. For some years meetings were held on the second floor of

Dr. Ira D. Brown's residence at about 2799 Liberty Street. In 1926 the present Masonic Block at the South East corner of the Brutus and Seneca Streets intersection was purchased for $6,750. Lodge membership in 1879 was 54, in 1983 it had increased to 190; 1976 membership is about 150. 1976 officers include Gordon Perry, Master; Edgar Barnes, Senior Warden; Charles Mien, Junior Warden and H. Irving Ward Secretary.

Brufus Star Chapter No. 86 was organized on August 10, 1891. In January 1895 the Altar and Jewels were draped for the death of Past Most Worthy Grand Patron Robert Macoy of Brooklyn.

Social events of the era were oyster suppers, Shakespearian entertainments (admission ten cents - lemonade free-gratis) and literary exercises with readings and recitations. Money raising events were thimble parties, lawn fetes and box socials.

Brutus Star Chapter has been a very active participant in the establishment of chapters in neighboring communities. A list of these new chapters follows: In March iS94, Finley M. King Chapter No. 107, Port Byron; thirty seven from Brutus Star Chapter attended. 1899 Ida Star Chapter No. 174, Jordan; 1900 Raymond Chapter, Savannah; January 1902 a chapter in Cato; 1909 a chapter in Camillus.

The Ida Star Chapter relinquished its charter in 1973 and many of the sisters transferred their membership to Brutus. When the Cato Chapter was organized, the Weedsport group rode in a large sleigh. On the way home, late at night, the sleigh nearly overturned and many of the riders walked the rest of the way home rather than run the chance of another accident.

Among the many charity acts of this era it was noted that three dollars was collected for a needy sister. A basket of groceries was purchased with the money. The remaining $1.15 was given to the sister.

Brutus Star celebrated its 25hh birthday in 1916 with 250 in attendance.

The present membership of 137 contains third and fourth generation descendents of the charter members. The Chapter meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 8:00 P.M. in the Masonic Block. The members have over the years endeavored to translate the words Charity, Truth and Loving Kindness into united action for relief to the needy. They also give financial support to worthwhile Community projects. The Chapter also contributes to the support of the OES Home at-Oriskany.

The 1976 roster of officers contains the following: Charlotte Pederson, Matron; Everett Hazer, Patron; Dorothy Wells, Associate Matron; Cortland Ketcham, Associate Patron; Phoebe Bibbens, Secretary; Rita Gierke, Treasurer.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, IOOF, was orqanized on September 19, 1870 under the name of Southern Central Lodge No. 249. For nearly 50 years the meetinqs were held in Sturge's Hall. In 1920 the Lodge purchased the Smith Block at 2696 East Brutus Street which provided a meeting place until 1968. On October 19, 1968 the South Central Lodge dissolved and assigned its Charter to the Auburn Lodge. George D. Westcott and Leigh Van Vliet were the last Noble Grands in Weedsport. Prof. Hopkins states that in 19SS "John Rosa of this lodge has made a record, having artended every meeting for eighteen years." Odd Fellows lodge membership has varied from nine at organization in 1870 thru 51 in 1879; to 60 members in 1933. At the time of the transfer to Auburn the South Central membership was made up of five men; Leigh Van Vliet, George D. Westcott, Arnold Weatherstone, Ellis Robillard and Harry Race.

The Rebeccas, associated with IOOF, were active in the community for some years but had terminated by 1949.

The Grange or Patrons of Husbandry was initially established on a National basis as a farmers' fraternity. On June 13, 1874 Weedsport Grange No. was organized with 24 Charter members. The main objective of the Society was to start a new general store. When the membership could not agree on the store project, the Grange was disbanded.

A reorganization was effected and on December 9, 1903, Weedsport Grange 998 came into existence. The society was incorporated on April 8, 1916. The local Grange quickly became a very strong organization and in 1920 purchased the hotel property known as Congress Hall, at 8984 North Seneca Street. Six years later all indebtedness was paid up and the mortgage burned.

Before the acquisition of the Congress property, Grange meetings had been held at various sites; these included a hall on South Seneca Street in the 1880's; Franklin Hail; Odd Fellows Hall. This information was provided by Julian Root, a Grange member since 1920.

In 1942 Barr Corporation needed the Congress Hall property to construct a manufacturing plant for the production of military equipment. The Grange sold their property and purchased the abandoned Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railway depot at 8872 South Seneca Street. The structure was refurbished and in later years a modern kitchen was built and other improvements made. The hall is currently one of the Village's most popular meeting places. Present officers are Robert Zimmerli, Master; William O'Hara, Overseer; James Snook, Stewart; Laura Randolph, Chaplain; George Hayes, Lecturer; Polly Whifford, Secretary and Hazel O'Hara, Treasurer.

Over the years several "minor" fraternal organizations have come and gone in Weedsport. Limited records of several such societies are to be found in Old Brutus Historical files.

The ancient order of United Workmen, Weedsport Lodge No. 199 issued a $2,000 insurance policy to Brother William S. Laird on the 20th of June 1879. Chester M. Elliott was Master Workman and A. B. Harmon, recorder.

In 1912 Adelbert Mc Wethy paid dues to E. G. Traver, Keeper of Records for Weedsport Tent No. S48, KOTM, Kniqhts of the Machabees,

Council No. 186 of the Catholic Benevolent Legion was in existence at least between 1891 and 1904. The Legion is said to have held its meetings in a hall in the present building at 8907 South Seneca Street.

On November 1, 1886 Dr. A. J. Sprague was appointed Deputy Grand Chief Templar in the Independent Order of Good Templars, Dr. Spraque was a member of Weedsport Lodge No. S80 I.O. of G. T.

The most mysterious of Weedsport fraternities is the N O I R, A minutes book in the Historical Society's museum indicates that the members of Montezuma Tent No. 43, N O of I R, met with several Weedsport men in the Grange Hall on March 22, 1876. The Weedsport Tent was inaugurated and a list of the Charter members appears. The last meeting recorded was held on April S, 1878, Among the problems confronting the members at their March 18, 1878 meeting was, "a bill was read for one bottle of ink, amount of 8 cents. After some debate the motion was put that a draft be drawn on the treasure for the amount. Carried. Then Bro. Klumpp took up a collection and paid for the ink." Also, "a bill was read for a 1/2 ton of coal, $2.98, carting 25 cents; for carrying upstairs 30 cents, total $2.98."

To date the exact meaning of N O I R has not been determined nor has the termination date of the society. The charter names the organization "Warigan Tent No. 7l."