Over the past few months, I’ve written several blog posts about Lowell in 1926. Why that year? It’s partly because of the upcoming bicentennial of the city. Yes, “bicentennial” means 200 years ago, but when we observe that anniversary, it will also be important to understand what Lowell was like 100 years ago.

One of the things that has long fascinated me about America in the late 1800s and early 1900s was the proliferation of social organizations that existed. That was certainly the case in Lowell. A quick look at the “fraternal societies” section of the 1926 Lowell City Directory lists dozens of organizations, some with multiple chapters.

With the help of that directory, I’ve made a list of these organizations showing their names, where they met and when they met. That list follows. However, since I had never even heard of some of these organizations, I asked my handy artificial intelligence application, ChatGPT, to give me an explanation of many of them. That cluster of organizational descriptions follows the list.

AMERICAN LEGION

Lowell Post 87 – Meets first and third Monday evening at 8 o’clock in Memorial Auditorium.

American Legion Auxiliary, Lowell Unit 87 – Meets every first and third Tuesday at Memorial Auditorium.

DES ARTISANS CANADIENS FRANCAIS

Succursale St. Andrew – Meets monthly in Grafton Hall

Succursale Pawtucketville, No. 252 – Meets first and third Tuesday, 747 Moody Street.

BATTERY F VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF B’NAI B’RITH

Lowell Lodge No. 874 – Meets first and third Tuesday of each month at Odd Fellows’ Hall, 84 Middlesex Street.

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA

Court Cardinal O’Connell, No. 930.

THE COMPANIONS OF AMERICA

Spindle City Lodge, No. 39. Meets in GAR Hall, 203 Merrimack Street, every second and fourth Thursday.

COMPANY C ASSOCIATES

Meets at Club House, Tyngsboro and Armory, Westford Street (winders).

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Molly Varnum Chapter – Chapter House, 275 Pawtucket Street

Lydia Darrah Chapter – meets first Saturday of each month.

Old Bay State Chapter – Meets at home of members.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS OF THE WORLD WAR

Meets at Memorial Building.

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES

Lowell Aerie, No. 223. Meets first and third Tuesday in Eagles Hall, 94 Gorham Street.

1. and P. ORDER OF ELKS

Lowell Lodge, No. 87. Instituted April 10, 1888. Meets in Elks’ Home, 25 Warren Street.

FORESTERS OF AMERICA

Court Merrimack, No. 11 – Meets second and fourth Wednesday evening at A.O.H. Hall, 7 Merrimack Street.

Court Middlesex-Dimon, No. 217 – Meets second and fourth Monday evenings in Odd Fellows Hall, 84 Middlesex Street.

Court General Shields, No. 46 – Meets second and fourth Thursday in each month in Grafton Hall, Merrimack Street.

Court Scania, NO. 182 – Meets first and third Friday in Highland Hall, Middlesex Street.

CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS

Court St. Antoine, No. 566 – Mets first and third Wednesday in Foresters Hall, 373 Moody Street.

Court St. Paul, No. 1436 – Meets first and third Thursday in Foresters Hall, 373 Moody Street.

FRANCO-AMERICAN FORESTERS

L’Union Samuel De Champlain, No. 7 – Meets second and fourth Tuesday in CMAC Hall, 103 Pawtucket Street.

INDEPENDENT FORESTERS

L’Union Garin Nationale – Meets second and fourth Monday at Catholic Foresters Hall, 373 Moody Street.

IRISH NATIONAL FORESTERS

Branch O’Neil Crowley – Meets first and third Sunday in AOH Hall, 149 Middlesex Street.

Branch St. Elizabeth – Meets in AOH Hall, 149 Middlesex Street.

MASSACHUSETTS CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS

Court Lowell, No. 199 – Meets third Tuesday in each month in Grafton Hall, 212 Merrimack Street.

UNITED ORDER OF GOLDEN CROSS

Washington Commandery, No. 31 – Instituted November 7, 1878. Meets in Veritas Hall, 139 Branch Street, second Thursday evening in each month.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS

Eirene Lodge, No. 74 – Meets first and third Wednesday evening in homes of members.

Gen. Fiske Lodge, No. 34 – Meets first and third Mondays at Free Church, 150 Middlesex Street.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

General B.F. Butler Post 42 – Meets first Wednesday evening at 7:30 o’clock in Memorial Hall.

James A. Garfield Post 120 – Meets second and fourth Saturday at 2:30 pm in Grand Army Hall, 202 Merrimack Street.

