Celebrating their history in Rockville Centre

On Nov. 6 members of Rockville Centre’s Independent Order of Odd Fellows celebrated the 100th anniversary of its cabin lodge that is located on Merrick Road. Lodge 279 opened its doors in May 1910, when the first meeting of the Odd Fellows was held there. At that meeting, 100 new candidates were initiated into the organization.

According to club member and anniversary coordinator John Pucciarelli, the service club has become the oldest fraternal organization in the village. The Odd Fellows seek to help people in need, particularly those who are sick or orphaned. The Rockville Centre lodge was founded in 1888 – five years before the village was incorporated.

To commemorate the century celebration of its lodge, the Odd Fellows organized a cocktail party that featured appearances by Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Tony Brunetta and Deputy Mayor Charles Joyce. During the party, members were given a village proclamation and were thanked for their volunteer work.