Miss Chapman: 

This is the Odd Fellows Fraternal Hall. Here is Mr. Samuel Goodfellow Dolson, we should speak to him.  

[Enter Samuel] 

Miss Chapman: 

Good day Mr. Dolson. My name is Miss Chapman and my friend and I are touring St. Catharines, would you be willing to tell us a bit about the Odd Fellows? 

Samuel Goodfellow Dolson: 

Hello Miss Chapman. I don’t think you’ll find the internal workings of our order very interesting, but I’d be happy to speak to the philanthropic, community activities we’ve recently supported. 

Miss Chapman: 

Certainly Mr. Dolson. We would be happy to listen. 

Samuel Goodfellow Dolson: 

The International Order of Odd Fellows is a popular organization as we host many prominent members from St. Catharines society, including members of parliament from the region. Many of our members consider this more of a private social club where they can retreat from their daily hectic lifestyle, though as you know the Odd Fellows also sponsor public events, including series of concerts that are often held at the Opera House. 

Miss Chapman: 

How did the Odd Fellows grow in popularity in St. Catharines? 

Samuel Goodfellow Dolson: 

Well, you’d have to ask individual members why they find the order so appealing. What I can tell you is that we’ve been in the Niagara since the early part of this century, and resident in our current building since 1863. I suppose many members like our society because of its religious and mystical elements:  the Odd Fellows believe that there is one true supreme being that controls everything.  We believe God is the supreme father and creator of all.  If you hold to these tenets, you can be accepted into our society. 

Miss Chapman: 

That’s quite complex! 

Samuel Goodfellow Dolson: 

Really?  I always thought there was a beautiful simplicity to our core ideas.  We are always happy to share them, and we are also open to the public about our general proceedings, laws, and constitution.  

Miss Chapman: 

Well, all told, it seems to me the Odd Fellows have made a positive contribution to the life of our city. 

Samuel Goodfellow Dolson: 

Well thank you. We certainly try to.  And we’ve recently taken steps to enable the wives, sisters and daughters of our members to participate in the society through the establishment of a new branch known as the Degree of Rebekah. Unfortunately, that’s all I can tell you right now about our order.  I hope you’ll take the time to learn more about our organization Miss Chapman. 

Miss Chapman: 

Of course, Mr. Dolson.  Thank you for providing some insight on the workings of your organization.  I’ve always been curious about the activities that take place in your grand structure! 

Samuel Goodfellow Dolson:  

It was my pleasure Miss Chapman.  I’ll see you around town! 

Miss Chapman: 

Good Day Mr. Dolson! 

Narrator: 

The Odd Fellows Hall on St. Paul and Ontario Streets continued to operate until 1915 when the building was demolished to create a throughway for Saint Paul West to the Burgoyne bridge. The Odd Fellows then transferred to James Street in 1924 where the organization continues to this day. 

Miss Chapman:  

It looks like we have one more important stop, the McLaren Department Store. Robert McLaren should be in the store right now.  

Narrator: 

Press the “Next” button to take us to the McLaren Department Store.