Ladd and Whitney Post 185 – Organized April 14, 1866. Meets first and third Wednesday at Memorial Auditorium.

LADIES OF THE GAR – Ladd and Whitney Circle, No. 8. Meets second and fourth Wednesday in Veterans Wing, Memorial Auditorium.

WOMAN’S RELIEF CORPS

James A. Garfield Corps, No. 33 – Meets first and third Thursday in each month in Grand Army Hall, 202 Merrimack Street.

B.F. Butler Corps, No. 75 – Meets first and third Wednesday in Memorial Hall.

SONS OF VETERANS – Admiral Farragut Camp, No. 78. Meets first and third Friday, excepting July and August first Friday only, in Post 185, GAR Hall.

DAUGHTERS OF VETERANS

Mary E. Smith Tent – Meets in Memorial Hall, second and fourth Tuesday.

Hannah E. Buxton Tent – Meets second and fourth Friday at Memorial Auditorium.

ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS

Central Council

Division No. 1 – meets Hibernian Hall, 149 Middle Street.

Division No. 8 – Organized in April 1890. Meets second and fourth Monday evenings in each month in Hibernian Hall, 7 Kearney Square.

Division No. 11 – Meets every Tuesday and last Friday evening in each month at 7 Merrimack Street.

Ladies’ Auxiliary to Division 1, AOH – Meets first and third Thursday in Grosvenor Block.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Lowell Council No. 72 – Meets second and fourth Thursday in K of C Hall, 167 Dutton Street.

Bishop Delaney Assembly 4th Degree – Meets every third Thursday in K of C Hall, 167 Dutton Street.

Knights of Columbus Guild, Lowell Council No. 72 – Meets K of C Hall, 167 Dutton Street.

KNIGHTS OF MALTA

Lowell Commandery – Meets first and third Tuesday in Highland Hall, 131 Branch Street.

Dames of Malta – Betsy Ross Sisterhood, No. 70 – Meets second and fourth Wednesday at Veritas Hall, Branch Street.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS

Uniform Rank K of P Butler Ames Company, No. 16 – Meets second and fourth Friday at Free Church, 150 Middlesex Street.

Lowell Lodge, No. 24 – Instituted January 21, 1870 – Meets first and third Monday at 84 Middlesex Street.

Wamesit Lodge, No. 25 – Instituted February 1, 1870 – Meets Thursday evening at 84 Middlesex Street.

Chevalier-Middlesex Lodge, No. 2 – Meets every Friday evening in Highland Hall, 131 Branch Street.

Samuel H. Hines Lodge, No. 56 – Meetings held first and third Tuesday evening at 361 Bridge Street.

Insurance Department of Knights of Pythias, No. 2826 – Meets in Pythian Hall, Fairburn Building, Kearney Square.

PYTHIAN SISTERS

Chevalier Temple, No. 101

Dorcas Temple, No.  13

L’UNION ST. JEAN BAPTISTE D’AMERIQUE

Conseil Carrillon, No. 100 – Meets second and fourth Thursday at 103 Pawtucket Street.

Conseil J.N. Jacques, No. 217 – Meets fourth Wednesday at 364 W. Sixth Street.

LOYAL ASSOCIATION

Greenhalge Council, No. 100 – Instituted August 4, 1896 – Meets second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 24 Jackson Street.

LOYAL ORANGE INSTITUTE

Garfield Purple Star Lodge, No. 175 – Meets in Odd Fellows Hall, 84 Middlesex Street, third Wednesday evening of each month 8 o’clock.

L.O. LADIES – Princess Lodge, No. 134 – Meets third Tuesday of each month,  139 Branch Street.

MASONIC

Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, A.F. & A.M. – Grand Secretary’s Office, Masonic Temple, Boston, MA. Hall in Masonic Temple, 128 Merrimack Street.

Pentucket Lodge – Instituted 1807.

Ancient York Lodge – Instituted 1852.

Kilwinning Lodge – Instituted 1867.

William North Lodge – Instituted 1868.

Mount Horeb Royal Arch Chapter – Chartered 1826.

Ahasuerus Council of Royal and Select Masters – Reorganized December 23, 1856.

Pilgrim Commandery, Knights Templars – Instituted October 1885.

Lowell Lodge of Perfection, 14 degree Scottish Rite.

Lowell Council, Princess of Jerusalem, 16 degree Scottish Rite.

Mount Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix, 18 degree Scottish Rite.

