Detail Baltimore Album Quilt Top
with Odd Fellows Symbols
Though Odd Fellowship was brought to the United States from England in about 1806, the first hall was not built until 1831. This is the lodge which stood on Gay Street in Baltimore and the same lodge which is depicted on this quilt top.
The bulding is surrounded by an appliqued wreath. The wreath is closed at the top with the all-seeing eye which is drawn in ink on muslin. Around the building and outside of the wreath are a number of symbols having to do with Odd Fellowship. Below is a list of the symbols and their meanings.
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I.O.O.F. stands for the name International Order of Odd Fellows.
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All-seeing eye, a reminder of God's omnipresence.
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Three links represents the basic guides to Odd Fellowship of Friendship, Love and Truth. The three links also symbolize the chain that binds members together and illustrates that a fraternity is strongest when joined together.
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The axe, to remove obstacles in life's pathway also represents Wildey's pioneer spirit in bringing the Order to the United States from his native England.
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The dove to represent living peaceably.
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Scales for the execution of justice.
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A sheaf of arrows represents the weapons of a war against vice.
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The heart in hand represents charity and good works.
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Moon and stars for the never-failing order of the Universe.
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The beehive is a symbol specific to the Rebekahs, which represents the results of a united effort.
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A serpent wrapped around a rod is a reminder that members should never look to false gods.
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The world in darkness represents mans ignorance.