A New Order in Seattle
The Ancient Order of Foresters organizes a grand state body in Seattle, marking the end of Oregon's regional control.
The Grand Court of Washington of the Ancient Order of Foresters of America was organized in Seattle yesterday at Grand Army Hall. Previously, Washington was under the jurisdiction of Oregon, but with the growth to sixteen courts across the state, a new independent Grand Court was established. Dr. L. C. Neville of Seattle was elected Grand Chief Ranger. Following the installation, visiting delegates attended a meeting at the Frye block and were honored by a reception from the Companions of the Forest at Odd Fellows' Hall in North Seattle.
“Heretofore this state has been joined to the jurisdiction of Oregon, having until this year had less than ten courts.”
Fraternal orders were the primary social safety nets and networking hubs of the 19th-century American city. The formal establishment of a 'Grand Court' in Seattle underscores the town's rapid transition from a frontier outpost to a maturing urban center with its own civic infrastructure.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.