Masonic Relief Association

Lowell Masonic Association

Antiquity Lodge, A.F. & A.M., No 18

LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE

Lowell Lodge, No. 618. Meets second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Odd Fellows Hall, 84 Middlesex Street.

WOMEN OF MOOSEHEART LEGION, Lowell Chapter, No. 828.

NEW ENGLAND ORDER OF PROTECTION

Elgin Lodge, No. 166 – Meets first and third Thursday in Veritas Hall, 139 Branch Street.

Eldora Lodge, No. 578 – Meets second and fourth Wednesday evenings at 150 Middlesex Street.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS – Odd Fellows Temple, 78-90 Middlesex Street

Canton Pawtucket, No. 9 – Meets second Friday evening each month in Odd Fellows Hall, 361 Bridge Street.

Pilgrim Encampment, No. 4 – Meets second and fourth Monday at 361 Bridge Street.

Oberlin Lodge, No. 28 – Meets Tuesday evenings in Odd Fellows’ Hall, 84 Middlesex Street.

Highlands Veritas Lodge, No. 6 – Meets Wednesday evening in Highland Hall, 131 Branch Street.

Centralville Lodge, No. 215 – Meets in Odd Fellows’ Hall, 361 Bridge Street every Wednesday evening.

DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH

Evening Star Lodge, No. 30 – Meets second and fourth Saturday evening in Odd Fellows’ Block, 84 Middlesex Street.

Highland Union Lodge, No. 31 – Meets first and third Monday evening in Odd Fellows’ Hall, Branch Street.

Centralville Lodge, No. 137 – Meets second and fourth Thursday in Odd Fellows’ Hall, 361 Bridge Street.

MANCHESTER UNITY ODD FELLOWS

Loyal Excelsior Lodge, No. 6303 – Meets first and third Monday at 202 Merrimack Street.

Loyal Integrity Lodge, No. 6630 – Meets first and third Wednesday at each month at 202 Merrimack Street.

Loyal Merrimack Lodge, No. 7196 – Meets at 212 Merrimack Street.

Loyal Wamesit Lodge, No. 7102 – Meets first and third Monday evening in Grafton Hall, 212 Merrimack Street.

Uniform Rank Lowell Chapter, No. 4 – Meets the last Tuesday of each month at 84 Middlesex Street.

INDPENDENT ORDER OF ODD LADIES

Loyal Victoria Lodge, No. 1, Manchester Unity – Meets first and third Thursday at 361 Bridge Street.

ORDER OF VASA OF AMERICA

Norman, No. 76. Meets first and third Saturday in Veritas Hall, 139 Branch Street.

PAN-MACEDONIAN UNION

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY

Middlesex North Pomona Grange

Lowell Grange, No. 335

IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN

Passaconaway Tribe, No. 32 – Meets in Odd Fellows’ Buildings, 84 Middlesex Street, first and third Friday evening.

DEGREE OF POCAHONTAS

Minnequa Council, No. 72 – Meets second and fourth Friday at Veritas Hall.

ROYAL ARCANUM

Lowell Council, No. 8 – Meets in Odd Fellows’ Temple, 84 Middlesex Street.

Highlands Council, No. 970 – Meets in Highland Hall, 131 Branch Street.

Industry Council, No. 1722 – Meets in Odd Fellows’ Hall, 84 Middlesex Street.

Rochambeau Council, No. 2064 – Meets at 103 Pawtucket Street.

Hospital Fund Association

ORDER OF THE SONS OF ST. GEORGE

Waverly Lodge, No. 104 – Instituted November 2, 1882. Meets in Odd Fellows’ Hall, 84 Middlesex Street.

INDEPENDENT ORDER DAUGHTERS OF ST. GEORGE

Princess Lodge, No. 12 – Meets in Odd Fellows’ Hall, 84 Middlesex Street.

ORDER OF SCOTTISH CLANS

Clan Grant No. 141 – Meets at Grafton Hall, 212 Merrimack Street

Ladies’ Auxiliary, No. 20. Meets at Post 120 Hall, 202 Merrimack Street.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Old Middlesex Chapter

NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION – Vice President, General  New England District, Burton H. Wiggin, 150 Market Street.

SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF LIBERTY

Lady Franklin Council, No. 17 – Meets at GAR Hall, 202 Merrimack Street.

Roosevelt Council, No. 45 – Meets in IOOF Hall, 131 Branch Street.

