Subject: Fraternal organizations

This book contains the Act of Incorporation for the Hebrew Benevolent Society of Montgomery, Alabama, as passed by the Alabama General Assembly in 1851. The act, which is found on pages 291-295, includes the society's full constitution. This is a first edition of *Acts of the Third Biennial Session of the General Assembly of Alabama*, printed by Brittan and De Wolf, State Printers, in Montgomery in 1852. The volume also includes various other acts of incorporation for organizations, railroads, towns, and other entities in Alabama.

Collection of materials related to fundraising efforts by the Arion Lodge and Arion Temple, circa 1930. The materials mention a "Buck for Luck" campaign, a Passover Relief Fund, and the distribution of food baskets. Further details about the nature of the materials are limited.

Printed menu commemorating the 40th anniversary of Mordecai Lodge No. 57, I.O.B.B. (Independent Order of B'nai B'rith), held at the Murray Hill Lyceum in New York, New York on January 1, 1904. The menu is printed on aluminum.

Broadside announcing the annual report of the Hebrew Benevolent Society of New York, dated October 27, 1862. The report details expenditures of $10,000 for transient applications and pensioners, and $4,000 to support 34 orphans. It appeals for further funds for a new orphan asylum and general needs. Signed by J. D. Edrehi, 165 West 21st Street, New York, New York. Includes a list of trustees and donation committee members.

This book contains the by-laws of Ahaveth Sholem Lodge No. 160, I.O.B.B. (Independent Order B'nai B'rith) in Corry, Pennsylvania, and the constitution of District Grand Lodge No. 3, I.O.B.B. Founded in 1871 by Meyer and Jacob Berliner, prominent Corry citizens involved in the fur trade, the lodge's regulations and the broader organizational structure of the Independent Order B'nai B'rith are detailed within. Published by Jones & Potsdamer in Philadelphia in 1873, this 68-page book offers insight into the structure and operations of a 19th-century Jewish fraternal organization.

A hand-done calligraphic memorial broadside created by the Harvard Lodge No. 9, United Sons of Israel, on July 23, 1918. The broadside features the American and Israeli flags, an eagle, and a photograph of uniformed members. It describes a battle and is signed by lodge officers. The broadside includes a seal of Harvard. It was displayed at the Library of Congress Exhibit in Cincinnati (AJA) in 2005.

A complimentary ticket issued by Lewis Gotthold to Rev. Isaac Leeser for a benefit performance to raise funds for an Asylum for the Aged and Infirmed. The ticket is inscribed to Rev. Isaac Leeser on the front and signed by Lewis Gotthold on the back. Date: November 17, 1864.

This pamphlet contains the constitution and by-laws of the Hebrew Benevolent Society of Memphis, Tennessee, instituted September 1st, 1850. This copy belonged to Reverend Isaac Leeser and represents the earliest organized Jewish association in Tennessee. The document details the society's structure, rules, and objectives, offering insight into the early development of Jewish communal life in Memphis.

This 26-page pamphlet contains the 1833 Constitution and By-Laws of the Hebrew Society for the Visitation of the Sick and Mutual Assistance, established in Philadelphia in 1814. The Society, the first formal Jewish mutual aid society in Philadelphia, provided burial funds and other forms of mutual assistance to its members. This edition lists the officers and 33 members of the society. According to Singerman #1065, only two other complete copies are known to exist.

This 14-page pamphlet contains the constitution and by-laws of the Society for the Visitation of the Sick and Mutual Assistance, the first Jewish mutual aid society in Philadelphia. Established in 1814, this 1824 edition represents the earliest recorded constitution and by-laws of this important organization. The pamphlet is primarily in English, with a title page printed in Hebrew. It provides insights into the structure, governance, and activities of this pioneering Jewish charitable institution in early 19th-century Philadelphia.

This 16-page pamphlet details the constitution and by-laws of the United Hebrew Benevolent Association of Helena, Montana, circa 1885. It lists 39 male and 23 female members, all wives of the male members. The association, formally reconstituted in 1885, aimed to promote Jewish principles of charity and benevolence by assisting the sick and needy, covering funeral expenses, and organizing religious services, particularly following deaths. The original Hebrew Benevolent Association of Helena was founded in December 1866.

This pamphlet contains the constitution and rules of the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society of Philadelphia, first printed in 1836. It includes a report on the society's activities, finances, and membership list. The society, founded in 1819, was a pioneering Jewish charitable organization in the United States, providing a model for similar societies in other communities. This particular printing was done by Lydia Bailey.

Twenty-two page pamphlet containing the 1838 constitution of the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society of Philadelphia. This is the third published constitution; the first was published in 1825, and the second in 1836. According to Singerman 658, three other copies of the 1838 publication exist. The Female Hebrew Benevolent Society, founded in 1819 by women of Congregation Mikveh Israel and guided by Rebecca Gratz, is the oldest continuously operating Jewish charity in the United States and the first independent organization established by Jews to serve Jews in Philadelphia.

Customs House receipt issued to Tobias, T. I. in New York, New York on February 7, 1835, for $65. Tobias was a member of Hebra Hased Vaamt, a mutual aid society, and active in other Jewish societies.

This manuscript account book documents the history of Shiloh Lodge No. 17 of the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith (U.O.B.B.) in Albany, New York, from 1853 to 1876. Written entirely in German, the book details the lodge's organization, membership, finances, charitable activities, and includes obituaries, notably a lengthy tribute to Abraham Lincoln in 1865. This manuscript offers a rare glimpse into the early development of the B'nai B'rith movement in the United States.

Envelope addressed to Mrs. N.J. Brossemer, Secretary Diamond Rel. Lodge No. 8, Eureka, Nevada. Postmarked Virginia City, Nevada, May 2, 1898. The envelope features advertising.

