New Castle in Henry County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Grand United Order of Odd Fellows

Washington Lodge #1513

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 12, 2019

1. Grand United Order of Odd Fellows side of marker

Inscription. The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF) was formed in 1843; virtually all other fraternal organizations of the era were whites-only. The GUOOF provided vital support to its members and the local black community following the Civil War. Its work continues to the present.

Former slaves founded Washington Lodge #1513 in 1872, seven years after the end of the Civil War. The Lodge has owned this building since 1886; it has one of the few remaining nineteenth-century facades in New Castle. This lodge is the only active GUOOF lodge in Kentucky and is one of the oldest African American fraternal organizations in the state.

Erected 2017 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2524.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.

Location. 38° 25.971′ N, 85° 10.196′ W. Marker is in New Castle, Kentucky, in Henry County. Marker is on South Main Street (U.S. 421) south of East Cross Main Street (Route 573), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 32 S Main St, New Castle KY 40050, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. County Named, 1798 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Drennon Springs (approx. half a mile away); Civil War Actions (approx. half a mile away); Old Pollard Inn (approx. 3½ miles away); Confederate Soldiers Monument (approx. 5.1 miles away); Eminence College Site / Rev. W.S. Giltner (approx. 5.3 miles away); Dutch Colony Here (approx. 7.1 miles away); a different marker also named Drennon Springs (approx. 8.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Castle.

Also see . . . Historical Odd Fellows lodge needs help. 2015 article by Nancy Stearns Theiss in the Louisville Courier Journal. Excerpt:

As far back as anyone can remember Washington Lodge #1513 has held an annual parade in New Castle on the third weekend in August. The parade has attracted hundreds that line the street and watch lodge members in full regalia as described by Smith: “For the parade we had live music, professional bands. We all dress up in our regalia and sometimes a horse would lead.” The parade is followed by a picnic, “with music, BBQ, chicken, fried fish. After the picnic
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 12, 2019

2. Washington Lodge #1513 side of marker
we had a dance over at the hall at night from 8 to 12 with live music by Don Green, Cliff Butler, and the like. And then on Monday night, after the parade and picnic on Saturday, we had a formal dance at the hall; white coat, black pants, black shirt and black bow tie, turned the lights down low and were ready to go — live music. The hall would be full — people would try to get in and couldn’t. It was a homecoming event and people came from all over.”

(Submitted on July 4, 2019.)

Grand United Order of Odd Fellows Washington Lodge #1513 and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 12, 2019

3. Grand United Order of Odd Fellows Washington Lodge #1513 and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 413 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 4, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.