Washington Council, No. 48 – Meets at IOOF Hall, 361 Bridge Street.

UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS

General Adelbert Ames Camp, No. 19 – Meets at IOOF Hall, 361 Bridge Street.

Edith Prescott Wolcott Auxiliary, No. 3 – meets at Memorial Building, Merrimack street.

SWEDISH MUTUAL AID SOCIETY – Meets in Veritas Hall, 139 Branch Street.

Ladies’ Auxiliary – meets at the homes of members.

UNITED COMMERCIAL TRAVELERS OF AMERICA

Lowell Council, No. 365 – Meets at Odd Fellows’ Hall.

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

Walker-Rogers Post, No. 662 – Meets in Memorial Hall, City Library building.

Women’s Auxiliary of Walker-Rogers Post, No. 662

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As I wrote above, I used an Artificial Intelligence application to tell me something about many of the organizations on the above list. Here is the prompt I used for each organization:

[Name of organization] was a fraternal organization active in the United States in the 1920s. In 100 words, explain the purpose of the group, when it was founded, the type of people who became members, its history, and whether it remains active today.

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The Foresters of America was a fraternal organization founded in the late 19th century, evolving from the Ancient Order of Foresters. Active primarily in the United States, its purpose was to provide its members with social and mutual benefits, including financial assistance during sickness and death benefits. The organization was especially prominent in the 1920s. Over time, as with many fraternal groups, its membership declined. Today, it no longer operates as an independent entity, having merged or been absorbed into other organizations.

The Companions of the Forest in America, often confused with “Companions of America,” was a fraternal insurance organization active in the United States, particularly in the 1920s. Founded in the late 19th century as an auxiliary to the Foresters of America, it catered primarily to women, providing a space for social engagement and mutual aid. Members benefited from life insurance policies and the support network of the community during times of need. The organization’s history reflects a broader trend of fraternal orders offering financial and social security to their members. Over time, as insurance and social welfare systems evolved, many such fraternal organizations saw a decline. The current status of the Companions of the Forest in America, specifically under the name “Companions of America,” is less clear, indicating it may not be active today or has been absorbed into larger fraternal or insurance entities.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) was founded in 1898 in Seattle, Washington, by six theater owners. It is a fraternal organization that initially aimed to support its members’ welfare and social activities. The FOE quickly grew, advocating for social and political causes, including the establishment of Mother’s Day and the push for Social Security in the United States. Active through the 1920s and beyond, it remains operational today, focusing on philanthropy and community service, with aeries (chapters) across North America.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) was founded in 1868 in New York City by a group of actors and entertainers as a social club, evolving into a major American fraternal organization. Initially exclusive to white males over 21 who were U.S. citizens and believed in God, its membership broadened over time. The Elks focused on promoting charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity, offering support to their communities through various philanthropic efforts, including veterans’ services and youth programs. Active throughout the 1920s and beyond, the BPOE continues to operate today, maintaining its commitment to community service with lodges across the United States.

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a lineage-based membership service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the United States’ efforts towards independence. Founded in 1890, the DAR was established to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Its members, who must prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, engage in various activities, including maintaining historic sites, sponsoring scholarships, and supporting veteran programs. Throughout its history, DAR has been an influential organization in American society. It remains active today, with chapters across the United States and internationally, continuing its mission of preserving history and promoting education and patriotism.

The United Order of the Golden Cross was founded in 1876 in Baltimore, Maryland, as a fraternal organization that provided its members with life insurance benefits at a time when such financial security was not widely available. It distinguished itself by being one of the first to offer insurance benefits to women as well as men, promoting equality and mutual support among its members. The organization attracted a membership that valued moral and ethical principles, symbolized by the Christian cross in its emblem. The United Order of the Golden Cross played a significant role in the development of fraternal insurance societies in the United States. While it was active and influential in the 1920s, its prominence has since diminished, and it is unclear if it remains active today, as many fraternal insurance organizations have either closed or merged with larger entities due to the evolving insurance industry and changing social structures.

