Fraternal Forestry
Fraternal Forestry is a term for a movement of
fraternal organizations (or
friendly societies) marked by a confusing history of merger, separation and charitable activity throughout
Canada, the
United States and the
United Kingdom.
The origins of the movement are unclear, and the Foresters' claim to be descended from so-called Friendly Societies of Thirteenth Century England is almost certainly an exaggeration. But by
1790 the
Court of the Ancient Order of Foresters was in existence in
England. North American Forestry declared themselves independent from the British organization in
1874, forming the
Independent Order of Foresters (IOF). As a self-help organization, Forestry has a long tradition of selling insurance and financial instruments to its members.
Many of the mergers with other organizations might been seen as business acquisitions. In
1926 the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Canadian Order of Home Circles were subsumed into Forestry. In
1931 both the Royal Templars of Temperance and the Modern Brotherhood of America became part of the movement.
1971 saw the Order of Scottish Clans merged with the IOF.
After a very rocky start in
1882, many of the founding members of the
Knights of Columbus considered surrendering their infant charter and aligning with Connecticut's Ancient Order of Foresters. However, their petition was declined by the Foresters, partially because the city of
New Haven already had four Forestry courts and also because the Chief Ranger did not like the idea of an all
Catholic court.
In the United States, a notable artifact of Fraternal Forestry can be found in the headstones shaped like a tree stump once favored by members of the order.
*
History of Fraternal Forestry in Marin County, California*
Official Foresters Web Site (United States)*
Foresters Friendly Society (United Kingdom) *
Ancient Order of United Workmen History
