Norwich bulletin., 1917-03-13

historical sketch by F. G. Ashley auarfep4 eoh ana f,d seasc5lons an py double the 74th anniversary of Uncas Lodge, No. Il. l. o. O. F., in Odd Fellows hall on Monday evening. There were in the neighbor11ood of 150 Odd Eel lows present for the anniversary cele- bration which was admirably carried out with Noble Grand Joseph F. Cobb presiding. A large American flag oc- cupied a conspicuous position at the right of the noble grand
 The opening number was a selection by the double quartette and this was followed by remarks from Grand Mas ter F. Henry Monroe. Deputy Grand Master George M. Chapman was then called upon and he was followed in turn by Grand Warden Henry Hirsch crimson After the quartette had been heard again District Deputy Grand Master Fred H. Williams made interesting remarks in regard to the made in securing new members and of the excellent showing of the dis trict as whole.
 The final number on the programme was an interesting historical sketch of the lodge which was given by F. C. Ashley T. Boon. The sketch follows in part:
 I have been requested to give brief historical sketch of Uncas lodge. No. II. I. O. O. F., of this city. one of the oldest and strongest lodges. both nu-. merically and financially in the state of Connecticut.
 with a synopsis of the introduction of the order in this country. Allow me to turn back the hands of time. to the year 1919. When a few worthy broth CTS who migrated from England under the leadership of James Wildly, who later became the first Grand Sire of the Order. instituted Washington Lodge, No l. in a tavern. known as the 26th, 1919, in the city of Baltimore, Md,
 Nearly Two Million Members.
 From it's inception the order like the Octopus has spread out in tenta- cles and instituted lodges throughout the civilized world numbering two million members, with grand lodges in every state and territory in this coun- try and in every civilized country in the Old World. All under one great directing body, The Sovereign Grand Lodge of America
 The order disburses annually over five million dollars for the relief of it's members during sickness or disability. Also specific amount. to be paid upon the death of either husband or wife, to the survivor or his or her heirs
 Thus placing the order on the basis of insurance, the premiums being the yearly dues prescribed by the laws
 But I have digressed from the main subject, and request your forbearance if my remarks become prolix or Prosy.
 Uneas Lodge Formed.
 In the early forties the subject of Norwich was discussed. Some of the representative men of the city, after many preliminary meetings organized Uncas Lodges No II, and on Friday stituted the lodge with seven mem bers. There is not one living today. The later John l.. Devotion, who later became Grand Master, was the first Noble Grand elected, to whom the dis pensation was granted. Most Worship full Master Charles w. Bradley of East Haddam, graced the occasion with his presence and directed the i'm
 The charter members were John l.. Devotion, C.. c. Williams, James D. Mowry, John N. Woodward, Edward Ells,. O. A. Lathrop and William Faulk- ner. Up to the year 1857 this lodge was very prosperous, and augmented in members and finances at a rapid rate, at this time there were 45S members.
 thousand dollars was invested in the stock of the Uncas hall building in Water street The stock was sold to the members at forty dollars per share. Where we are assembled this evening, was the original Uncas hall. The out CT walls have never been changed New floors and roof have been add.
 In the spring of 1908, this hall was No. II. and Shetucket Lodge, No. 27. In the near future the Odd Fellows will move into new hall on Franklin street.
 little more than year ago the Triple Link corporation was organized as a state corporation, the directors purchased tract of land with dwell ing house thereon in the heart of the 1ff Tod I1r-f1 Ias1fl ir,ur fI, two stores. the foundation is for a three or four story buildin. At the expiration of our lease here we ex- pect to complete the building with a i spacious hall and ante rooms and all the accessions needfu1 for the work of both lodges. and my good brothers My earnest prayer is that we may all live to participate in the dedication of our new building in January, 1919
 When the financial crash came in 1857 many members were forced to sell their holdings to outside parties, with the inevitable result. the building passed into other hands.
 The great panic of 1857 came like lightning from clear sky, closing fac tories and work shops and mercantile houses and left its imprint upon fra ceived it's share of the blow. It's mem bership gradually decreased until a few stalwart members were left to keep the emberS alive.
 Did Not Surrender Charter.
 For a few years it remained in semi -comatose state. It has been er- roneously stated that Uncas lodge sur rendered ts charter and effects and became extinct.
 The records of Jan. 4th, 1864 prove to the contrary.
 On the above date. the lodge met in regular form, and proceeded to the election of officers. Col. Charles A. Converse being elected Noble Grand. Past Grand Patriarch William L. Brew CT and Past Grand H. Hobart Roath were elected as representative to the Grand Lodge to ask permission to re- sume work in the order.
 The following resolutions were pass ed by the Grand Lodge, and forward ed to this lodge in February, 181e4.
 Whereas Uncas Lodge. No. Il. of Norwich has been compelled to suspend it's work as a lodge, from a force of | but has retained its charter and effects, and
 Whereas. the brothers thereof now