Records of Golden Star Lodge No. 4 of Independent Order of Good Samaritans and Daughters of Samaria (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Date created 1881-1947 | 1881-1947 (bulk 1910-1925)
Creator Independent Order of Good Samaritans and Daughters of Samaria of the United States of America. Golden Star Lodge No. 4 (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Abstract The Independent Order of Good Samaritans and Daughters of Samaria was a gender-integrated temperance group and beneficial society. Predominantly African American soon after its founding in 1847, it became one of the largest African American fraternal groups. A Philadelphia branch, Golden Star Lodge, No. 4, was organized in 1880. The Records of Golden Star Lodge No. 4 of Independent Order of Good Samaritans and Daughters of Samaria (Philadelphia, Pa.), 1881-1947 (bulk 1910-1925), consist of various administrative, financial, and scattered membership records of the local lodge.
Additional Description This collection consists of various administrative, financial, and membership records of Golden Star Lodge #4 of the Independent Order of Good Samaritans and Daughters of Samaria. It includes minute books, 1889-1898 and 1909-1915, and some loose minutes; printed constitutions and by-laws; correspondence; treasurer's reports, ledgers, receipts, and other financial documents; Sick Committee reports; doctors' notices, death notices, and funeral arrangements; and scattered membership applications, certifications, and recommendations. There are some textiles and paper fans in the collection.
Research Interest This provides a glimpse into the extensive role Black women played in this organization. It also provides information about the demographics of these members, such as their ages and occupations. It allows researchers to see the services the women in this group provided to one another, and the support members recieved from the organization in times of need. These records show who the officers were at certain points of time and how members communicated with one another via written correspondence.
Size 4 linear feet
Full collection description Home repository description for Records of Golden Star Lodge No. 4 of Independent Order of Good Samaritans and Daughters of Samaria (Philadelphia, Pa.)
View full item http://hdl.library.upenn.edu/1017/d/pacscl/SMREP_AAMP10
Local identifier AAMP 10
Contributing institution African American Museum in Philadelphia
Digital materials View items from the Records of Golden Star Lodge No. 4 of Independent Order of Good Samaritans and Daughters of Samaria (Philadelphia, Pa.)