Odd Fellow Building – 1887
In downtown Natick, there is this brick building marked “Odd Fellow Building – 1887”. This building was purposely built as the home of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, one of the most influential fraternal organizations in 19th century America.
Completed in 1887, the building was designed from the outset to serve two functions. The upper floor housed the lodge room and ceremonial hall of Takawanbait Lodge, while the lower floors were devoted to storefronts and offices that could be rented to local businesses. This was a planned investment.
In the late 1800s, the Odd Fellows were a major mutual aid institution, composed of merchants, tradesmen and civic leaders. The Odd Fellows provided sick benefits, funeral expenses and assistance during times of unemployment or hardship. Members paid regular dues over many years, building financial reserves that made ambitious projects possible.
The Takawanbait Lodge was named in honor of Daniel Takawambait, a Native Christian leader associated with Natick’s early Praying Indian community.
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