Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1898-08-05
WILDEY DAY!
toosriSurD FROM FIRST PAeEl

foundation they laid for the lodge. and
for the firm establishment in the new
organization of the great principles
on which the whole order rests. The
home which they secured for the new
lodge was situated on what is now
known as Fort Square, near one of the
most important historic spots in Ma
rietta. old Fort Harmar. The build
ing in which the first meetings were
held was then owned by Col. Dave
Barber. -r'0
Whether due to historic associations
or to the convenience of the early
home, this building was used by the
members as a place Of meeting from
the foundation of the lodge until 1894,
period of forty-six years. The large
brick building now standing at the
corner of Gilman and Maple streets
was constructed by the lodge at that
time and has since been occupied as a
place Of regular meeting and as head
quarters for all members.
The new building is a substantial
three story structure and were there
no other evidence but this, it would be
sufficient to prove to the observer that
Harmar Lodge has made decided
progress during her half century of
existence and has enjoyed her share
of prosperity at least.
The early history of Harmar Lodge
contains some interesting accounts,
showing the many disadvantages which
were encountered and the manly and
strong character of the men who
brought the young organization
safely through these critical periods.
Starting with only limited number
of members and having no special ad-
vatages and privileges to insure sue
cess, the progress of the lodge was,
therefore, not of a phenomenal nature
Slow but steady advancement, how
ever, was made from the start. Each
member worked diligently to uphold
the true principles of Odd Fellowship
| and as result, only men of unques-
| tionable character sought to become
members.
Just at the time when the lodge had
reached period in her history when
the future became bright, the Civil
War broke out and demanded the SER
vices of all patriotic men. The de-
mand which was made upon the lodge
was keenly felt. Some of the most
trustworthy members were given up
and as result the months which fol-
lowed their departure mark the most
critical period in the history of the
lodge. So greatly had the member
ship been reduced that it was not long
until only five members were left as
guardians of the lodges interests.
Upon them depended the success or
failure of this small branch of the or
der. How well they performed their
duties and how nobly they defended
the principles of Odd Fellowship, the
present standing of Harmar Lodge in
the community and state bears evil
dence.
The names of these men who NAV
be called the 'Preservers ,o1 Harmar
Lodge, " were ]. G. Hall, Joel NJ. Blair,
". B. Hollister, Conrad Krigbaum
and A. F. Ward. Their faith in the
lodge is shown by the reply they made
TO the officer sent by the Grand Lodge
at this critical period to demand the
surrender Of the charter. When the
mission Of this noted official to Har-
mar was made known, these men re-
piled to him in substance as follows:
If you have come to bury us. you
might as we'll 90 home. When we are
dead we will let you know in time to
attend the funeral. II you have any
bills against us, send them in and they
shall be paid"
This determined answer was evil
IDENTIFY sufficient to ally the alleged an
xiety at headquarters, for no effort
was thereafter made to do away with
this branch. After the war, the pro-
gress of the lodge was more rapid and
although many members have died
and others have left the city,a MEM
bership of 81 was reported last year.
Some of the members, we'll known as
citizens of Marietta who served during
the war, were w. Tidd, Col. T. ]. Pat
ton, and j. B. Daniels. All disting-
uished themselves for their bravery
and rendered important service to
their country.
The lodge has recently lost by death
two worthy members whose services
were invaluable and who were respect-
ed not only by the brothers in the Or
der, but also by the citizens generally
OF Marietta, They are John Gerken
and George Strecker.
The Marietta Concert Band rendered
the following programme during the
QYnrHlCAo in hAs,