In this study of American 19th-century secret orders, the author argues that religious practices and gender roles became increasingly feminized in Victorian America and that secret societies, such as the Freemasons, offered men and boys an alternative, male counterculture.

The aim is to create a 21st century reference book of the basic essentials of a Lodge and Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. This book hopes to acquaint the candidates and members with its origin and history, philosophy and purposes, degrees, teachings, symbols, regalia, jewels of office and organizational structure. But this does not aim to teach the rituals itself or any of its signs and passwords. This does not also aim to supplant the Code of General Laws but only to highlight some of the generally accepted rules within the IOOF. Evolving from the traditions of the English craft guilds and journeymen associations nearly 300 years ago, the name Odd Fellows refers to a number of fraternal orders , friendly societies and service organizations existing in more than 30 countries today. Our branch, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), was established by Thomas Wildey and four members from England on April 26, 1819 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The IOOF received its charter from its parent organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Manchester Unity. The IOOF is also known as the "Three Link Fraternity", referring to its "Triple Link Chain" symbol which represents its motto: "Friendship, Love and Truth."Irrefutably, membership education is an important prerequisite for a successful and growing non-profit organization. But a survey study conducted in 2012 and participated by exactly 2,120 members from all over North America, Latin America, Europe and Southeast Asia showed that Odd Fellowship lacked the needed modern literature to educate and mentor its members. The last manual and guide about the IOOF was published more than 100 years ago. With modern technology, access to historical documents has also become easier. A lot of new evidence is coming to light, which calls for a need to re-visit and re-write the origins and history of Odd Fellowship. This means that most of the manuals published many years ago have become outdated. This book is an attempt to fill that gap.