Angell in Muskegon in Muskegon County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Adelphia Grace Ward
Founder of the Ladies of the Macccabees
— March 24, 1886 —
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 29, 2023
1. Adelphia Grace Ward Bronze Tablet
Erected 1936 by the Maccabees, on June 11th.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations.
Location. 43° 14.063′ N, 86° 14.644′ W. Marker is in Muskegon, Michigan, in Muskegon County. It is in Angell. Marker is at the intersection of East Apple Avenue (Michigan Route 46) and Terrace Street, on the right when traveling west on East Apple Avenue. It is on the grounds of the Muskegon Hall of Justice, facing the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 E Apple Ave, Muskegon MI 49442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Central United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Muskegon Woman's Club (approx. 0.3 miles away); Torrent House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hackley Public Library (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old Indian Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); Buster Keaton (approx. half a mile away); Hume House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Hackley House (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Muskegon.
Regarding Adelphia Grace Ward. She was born in England in 1844. At 14 her family emigrated to Canada and later to
this page online
The organization The Ladies of the Maccabees is now named the North American Benefits Association. It began as the female auxiliary of the Knights of the Maccabees. It was the first fraternal benefit society operated exclusively by women. This was an insurance benefit society which grew to 80,000 members by 1913 and had paid out over $50 million in endowment benefits.
While in Chicago, she became the first woman to be hired as a clerk at the Marshall, Fields & Co. department store.
Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia entry for the Ladies of the Macccabees. Excerpt:
On March 25, 1886, nine ladies met at the home of Adelphia Grace Ward (aka Mother of the Order, Past Great Commander) to establish the order of the Ladies of the Maccabees (L.O.T.M.). She became known as “Mother Ward” throughout the length and breadth of Maccabeedom.(Submitted on August 2, 2023.)
The women began as a local club, or “Hive” in Muskegon, Michigan, but made application to form a statewide auxiliary at the Great Camps 1886 convention; they were denied. They tried again at the 1887 convention and were turned down. In 1888, permission was given to create a “Great Hive” for the state. Laws were drawn up and officials elected and the Great Hive of Michigan was chartered in May 1890. GreatHives were founded in other states such as Ohio and New York, and a “Supreme Hive” was established on October 1, 1892.Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 29, 20232. Adelphia Grace Ward Monument
2. Wikipedia entry for Fraternal Benefit Society. Excerpt:
A ... fraternal benefit society... is ... a voluntary association formed to provide mutual aid, benefit, for instance insurance for relief from sundry difficulties. ...(Submitted on August 2, 2023.)
Many major financial institutions existing today, particularly some insurance companies, mutual savings banks, and credit unions, trace their origins back to benefit societies ...
Benefit societies may be organized around a shared ethnic background, religion, occupation, geographical region or other basis. Benefits may include financial security and/or assistance for education, unemployment, birth of a baby, sickness and medical expenses, retirement and funerals. Often benefit societies provide a social or educational framework for members and their families to support each other and contribute to the wider community.
(pd) via Find a Grave
3. Adelphia G. Ward
Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 64 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
