Independent Order of Odd Fellows. I.O.O.F. Friendship, Love, Truth. F.L.T.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a benevolent and Social Society. It originated in England in the 1700's some say as an offshoot of free Masonry. It came to America in the early 1800's and on the 26th of April 1819, Washington Lodge No.1 was founded in Baltimore, Maryland. The most common symbol or emblem is the "chain with three links" indicating Friendship, Love, and Truth. The Odd Fellows are also known as "The Three Link Fraternity." Other symbols used by some Odd Fellows are the All Seeing Eye, an equilateral triangle, a scale, all common symbols in Free Masonry.