What was the largest fraternal organization during the so-called “Golden Age of Fraternalism” (1870-1910)? You may be surprised to know it was not Freemasonry...

During the course of lunch with a friend he mentioned Oddfellows. I explained that being from a town of only a few thousand I was surprised to find that it had both a mosonic lodge as well as an Oddfellows home, and told him I suspected they were related. Not being one to enjoy ignorance in things in which I am involved, I came home to read up on the subject and share with you an interesting comparison.