Natick in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Odd Fellow's Building
1887
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 2019
1. Odd Fellow's Building Marker
The Tackawanbait Lodge, named after Natick's only Native American ordained minister, who continued John Eliot's mission to the 'Praying Indians' was housed in the top floors of this building. It represents the Odd Fellows' history in Natick since originally instituted in 1845 and lasting through to modern times.
The elegantly detailed brick and brownstone structure forms a significant landmark on the edge of our Town Common and contributes to Natick's 19th century character.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Churches & Religion • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 42° 16.996′ N, 71° 20.845′ W. Marker is in Natick, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. Marker is at the intersection of Pond Street and South Main Street (Massachusetts Route 27), on the right when traveling east on Pond Street. Marker is mounted at eye-level near the northeast corner of the subject building, facing Pond Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 South Main Street, Natick MA 01760, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Congregational Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Indian Meetinghouse (approx. 1.8 miles away); Sherborn
this page online
Regarding Odd Fellow's Building. Contributing property, Natick Center Historic District, National Register of Historic Places #77000186.
Also see . . .
1. Odd Fellows’ Building.
The Tackawanbait Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Natick was named for the town’s Native American minister, Reverend Daniel Tackawanbait. Founded in 1845, the Lodge utilized the upper floors of the Odd Fellows’ Building. The Richardsonian Romanesque Odd Fellow’s Block, designed by Ernest N. Boyden of Boston, continues to have retail space on the ground floors. According to the History of Middlesex County, Vol. I (1890), “The first story on Main Street is of iron and plate-glass, while on Pond Street(Submitted on March 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)it is of brick and plate-glass. The remaining three stories are constructed of brick with Long Meadow sand-stone trimmings.”Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 20192. Odd Fellow's Building (north elevation)(marker is mounted just right of corner entrance)
2. Reverend Daniel Takawambait.
Was likely the first ordained Native American Christian pastor in North America and served the church in the praying town of Natick, Massachusetts from 1683 to 1716. Takawambait also advocated for indigenous land rights in colonial Massachusetts and authored at least one publication. Takawambait served as Natick's pastor until his death in 1716. Takawambait's pulpit desk is on exhibit in the Natick Historical Society Museum and was built by members of his congregation as one of the earliest surviving examples of Native American-made furniture. In the 1800s an I.O.O.F lodge in Natick was named in Takawambait's honor.(Submitted on March 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Natick Center Historic District: Odd Fellows Block.
Ernest Boyden planned the Odd Fellows Block, built in 1887–1888, with a conventional use of Romanesque motifs but dramatically adapted to the corner site.(Submitted on March 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
4. Natick Center Historic District.
The(Submitted on March 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Natick Center Historic District is a historic district on North Ave., Main, Central, and Summer Streets in Natick, Massachusetts, encompassing the 19th century civic and economic heart of the town. After a fire in 1874 destroyed most of the central business district, the present collection of brick Gothic and Romanesque buildings was constructed.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 20193. Odd Fellow's Building (east elevation)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 2019
4. Odd Fellow's Building (northeast elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 128 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
