Newman in Stanislaus County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Knights of Pythias

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, October 14, 2022

1. Knights of Pythias Marker

Inscription. In 1886 the Lodge was organized in Hills Ferry. They moved to Newman in 1910 to the newly constructed 3 story building. Street level retail space, 2nd floor meeting rooms and 3rd floor the social hall. Knights of Pythias referred to their lodges as “castles”. Previous tenants include City Hall, police department, post office and library.

Erected by Rotary Club of Newman.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately, and the Rotary International series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 37° 18.942′ N, 121° 1.374′ W. Marker is in Newman, California, in Stanislaus County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Tulare Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. The plaque is mounted to the front of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1305 Main Street, Newman CA 95360, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. West Side Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); St. George Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Giovannoni Building (within shouting

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distance of this marker); West Side Santitarium (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The West Side Index (about 400 feet away); Dr. Stratton's Hospital (about 400 feet away); Carnegie Library (about 400 feet away); Corporal Ronil Singh (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newman.

Also see . . .
1. Knights of Pythias History.

"President Abraham Lincoln, being advised of the contents of the ritual and its teaching, said: "The purposes of your organization are most wonderful. If we could but bring its spirit to all our citizenry, what a wonderful thing it would be. It breathes the spirit of Friendship, Charity and Benevolence." An application was made to Congress for a charter, and the Order of Knights of Pythias was the first American Order ever chartered by an Act of the Congress of the United States."

(Submitted on October 20, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

2. National Museum of American History: Knights of Pythias.
"In 1864, in the midst of the third year of the Civil War, a clerk
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, October 14, 2022

2. Knights of Pythias Castle
in the U.S. Treasury named Justus H. Rathbone founded the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization, in Washington, D.C. He hoped that the nation, torn apart by violence and hate, could begin to heal once renewed by the spirit of brotherhood. President Lincoln, upon learning of the group, expressed his approval of its mission and values, and the Knights became the first fraternal organization in the United States to be chartered through an Act of Congress."
(Submitted on October 20, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 134 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 20, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.