New Richland Odd Fellows Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Richland Odd Fellows Hall |
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Strangers Refuge Lodge Number 74, IOOF
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The building on a rainy day in 2016
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 119 South Broadway Avenue, New Richland, Minnesota |
| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1902 |
| Architect | Henry A. Paine |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000601 |
| Designated | July 12, 2006 |
The New Richland Odd Fellows Hall is a very old and important building in New Richland, Minnesota. It was built way back in 1902. This building used to be a special meeting place for a group called the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF).
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. This means it's a really important historical site! It was recognized because it was home to a big local club and hosted many different events. Today, this historic building is home to the New Richland Public Library.
Contents
A Look Back: The Odd Fellows Hall History
Starting the Lodge
The New Richland Odd Fellows group began in 1880. They called themselves Strangers Refuge Lodge Number 74. This was even before any other clubs or churches started in the town.
At first, they met in an older wooden building built in 1878. But soon, they decided they needed their own special place. So, they built the hall you see today around 1902.
Helping Each Other Out
Before the 1930s, groups like the Odd Fellows were super important. They were often the main way people got help with things like insurance or money if they got sick. Many lodges, including Lodge Number 74, gave money and support to members who were ill. They also helped families if a member passed away.
These groups were also a huge part of social life in small towns. They brought people together! By 1925, Lodge Number 74 had grown a lot. It started with just 18 men and grew to 75 members.
A Busy Community Hub
The Odd Fellows earned money for their programs from membership fees. But they also rented out their hall! The New Richland Odd Fellows Hall was built to be a place for all sorts of events. People often called it the New Richland Opera House.
Many fun things happened there, like:
- Big dances and balls
- Plays and music shows
- High school graduation ceremonies
- Meetings for church groups and other clubs
Changes Over Time
The hall stopped being the main event spot around 1918. Part of the building was rented out as a shop. Then, in 1924, the whole first floor became a general store. A Lebanese immigrant named Attalla Abraham ran this store.
Even with the store downstairs, groups still used the second floor for their meetings. Strangers Refuge Lodge Number 74 kept meeting there until 1979. The Abraham family continued to run the store until 1986.
After that, the city took over the building. Around 2006, it was fixed up and became the New Richland Public Library. It's cool how an old building can get a new life!
