THE ODD FELLOWS HALL
In the middle of the 500 block of Main St. stands a grand old building which has born witness to our changing pioneer town for more than a century. The Edmonds Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall at 542 Main St. was built and formally dedicated as an I.O.O.F. lodge in 1891. The building is a vital thread in the fabric of our community, having served as the venue for a myriad of organizations and countless functions over the years. Many churches and other organizations used it for their services and other functions while waiting to acquire their own premises. These included The Edmonds Masons, The American Legion, and the Edmonds Church of God. Political rallies for all parties were held there as well as stage productions, dances and school classes. Between 1909 and 1913 the Hall served as Edmonds’ first motion picture theater, where silent movies were accompanied by Orma Orton on the electric piano.
In 1926 the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce held a gala celebration commemorating the newly established ferry runs to Kingston, Port Gamble, and Port Ludlow, and in 1927 the Independent Telephone Association of the State of Washington held its convention here. The taller west section of the building is the original hall, with the eastern portion being added in 1927. On August 8th 1972 the building was added to the State level of the National Register of Historic Buildings and in 2009 was added to the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. The building was purchased in 1974 by Reliable Floor Coverings which, 37 years later, still occupies the space.
For more information visit: EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Copy provided by Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission.
This has been 365 things to do Edmonds, WA – See you next time and remember….It’s an Edmonds kind of day.
About the Author
Wayne Purser is a 1st generation REALTOR in Edmonds, Washington. He is the founder of this unique real estate blog for Edmonds & the Snohomish County area. He and his wife, Denise, live in Edmonds with their teenaged son. In his spare time, Wayne enjoys organizing community events, volunteering for youth programs, traveling, and sharing his city with anyone who will pay attention. Also, providing real estate needs to the community.