The Independent Order of Good Templars (IOGT) was founded in 1851 as a fraternal organization committed to promoting temperance and abstinence from alcohol. Its membership was open to anyone who supported its cause, making it unique for its early inclusion of women and African Americans. The IOGT provided a supportive community for those advocating for temperance, offering social activities and mutual aid. It played a significant role in the temperance movement, influencing public policy and societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Despite fluctuations in membership over the years, the IOGT remains active today, focusing on drug and alcohol prevention and promoting a lifestyle free of addiction worldwide, continuing its mission with a broadened scope.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is a Catholic, Irish-American fraternal organization founded in the United States in 1836. Its purpose was to assist Irish immigrants, especially those facing discrimination or need, and to preserve Irish culture and Catholic faith among its members. Membership was, and remains, open to men of Irish descent who are practicing Catholics. Historically, the AOH played a key role in supporting Irish independence and providing social and economic assistance to Irish immigrants. The AOH is active today, continuing its mission of promoting Irish culture, Catholic values, and philanthropy, with divisions across the United States and involvement in community service and cultural preservation.

The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut, as a Catholic fraternal benefit society. Its purpose was to provide financial aid to members and their families, particularly offering support in times of illness or death. Membership is open to practicing Catholic men committed to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The organization played a significant role in supporting not only its members but also broader community and national projects, including educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief, and civil rights activities. The Knights of Columbus remains active today, with millions of members worldwide, continuing its mission of charity and community service.

The Knights of Malta, formally known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, is not primarily a fraternal organization but a Catholic lay religious order and chivalric order. It was founded in Jerusalem around 1048, with a mission to care for the sick and the poor. Membership is traditionally drawn from the nobility and is dedicated to the practice of Christian charity and the defense of the Catholic faith. While the Order has a presence in the United States, its activities are global, focusing on humanitarian aid and medical assistance. The Knights of Malta continue to be active today, maintaining their centuries-old mission of service, with members around the world engaged in charitable works, especially in areas affected by conflict and poverty.

The Knights of Pythias was founded in 1864 by Justus H. Rathbone in Washington, D.C., as the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress. Its purpose was to promote friendship, charity, and benevolence among its members, inspired by the story of Damon and Pythias from ancient Greek lore, symbolizing loyalty and friendship. Membership was open to men who believed in a Supreme Being and were of good moral character. The organization grew rapidly, known for its commitment to the welfare of members and communities through charitable activities. Despite a decline from its peak, the Knights of Pythias remains active today, continuing its mission of philanthropy and fraternalism with lodges across North America.

The Loyal Order of Moose was founded in 1888 in Louisville, Kentucky, by Dr. John Henry Wilson. Originally established as a social club for men, it evolved into a major fraternal and service organization focused on community service and charitable activities. The Moose promotes family values and provides its members with social, fraternal, and community service opportunities, including operating Mooseheart, a residential childcare facility, and Moosehaven, a retirement community for its members. Membership is open to men and women who support the organization’s objectives. The Loyal Order of Moose remains active today, with lodges across the United States, Canada, and Great Britain, continuing its commitment to community service and support.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) was founded in 1819 in Baltimore, Maryland, as part of a larger movement originating from 18th century Britain. Its purpose was to provide a framework for mutual aid and social support among members, emphasizing the values of friendship, love, and truth. The organization was open to men and women, advocating for the welfare of all mankind and the betterment of the world. The IOOF established orphanages, homes for the elderly, and other charitable institutions. Despite a decline in membership from its peak, the IOOF remains active today, continuing its philanthropic efforts and community service projects with lodges worldwide.

The Daughters of Rebekah, also known as the Rebekahs, is the female auxiliary of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), founded in 1851. This organization was established to allow women to contribute to the community service and philanthropic efforts associated with the IOOF, embracing the values of friendship, love, and truth. Membership was open to women related to Odd Fellows members, and later to any women who shared the organization’s ideals. The Rebekahs engaged in various charitable activities, including supporting homes for the elderly and orphanages. Despite a decrease in visibility, the Daughters of Rebekah continues to be active today, promoting community service and the principles of its foundation.

The Improved Order of Red Men traces its origins to the Sons of Liberty, adopting its current name in 1834. It styled itself after Native American imagery and terminology, aiming to celebrate American independence and the democratic ideals of freedom and liberty. Membership was open to men who embraced these principles, often engaging in patriotic and community service activities. Active in the 1920s, the organization contributed to social and charitable causes. Despite declining membership over the years, the Improved Order of Red Men continues to operate in a limited capacity today, maintaining its dedication to patriotism and fraternalism with chapters in various states.

The Patrons of Husbandry, also known as the Grange, was founded in 1867 by Oliver H. Kelley as a fraternal organization aimed at advancing the social and economic interests of farmers and their families in the United States. It sought to promote agricultural education, community service, and legislative advocacy to improve the livelihood of the rural population. Membership was open to anyone interested in agriculture, making it one of the first organizations to include women as full members. Active in the 1920s, the Grange played a key role in agricultural policy and rural development. The Grange remains active today, continuing its mission of supporting agriculture and rural communities, with local chapters across the country.