Envelope addressed to W. J. Hooper, Secretary of Lodge 22, Eureka, Nevada, postmarked Virginia City, Nevada on November 27, 1895. The envelope features advertising for L. Guggenheim.

An invitation to a ball held on January 28, 1846, at the Chinese Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to benefit the German Hebrew Female Benevolent Society. The invitation is printed on punched paper.

Broadside invitation to a meeting of the United Hebrew Benevolent Society held at S. Bernheim's house on Walnut Street in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 1, 1854. The invitation lists I.M. Wise as President and A. Abraham as Treasurer. Published in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Two-page letter from C. B. Fibleman of Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated October 23, 1866. The letter is an invitation from the Chattanooga Hebrew Benevolent Association to Leeser, listing all the association's officers and emphasizing the hospitality of the Chattanooga Jewish community.

Letter from Fanny Greenwald to H. N. Gebow, dated July 25, 1901, from Denver, Colorado. The letter includes a printed form informing Gebow of a log rolling initiation, a ticket to a grand ball, and a bill for dues/assessment for three death benefits. The letter also mentions that Isadore Greenwald died of typhoid fever and that Fanny is his widow. The letter was sent in an envelope from "Woodmen of the World #158."

Letter written by M. K. Cohen, Secretary of District Grand Lodge No. 3, I.O.B.B. (Independent Order B'nai B'rith), on organizational letterhead, to the president, officers, and members of the District Grand Lodge No. 3, I.O.B.B. The letter pertains to organizational memberships. Dated August 31, 1890, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

One-page letter from Z. A. Davis to Isaac Leeser, dated October 11, 1850, informing Leeser of his election as an honorary member of the Hebrew Beneficent Society in Philadelphia. Leeser had recently resigned from the board. The Hebrew Beneficent Society was established in 1822 by members of Congregation Rodeph Shalom.

Membership certificate issued to Jacob Goldberg by Roscoe Conkling Lodge No. 364 of the Independent Order Brith Abraham on November 1, 1904. The certificate is printed in black and green and indicates that the lodge was founded in New York City on February 13, 1887, as a mutual aid society.

Newspaper clipping from the *National Intelligencer*, published in Washington, D.C., on November 24, 1849. The clipping features a report and letter from Daniel Webster to the Hebrew Benevolent Society and the German Hebrew Benevolent Society on the occasion of their joint anniversary celebration.

This newspaper clipping from the November 16, 1855, edition of the New-York Tribune reports on the 34th anniversary of the Hebrew Benevolent Society. The article includes excerpts from speeches and mentions numerous names. Published in New York, New York.

Pamphlet documenting a petition to change the name of the Young Men's Hebrew Benevolent Association to the Hebrew Benevolent Fuel Association. The petition was founded on March 2, 1850, and the meeting took place at the Broadway Synagogue on January 24, 1869. The pamphlet's geographic context is New York State Senate District 34.

Handwritten petition to join the J.E. Rosenwald Lodge No. 545 of the International Order of B'nai B'rith, located in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The petition includes details about initiation fees ($6) and annual dues ($7.20), and a pledge to support the cause of Judaism. Dated circa 1895.

A receipt issued on March 1, 1888, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by the Rittenhouse Council No. 927. The recipient is I. Feinberg. The document shows a transaction involving Adam Warnock and H. Polano.

Handwritten receipt from S. Steinheiser & Bro. to Charity Lodge No. 6, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.), for goods or services. The receipt is dated August 21, 1852, in Stockton, California, United States. Charles Walles' name appears on the receipt.

Tin charity box painted black and gilded with "Roxbury Mutual Society" in English and Hebrew. The box is from the Roxbury section of Boston, Massachusetts, and is similar in form to European charity boxes. The Roxbury Mutual Society was founded in 1892.

Silver presentation bowl inscribed "PRESENTED BY THE LADIES HEBREW BENEVOLENT SOCIETY TO THEIR PRESIDENT MRS. JOHANNA DAVIS JULY 24TH 1880." The inscription also refers to a charter from 1864 (item 17.115) and a marriage certificate from 1853 with the name Chas. Davis (item 18.58).

Newspaper article from the October 19, 1844 edition of *The Anglo-American*, published in New York, New York, detailing the 23rd anniversary dinner of the Hebrew Benevolent Society. The article names M.M. Noah (President) and A.H. Lissac (Vice President), along with the managers: Lionel A. Myers, Mark Levy, Louis Genslers, Solomon I. Hart, and Solomon Joseph.

Ticket to the Annual Ball in aid of the funds of the Hebrew Benevolent Society. Undated illustrated card, measuring 3 1/4 x 4 1/2 inches, printed on coated stock. Shows minor wear and mount remnants on the verso. The illustration depicts Moses showing the Ten Commandments to a boy in modern dress. While undated and without a specified location, the style and wording are consistent with annual balls held by the New York Hebrew Benevolent Society from 1840 to at least 1848.

This black trade card advertises I. Bedichimer, a jeweler located at 616 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The front of the card is decorated with various society emblems and designs, including a stylized Masonic compass and square and a crescent moon, suggesting that Bedichimer specialized in jewelry for fraternal organizations or those who wished to display their affiliation with these groups. The card has a simple design and layout. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises S. Weil's clothing store in Reading, Pennsylvania. The card features a young boy wearing a blue jacket with a yellow and orange scarf. The text on the card indicates that S. Weil sells clothing, hats, caps, and gentlemen's furnishings. The address is 521 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. [Mr. Weil was unmarried and a member of Temple Oheb Sholem. He was a charter member of Reading Aerie, No. 66, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, one of the founders of the Eagles' Mountain Home, and a member of several other social and charitable organizations. He was an independent voter.]