Friendship LOVE and TRUTH

Catalogue Number: 093
Size: 8 5/8 x 21”
Location in House: South east bedroom south wall

Designed with the motifs and one of key sayings of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF,) this motto may have been stitched as a gift to member of the group. Only after 1861, did women enjoy status within the Oddfellows when they were granted an auxiliary society called the, “International Association of Rebekah Assemblies," though women’s contributions were acknowledged beginning in 1851, through honorary awards titled, "Rebekah Degrees."

The Oddfellows and Rebekahs guiding principles including, “love, friendship and truth,” and the motif of three linked rings are both present in this motto. Here the two, cuffed hands are certainly male and may depict one of the secret handshakes prized by Oddfellows.