by African American, Fraternal Organizations
[African American] [Fraternal Organizations] Extensive manuscript archive of an African American women's fraternal organization in New Haven, Connecticut, St. Louis, Missouri, and various regions in New York. Archive of 10 programs from 1940-1976 relating to the African American fraternal order Improved Benevolent Order of Elks. Provenance: Mrs. Blanche Williams, a woman of African American descent, who seems to hold several titles throughout the years, from Deputy to Most Ancient Matron, of the Ferncliff Lodge #367 in White Plains, New York. She also seems to be a member of the affiliate group, the Purple Cross Nurses which seems to be a volunteer organization. Program measurements range between 8.5" x 11" to 6" x 9".
In the early days of fraternal organizations, members consisted mainly of white European men. The foundations of the first all Black Freemasons began in 1784 with the emergence of Prince Hall. However, the admittance of women was not permitted in most instances. It wasn't until the late 19th century that the emergence of more female inclusive or exclusive organizations were founded. By the 20th century, more organizations arose that were either co-ed, bi-racial, or exclusive to one's identity. The Benevolent Order of Elks is an American organization founded in 1868 and was originally inspired by Freemasonry. Controversially, they've had a history of not allowing minority groups to join. It wasn't until 1897 that the Improved Benevolent Order of Elks, also referred to as the "Black Elks", was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio by two Black men, B. F. Howard and Arthur J. Riggs. The latter was a Pullman porter who had been born into slavery. The men had met in another fraternal association and wanted to establish a chapter of Elks as they were refused admission for their race from B.O.E. Initially, the organization excluded women until the Daughters of the I.B.P.O.E. was established in 1902. The material in this archive records thirty year span of events related to both the I.B.P.O.E. and the D.O.I.B.P.O.E. including banquets, memorials, dances, and one larger program featuring the 46th Annual New York State Association Convention of 1971. The cover has a black and white portrait of Frederick Douglass in honor of the namesake of the Frederick Douglass Council No. 3. The contents include multiple black and white photographs of both male and female members inside as well as advertisements for Black friendly and Black owned businesses including dining, drugstores, dancing clubs, and lounges where other members meet around New York. Most of the programs which pre-date the end of segregation follow a similar format and also include special guests, honorary members, the dining menu, and the schedule for the evening. Some portions mention the Purple Cross Nurses.
These fraternal organizations historically and presently seek to shape moral and honorable men and women, as well as offer community to patrons who seek to uplift their local community. The present mission statement of I.B.P.O.E.W "To practice charity by providing and performing charitable services in our communities throughout the world and by promoting harmony, friendship, and unity among our esteemed members". With the ritualistic structure, fanciful regalia, and secret rituals and ceremonies, fraternal organizations gave Black Americans upright positions and respect within their communities. As the Great Depression and WWII raged on, Black Americans, already encountered by economic disparity and segregation, were amongst the most affected. Such organizations offered a place of solace and belonging. Two programs are disbound, others have minor wear and creasing but archive is overall strong, clean, and sound. Overall in very good condition. Material from this organization predating the 21st century is scarcely found on the market making this an increasingly important archive of racial and gender inclusion. (Inventory #: 21059)
In the early days of fraternal organizations, members consisted mainly of white European men. The foundations of the first all Black Freemasons began in 1784 with the emergence of Prince Hall. However, the admittance of women was not permitted in most instances. It wasn't until the late 19th century that the emergence of more female inclusive or exclusive organizations were founded. By the 20th century, more organizations arose that were either co-ed, bi-racial, or exclusive to one's identity. The Benevolent Order of Elks is an American organization founded in 1868 and was originally inspired by Freemasonry. Controversially, they've had a history of not allowing minority groups to join. It wasn't until 1897 that the Improved Benevolent Order of Elks, also referred to as the "Black Elks", was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio by two Black men, B. F. Howard and Arthur J. Riggs. The latter was a Pullman porter who had been born into slavery. The men had met in another fraternal association and wanted to establish a chapter of Elks as they were refused admission for their race from B.O.E. Initially, the organization excluded women until the Daughters of the I.B.P.O.E. was established in 1902. The material in this archive records thirty year span of events related to both the I.B.P.O.E. and the D.O.I.B.P.O.E. including banquets, memorials, dances, and one larger program featuring the 46th Annual New York State Association Convention of 1971. The cover has a black and white portrait of Frederick Douglass in honor of the namesake of the Frederick Douglass Council No. 3. The contents include multiple black and white photographs of both male and female members inside as well as advertisements for Black friendly and Black owned businesses including dining, drugstores, dancing clubs, and lounges where other members meet around New York. Most of the programs which pre-date the end of segregation follow a similar format and also include special guests, honorary members, the dining menu, and the schedule for the evening. Some portions mention the Purple Cross Nurses.
These fraternal organizations historically and presently seek to shape moral and honorable men and women, as well as offer community to patrons who seek to uplift their local community. The present mission statement of I.B.P.O.E.W "To practice charity by providing and performing charitable services in our communities throughout the world and by promoting harmony, friendship, and unity among our esteemed members". With the ritualistic structure, fanciful regalia, and secret rituals and ceremonies, fraternal organizations gave Black Americans upright positions and respect within their communities. As the Great Depression and WWII raged on, Black Americans, already encountered by economic disparity and segregation, were amongst the most affected. Such organizations offered a place of solace and belonging. Two programs are disbound, others have minor wear and creasing but archive is overall strong, clean, and sound. Overall in very good condition. Material from this organization predating the 21st century is scarcely found on the market making this an increasingly important archive of racial and gender inclusion. (Inventory #: 21059)
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