The Royal Arcanum, founded in 1877, is a fraternal benefit society that was established to provide financial security to its members and their families, particularly through life insurance at a time when such benefits were not widely accessible. Membership was open to men who sought mutual aid, moral support, and social fellowship. The organization placed a strong emphasis on the virtues of benevolence, charity, and protection for the welfare of its members. Active and influential in the 1920s, the Royal Arcanum adapted over time to changes in the insurance industry and societal needs. It remains active today, continuing to offer insurance products and fraternal benefits to its members, maintaining its commitment to the foundational principles of brotherhood and mutual aid.

The Order of Vasa of America was founded in 1896 as a Swedish-American fraternal organization. Its purpose was to assist Swedish immigrants to the United States in adapting to their new country, promoting Swedish culture, language, and traditions while fostering a sense of community among its members. The organization was named after King Gustav Vasa of Sweden, symbolizing unity and independence. Membership was primarily composed of Swedish immigrants and their descendants, who sought to preserve their heritage and support each other socially and financially. Active in the 1920s, the Order of Vasa remains operational today, continuing its mission of cultural preservation and community support, with lodges across the United States.

The Order of the Sons of St. George was established in 1876 in Philadelphia as an English-American fraternal organization. Its primary purpose was to aid English immigrants in the United States, offering them financial support during sickness and bereavement, as well as fostering a sense of community among Englishmen abroad. Membership was exclusive to those of English descent or birth, who sought mutual aid and social connection. Active in the 1920s, the organization also aimed to preserve English culture and traditions. Despite a decline in membership over the years, the Order of the Sons of St. George continues to exist today, maintaining its commitment to community support and cultural heritage, though on a smaller scale.

The United Commercial Travelers of America (UCT) was founded in 1888 in Columbus, Ohio, as a fraternal benefit society for traveling salesmen and their families. Its primary purpose was to provide its members with accident insurance, a significant benefit at a time when commercial travel presented many risks and traditional insurance companies often excluded salesmen. The organization also focused on mutual aid, community service, and social networking among members. Membership was open to those involved in the selling trade. Active throughout the 1920s, UCT adapted over time to include a broader membership base and expanded its insurance offerings. UCT remains active today, continuing its original mission of support and community service, with councils across North America.

The Independent Order of B’nai B’rith (Children of the Covenant) was founded in 1843 in New York City as the first Jewish fraternal organization in the world. Its purpose was to provide mutual aid, social support, and community for Jewish immigrants, as well as to advocate for human rights and combat anti-Semitism. Membership was open to Jewish men, expanding over time to include women. B’nai B’rith played a pivotal role in Jewish community life, establishing hospitals, orphanages, and advocating for global Jewry. Active through the 1920s and beyond, B’nai B’rith remains operational today, with a global presence focused on advocacy, community service, and supporting Jewish identity, making it one of the oldest continually operating Jewish service organizations in the world.

“Des Artisans Canadiens Français” (The French Canadian Artisans) appears to reference a community or fraternal organization related to French Canadian immigrants in the United States, particularly active in the 1920s. Such organizations were founded to support French Canadian immigrants, preserving their cultural heritage, language, and facilitating mutual aid in their new environment. They provided a social and economic support network, helping members with employment, adaptation, and maintaining French Canadian traditions abroad. While specific details about “Des Artisans Canadiens Français” are not widely documented, similar ethnic fraternal organizations often saw a decline as assimilation increased. Some, however, have evolved or merged with cultural societies to continue promoting their heritage and community support, but it’s unclear if this specific group remains active today without more detailed information.

The Loyal Orange Institution, more commonly known as the Orange Order, was founded in 1795 in Ireland. It is a Protestant fraternal organization named after William of Orange. The purpose of the group was to promote Protestantism and the British monarchy, often emphasizing the preservation of Protestant cultural and political dominance. Membership was predominantly Protestant, and the organization was known for its parades, which celebrated key historical victories and figures. While its roots and strongest presence are in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland, it also established lodges in the United States among Irish Protestant immigrants. Active in the 1920s, the Orange Order’s presence in the U.S. has significantly diminished since then. However, it remains active today in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and other countries, continuing its traditions and community activities, albeit with evolving perspectives on cultural and political issues.