Milton in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Golden Rule Lodge #17, I.O.O.F.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 6, 2013
1. Golden Rule Lodge #17, I.O.O.F. Marker
The origins of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
can be traced to the creation of beneficial trade
societies in England. Composed of craftsmen who
practiced a variety of different or "odd" occupations,
the purpose of these organizations was to support the
needs of members and improve the communities in
which they lived. The I.O.O.F. was formally established
in this country in 1819. In 1834, the Odd Fellows of
North America seperated from the English Order. Some
years later a group of Milton residents organized for the
purpose of establishing a local lodge. On September 15,
1848, a charter was granted for Golden Rule Lodge #17.
In 1853, members voted to buy a suitable piece of land
on which to erect a Lodge Hall. The first meeting was
held here on January 3, 1855. In later years the Odd
Fellows' women's organization, the Rebekahs, also met
here. Like many such facilities, this structure was
designed to include space for business and community
use on the first floor, with a lodge room above. From
1920 until 1980 this was the location of the town's
library. Since its organization, Golden Rule Lodge #17
has continued to
this page online
Erected 2007 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-216.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1860.
Location. 38° 46.469′ N, 75° 18.637′ W. Marker is in Milton, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is on Atlantic Street (County Road 88) near Chesnut Street (State Route 249), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Milton DE 19968, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lank House (within shouting distance of this marker); St. John The Baptist Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Goshen United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away); Goshen Cemetery (about 600 feet away); Governor Joseph Maull Carey (about 700 feet away); Governor James Ponder (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sussex Trust Title & Safe Deposit Co. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Milton Fire Department, Inc. (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milton.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 6, 2013
2. Golden Rule Lodge #17, I.O.O.F. and Marker (at left)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 6, 2013
3. Golden Rule Lodge #17, I.O.O.F.and Marker at Chesnut Street and Atlantic Street
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 443 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 16, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2, 3. submitted on October 15, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
