Constitution, By-Laws, Order of Business, And, Rules of Order of Union Encampment, No. 5: ; Under the Jurisdiction of The Grand Encampment of Manitoba, I.O.O.F. [International Order of Oddfellows]; Accompanied with a Series of Eight Letters of Correspondence Related to the Affairs of the Manitoba Chapter of the I.O.O.F, et al.

Winnipeg, Manitoba: The Stovel Company, Press, 1891. First Edition, First Printing. Wrappers. pp. 18, 8, [1]. 12mo., measuring 5.5" x 4". Pebbled maroon stiff cloth covers, gilt lettering to the front cover. Comprises of a detailed list of articles governing the operations of the Lodge with sections devoted to: "Rules for Membership", "Contributions, and Benefits", "Penalties and Trials", "Elections and Duties of Officers", "Elections", "Sessions", "[Length of] Terms", "Meetings", "Dues", and much else. The collection further comprises of the following: a) Two blank membership forms particular to the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the Province of Manitoba, and bearing their insignia on the letterhead; each measuring 8.25" x 5.75". // b) Single card (printed on stiff card-stock), bearing an image in black-and-white, bearing caption: "The Proposed Manitoba Odd Fellows Home", measuring 5.25" x 3.5". // c) Single remittance receipt in acknowledge of payment from a "H. Dool" to the Union Encampment, No. 5, I.O.O.F. Signed in period ink, and recording a payment in the amount of $4.00, measuring 7.25" x 4". // d) Quarterly Statement, dated February 10th, 1892 on formal Union Encampment No. 5 stationary addressed to "Hugh Dool" of Merrickville, Ontario, evidently belonging to the Minnedosa, MB chapter of the Manitoba branch of the I.O.O.F. indicating arrears for dues in the amount of $1.00, signed Alex Potter in period ink, measuring 8.5" x 5.5". // e) Three type-written letters (each measuring 10" x 8") from A.W. Shaw [A.W. Shaw was the proprietor of Minnedosa, Manitoba based automobile dealer, and garage, A.W. Shaw. He also served as the 29th Grand Master of the Manitoba chapter of the I.O.O.F. ] on personal business stationary dated March 23rd, 1921, April 5th, 1922, September 28th, 1924 respectively, with two of the letters bearing his signature in period ink. The letters often addressed affectionately to an evidently older Hugh Dool discuss in candid tones the author's concern for the recipients' health, and well-being. Additionally, they discuss plans for the establishment of a new proposed home for the Order including fundraising efforts, the poor state of weather affecting the crop yields, details of a new electric plant being established in Minnedosa at the time. // f) Three hand-written letters (measuring 10" x 8") on formal water-marked, Minnedosa Lodge, No. 10 stationary bearing their crest at head, two being blind-stamped with their Lodge marks. Two of the letters are addressed to Hugh Dool, and one to M.G. Corbett (Secretary of the Balmoral Lodge, I.O.O.F, No. 28), one a letter of appreciation acknowledging the gift of a family Bible by Hugh Dool to the Minnedosa Lodge, the remaining letters discuss financial matters, and dues as they related to the recepient (Hugh Dool). The letters are dated: March 24th, 1908, January 28th, 1926, January 14th, 1927. // g) Two letters (one type-written, the other hand-written in lovely period ink), each measuring 8" x 10", and addressed to Hugh Dool by M.G. Corbett on formal Balmoral Lodge, Number 280 stationary indicating a grant of $25.00 to the recipient on behalf of the Minnedosa Lodge, dated April 18th, 1928, and May 31, 1929 respectively. // h) Single hand-written receipt for services rendered for "taking down storeroom windows" at the Oddfellows Hall by a Charles Knox for the period of January 12th to June 28th [does not indicate a year]. A scarce, and important archival collection offering detailed insight into one of the earliest Masonic lodges to have been established in the Province of Manitoba. On note of condition: Light edgewear to the cloth extremities of the headline title, excepting some light creases where the letters have been folded, all articles remain entirely without blemish. Very good+ to near fine.

The International Order of Oddfellows was instituted in North America in 1819, with the Manitoba Branch being established shortly following the founding of the Province (1870) in 1873. "As settlers arrived in Manitoba, they established organizations designed to assist members and their families in times of personal and material need. These fellowship groups were generally associated with religious, cultural and social values." [Source: The Manitoba Historical Society. Retrieved on: July 13, 2021].