“Odd fellows?” The name itself sparks curiosity about the Former site of Independent Order of Odd Fellows building. This place has a rich history tied to a fraternal order with unusual roots. Let’s delve into the story of this Detroit landmark.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows also known as IOOF began in England in the 1700s. By 1819, it had crossed the Atlantic establishing its first American chapter in Baltimore. The Detroit chapter emerged in 1843 marking the beginning of the Odd Fellows’ presence here.
In April 1894, the Riverside Lodge No. 303 commissioned W. W. Wilkinson to erect a two-story brick hall. This hall stood at what was then 420-422 Dix Avenue now the intersection of Clarkdale. August 3, 1894 saw the dedication of Riverside Lodge No. 303. Lansing’s Grand Master George L. Davis led the ceremonies. A large crowd of Odd Fellows and friends attended.
Initially, most Odd Fellows Lodges were exclusively for men until 2001. However, women could join the Rebekahs starting in 1850. The Degree Lodges of the Daughters of Rebekah later renamed the Degree of Rebekah became an integral part of the Odd Fellows culture. Detroit’s lodge, Esther Rebekah Degree Lodge No. 225, was formed in 1895.
Beyond its fraternal functions, the Odd Fellows Hall served the local community. Student events, community meetings and union gatherings took place here. By 1898, locomotive firemen and the Ladies’ Society Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen frequently used the hall for meetings and events.
Addresses changed a lot in this area. Before 1921, any structure on Vernor Highway might have a different address today. In 1925, Dix Avenue was renamed Vernor Highway honoring James Vernor. He was a Detroit City Councilman and ginger ale connoisseur. The building’s address evolved from 420 Dix to 4300 Dix and eventually 4300 West Vernor.
New groups began using the Former site of Independent Order of Odd Fellows building in the late 1930s. The Southwestern Political Club hosted events. Mayor Edward Jeffries also attended these events. St. Paul’s Council of the Knights of Columbus also had clubrooms here. Catholic Knights from across the Midwest visited for rituals and events.
By the 1950s, the Former site of Independent Order of Odd Fellows building faded from newspaper mentions. Green’s Cut Rate, a pen store occupied space on the main floor around 1953. The building’s later history saw a significant transformation.
In 1996, the Mexicantown Bakery opened. Lena and Omar Hernandez renovated the building investing $250,000. The bakery became a neighborhood mainstay. In 1999, Lena and Omar received recognition for their commitment to Southwest Detroit. Their daughter, Jessica Hernandez a musician also has ties to the building. Today, the Hernandez family owns both the Mexicantown Bakery and the Former site of Independent Order of Odd Fellows building. The bakery occupies the lower floor.
The Southwest Detroit Business Association believed the renovated Odd Fellows Hall would revitalize the neighborhood. It would be a magnet for economic development. Renovations included historic preservation tax credits and city grants.
The Former site of Independent Order of Odd Fellows building a red brick structure featured green tilework. It housed stores, office space for nonprofits and a ballroom. The building stands as a testament to community and transformation. Its story reflects Detroit’s ever-evolving landscape.