Fraternal Forestry

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.