The Independent Order of the Odd Fellows building has stood as a silent observer of 147 years of Richmond’s history from its location on the southwest corner of Eighth and Main streets.
When the building’s cornerstone was laid during an elaborate ceremony in July 1868, it stood at the east edge of downtown. Today, most would peg it as the center of the city.
The four-story brick building began its life a few doors down from a livery stable and stands today just across the alley today from the modern equivalent: the city parking garage. The traffic passing by it daily has changed from horse and buggy to motorcars and from interurban railways to semi tractor-trailers and parades.
Established in 1847 in Richmond, the Odd Fellows subsequently organized four lodges for men and two for women, along with several other specialty groups. The fraternal order, which has its roots in Britain, focused on philanthropy and social service then, as the international organization still does today.
The popular local organization began planning for its future in the late 1850s by purchasing the corner plot. But it took nearly 10 years to bring the project to completion.
Over time, a second addition, or building, was added to the west and a third was added to the south. The first and second floors housed professional offices and businesses. By 1940, some of the first and second floor tenants included Hook’s Drugs, Nicholson’s, Jenkins Insurance and Loehr-Klute.
The third floor was reserved for the lodge activities. To gain entry to that floor, lodge members had to ring a doorbell or be acknowledged through a golf ball-sized peep hole.