Historical information

This item probably belonged to Albert Coulson a farmer of Brodribb.
Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times.

Significance

This book was used in a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.

Physical description

A small grey book with the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows. At the bottom of the cover in black print is the society's Coat of Arms showing a woman holding a child with two children beside her. On the right is a woman holding an anchor with her arm around a woman holding a cross. There is an images of a group of people holding a scroll beside a reclining lion.

Inscriptions & markings

"Brother A.H.J. Coulto was initiated a member of the Loyal Orbost Lodge 8 Sept 1909"