History of Lodge #70
April 1899 Cupertino Lodge #70 Formation
April 1899 Cupertino Lodge #70 Formation
At a meeting, in the office of Dr. E.H. Durgin, on March 21, 1899, in Westside, California, a group of the local citizens met to consider the proposition of organizing a lodge of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
To be granted a Charter requires the consent of Nine (9) lodges in the County, as well as compliance with the Grand Lodge By-Laws.
April 15, 1899, was set for the culmination of the proposition to form a lodge and to be conducted in the H.V.A. Hall, Westside, California. This hall also to be the regular meeting place on a rental basis at a fee to be established.
A lodge having been declared duly opened, the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Marshal presented the following petitioners for a new lodge:
J.D. Williams, J.C. Martin, W.T. Baer, Norman Dunbar,
E.H. Durgin, A. Neilson, D. Gartelman, Charles H. Smith, & J.R. Johns.
The numeral 70 was originally that of Mount Shasta Lodge, in Yreka, CA., having been instituted on August 20, 1857 and existed as a lodge until December 24, 1875. On that date Mount Shasta consolidated with Yreka Lodge #19, Thus leaving #70 open and ultimately available for designating it for Cupertino on April 15, 1899. (Source: Current #70 web site)
August 1899 First Regular Meeting Location
August 1899 First Regular Meeting Location
Early records of Cupertino Lodge #70 identified other lodges within the area, such as, Observatory Lodge #23, San Jose, Morning Light Lodge #42, Campbell, Santa Clara Lodge #52, Santa Clara and True Fellowship Lodge #238.
Although the area around Westside was primarily orchards and vineyards, the membership consisted of Clerks, Managers, a Doctor, Butcher and Blacksmith just to name a few of the varied professions and skills within the membership.
Late in April 1899 a movement began in search of a location for an Odd Fellows Home in the immediate area. The first area of concern was Los Gatos.
Actions during the meetings of the early months following institution were devoted to forming committees, purchasing a Bible for the Lodge, Adopting By-Laws, etc. In addition, a committee was formed to arrange for furnishing of the hall with the idea to have an Open House as soon as possible and to invite friends and neighbors.
A warrant was drawn at the June meeting for $100.00 to pay the H.V.A. Hall Association for 16 months rent in advance. Monthly rate of $6.25 per. At the meeting of August 21, 1899 it was moved and seconded that the Trustees draw up a lease for our Hall, with the H.V.A. Hall Association, for Five (5) years, at $75.00 per year. Also to include a provision regarding the H.V.A. Hall Association leaving the hall to the lodge.