One of the founding fathers of Norman, Oklahoma was Delbert “D.L.” Larsh of Purcell, Oklahoma. He moved to Norman, Oklahoma on April 22, 1889, and joined Norman I.O.O.F. Lodge on November 21, 1889 (Age 26). In addition to his invaluable assistance in creating the University of Oklahoma by deeding property toward its establishment, he also…

This February, we wish to honor William H. Abbott, Undersheriff who was shot in the line of duty on Valentine’s Day (February 14th) 1912 when he was in the process of serving a warrant at a rural residence. He died three days later as a result of his wounds. He was awarded the Medal of…

On November 21, 1889, the first minutes of our Lodge record that six members paid their dues ($5) eight men paid degree fees ($5 for the initiatory degree, and $6 for the three degrees) and $50 was transferred from a bank account. The $161 received is worth $5,672.14 in today’s (2026) money. To give you…

Our Lodge has been very busy trying to reinstate all of the original nuances of Odd Fellowship that we were known for more than 100 years ago. If you’ve been reading our posts, you know that Norman appears to be the original city that hosted the meeting to organize Odd Fellowship in the Indian Territory,…

By-Laws of Norman Lodge No. 10 – Norman Oklahoma Territory1889 Article I – Meetings Section 1.The regular meetings of this Lodge shall be held Thursday evening of each and every week. The hour of meeting shall be, from the first day of September to the first day of November, and  from the first day of…

On April 26, 1921, Odd Fellows gathered in Norman to celebrate the 102nd anniversary of Odd Fellowship and participate in the fourth annual session of the Cleveland County I.O.O.F. association. At 1pm, the county association held its quarterly meeting and elected officers. Immediately following Norman Lodge No. 7 conferred the initiatory degree, “putting the work…

In 1925 the official statewide convention of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs was held in Norman, Oklahoma. Other posts on this web site detail the many fine festivities that were held during this session. At the conclusion, there were many praises heaped on our lodge and the Norman community. The Norman Transcript said “Delegates declared…

IOOF Signage Norman Lodge No. 7 had a metal sign (shown in photo, at right) on the building exterior at approximately the same height as our Lodge room. Today, a quick stroll down the 100-block of East Main still shows many “signs” of the Odd Fellows that met on the second floor on the south…

Guy Spottswood Mayor Guy Robert Arthur Spottswood (Born: July 3, 1895, Died: January 25, 1973) is laid to rest in our cemetery (section 8, lot 21, space 7). Photo credit: Norman Transcript, Feb 6, 1927 On Monday, May 18, 1925, in the presence of 155 Odd Fellows, the Mayor of the City of Norman, Guy…

100 Block-South The plaque mentioning Odd Fellowship, shown here, is actually located at 131 E Main Street (North side of the street) directly in front of the First Fidelity Bank – Downtown Norman. The worst structural fire to hit Norman occurred on July 7, 1902. It wiped out wooden buildings on the south side of…