Broadkill Hundred in 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

Inscription. 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 emphasize the principals of "Friendship, Love, and Truth" through its services to the citizens of Milton.

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. It is in Broadkill Hundred. It 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

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post office area: Milton DE 19968, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lank House (within shouting distance of this marker); 311 Chestnut Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 403 Chestnut Street (within shouting distance of this marker); The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist (about 400 feet away); T.S. Wilson House (about 400 feet away); Goshen United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away); 411 Federal Street (about 500 feet away); Governor Joseph Maull Carey (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milton.

Another marker is no longer nearby. St. John The Baptist Episcopal Church (was about 400 feet away, measured

Golden Rule Lodge #17, I.O.O.F. and Marker (at left) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 6, 2013

2. Golden Rule Lodge #17, I.O.O.F. and Marker (at left)

in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Golden Rule Lodge #17, I.O.O.F.and Marker at Chesnut Street and Atlantic Street image. Click for full size.

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 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 672 times since then and 20 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.