{"product_id":"1877-i-o-o-f-fraternal-correspondence-funeral-arrangements-south-berwick-me","title":"1877 I.O.O.F. Fraternal Correspondence - Funeral Arrangements South Berwick ME","description":"Item Description:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOffered here is an original two-piece set of fraternal correspondence dated August 1877 between Olive Branch Lodge, No. 28, of South Berwick, Maine, and New Hampshire Lodge, No. 17. These documents provide a fascinating glimpse into the administrative and social obligations of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first letter (dated August 26, 1877) notifies the lodge of the funeral arrangements for Brother G. W. Goodrich, noting that a delegation would be present to represent the lodge. The follow-up letter (dated August 29, 1877) acts as a primary source for 19th-century fraternal insurance and accounting practices, explicitly detailing the breakdown of \"sick benefits\" and \"funeral benefits\" paid to the widow, alongside a request to settle outstanding dues.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKey Features:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Provenance: Direct correspondence between Maine and New Hampshire I.O.O.F. lodges from the 1870s.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFraternal Context: Excellent documentation of 19th-century funeral protocols and the financial administration of benefits.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrimary Source: Contains rare mentions of specific lodge member dealings and clear references to \"F.L.\u0026amp;T.\" (Friendship, Love, and Truth).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Both documents retain excellent legibility with historical ink character and typical period folding creases.","brand":"The Vintage Paper Vault","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58739964018848,"sku":null,"price":129.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1056\/6284\/0992\/files\/ccaddc06-0668-4e80-94ec-e398875287e5.jpg?v=1787101141","url":"https:\/\/vintagepapervault.com\/products\/1877-i-o-o-f-fraternal-correspondence-funeral-arrangements-south-berwick-me","provider":"Vintage Paper Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}