The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1865-08-28
R@-The Odd Fellows of Baltimore have

ment to the memory of Thomas Wildey, the
founder of Odd-Fellowship in this country.
Many years ago, when boy, we remember
his portly form and beaming, pleasant face ON
the streets of Baltimore; and well do we re-
member that we inferred from the name of
the association, that it had been gotten up as
"joke;" but time has proved that the /" ioke'
has been carried so far, that it has overspread
this entire country, and has proved living
reality to thousands of the sick and weary and
the widow and orphan. The Baltimore Clip
per gives the following description of the
monument just completed: d
COMPLETION OF THE WILDEY MoNU-
MENT.-This deserving memento to the hon
ored dead, has just been pronounced by the
contractors completed, and presents to specta-
tors grand and imposing appearance, both
as to design and position, as well as to archi-
lecture and workmanship. 1t is built upon
beautiful elevation on Broadway. All are so
well acquainted with the character of the per-
son whose memory this monument is intended
to perpetuate, as to need no special comment
at our hands. Suffice it to say, that he was
the founder OF the prosperous institution
known as Odd Fellows" and whose memory
will live for centuries to come in the hearts of
the numerous members of that Order, though
his mortal remains now lie slumbering in the
dust. The base of the monument is 10 feet 6
inches square, and is set at right angles with
the points OF the compass it being reversed to
the usual order of erecting monuments
The base is constructed of rough Maryland
granite, the roughness of which seems to puz-
zle the minds Of good many beholders, but
is constructed in that manner to represent the
roughness or difficulties under which Odd-Fel-
lowship was founded, though now grown to be
mighty and powerful institution Upon the
first Or ground base is erected the second Or
octagon base, constructed of pure marble, upon
which is inscribed the name of Thomas Will
dey, born january Is, 1888, and died October
18th, 1861; also a statement in reference to
the selection Of the site by the Mayor and City
Council, and the appropriate motto or maxim:
:" He who realizes that the true mission of man
on earth is to rise above the level of individual
influence, and to recognise the Fatherhood of
God over all, and the brotherhood of man, is
natures true nobleman;" said base also con-
tains on its different sides the representation of
the various products of the four divisions of
the United States, viz: East, West, North and
South ,.- As.
Upon the octagon base is the base or main
block OF the monument, upon which four me-
dallions are tastefully carved, the one in front
containing the seal of the Grand Lodge of Odd
Fellows, the one in the rear history of the
founding and building of the structure, and
upon either side respectively the representa-
tons Of Faith and Hope. Immediately upon
this block comes the futed column, fifteen feet
in height, followed by a "cap," upon which
the aplces rests, carved upon which is globe,
bundle of rods, three links, and heart and
hand, which inscriptions represent the insignias
of the Order of Odd Fellows. Then comes
the browning "cap," bearing the colossal
figure description of which we will give
after the day of dedication, as it is now yelled
from view by order of the committee having
it in charge The height of the entire monu-
ment, including the Statue, is fifty-two feet
seven inches. The carved work, which is of
pure italian marble, was executed in Phila-
delphia by Henry S. Farr, Esq, who was the
contractor for the erection of the monument.
The beauty and grandeur of the carved
work strikes the eye of even the inattentive
beholder, and must be acknowledged even by
the most scrupulous masterpiece of art.
The statue was also constructed in Philadel-
phia by VIM. Tarr, and is also pure Italian
marble. The main structure of the monument.
is OF pure Maryland marble, constructed by
Messrs. Berdan & Sons, of this city, and is no
less merltoriolls in point of workmanship and
beauty. The Mayor and City Council, and
the, members of the Order of Odd-Fellows
generally, can look upon this fitting memento
with considerable pride, feeling that they have
not only done their duty to one so deserving,
but by it have enhanced the beauty of this
50 fifty termed, the "city of monuments
The dedicatory services are to come off on the
goth of September proximo, and will, from
the extensive arrangements being made no
doubt be grand and imposing affair.
q RESTORATION OF THE SOUTHERN STATES
II Is statod thot oil