Historical information

This book was used by the Orbost Manchester United Independent Order of Oddfellows. 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 record book was created 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 hard back book with a red and blue mottled cover and a dark blue spine. On the front cover is a large brown rectangular label with "Record of Sickness" in black print inside an ornate black frame.

Inscriptions & markings

on label - handwritten above title - "M.U.I.O.O.F."