This folder is a record of Ronald McKelvie's initial initiation into the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes in 1962 and his subsequent affiliations with different Lodges. The most recent affiliation is with the Emerald Lodge on 13 May 1988. The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was originally founded in 1822 in England and in Sydney, Australia in the 1860s and in Victoria in 1913, providing social support and friendship for members and donations to registered Australian charities and the needy. An examination of the rule book shows quite prescribed formalities required of members. In the late 1950s there were more than 12,000 members in Victoria at 340 lodges but by the 2000s the membership numbers were rapidly decreasing. The Emerald Lodge no longer exists.This rule book and associated records provides an insight into an organisation for men which focused on member and community support and which had members throughout Victoria including at Emerald. Small dark blue ring binder book owned by Ronald McKelvie containing the rules and penalties of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes 1987; his initial initiation into the Order in 1962; and records of his membership of various Lodges over time.. No markings on the folder.royal antediluvian order of buffaloes, emerald lodge, ronald mckelvie