When traveling through Warren County, it is easy to admire the beautiful historical architecture throughout. With my curious nature, over the years I have often wondered what could be found in the upper stories of many of the historical buildings that have served as businesses dating back to the nineteenth century. I admire everything in these old buildings from the doors, to the copper ceilings, to the detailed trim and wonder what the walls of these old buildings would say if walls could talk! A few days ago, thanks to Lou Dussia of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Warren, I had the opportunity to explore another of these grand old buildings and learned a little local history as well.
Upon Entering, I was met with a long staircase that led to a floor that housed an area for the Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts to work on their Pinewood Derby Cars, as well as a game room with pool tables, a ping pong table, a pinball machine, a chess table, and a air hockey table. I loved the old wooden floors, antique doors, and trim. Lou told me the pool table was from 1918!
After exploring the second floor of this building, Lou showed me the third floor and oh what treasures I found!
There were several ceremonial garments that dated back to the nineteenth century worn by members of the Odd Fellows over the years! Lou gave me a little history on the Odd Fellows of Warren. The building was built in 1869 especially for the Odd Fellows. The Odd Fellows organizations are usually housed in the upper floors as they can use the downstairs storefronts for rental income. This building has seen several businesses housed on the first floor throughout the years. Before Snuffy's inhabited the downstairs, there was a restaurant named the "The New Yorker" located there and "La Vogue Beauty Shop" was located where Phase Two is today.
Above the door to the next room, the Odd Fellows mission statement hung. It looked as if it could have been there since the nineteenth century and what the mission states is as important today as it was over 150 years ago! Each room was more intriguing then the next. I could close my eyes and imagine folks from the nineteenth century climbing up the stairs to these rooms and imagine the conversations flowing. If only these walls could talk!
The next room was jaw dropping! There was a lot of antique furniture, antique curtains, and more antique garb. The chandeliers were stunning! I learned that the chandeliers were acquired by Lou out of state. They were not original to the building, but stunning nonetheless! This room spoke of a different era, a time when American Lodges were very formal. I was looking at not only an important piece of Warren County history, but American history! There were many photos and plaques on the wall of Odd Fellows members from long ago and I couldn't help to notice that a few of those family names are still in Warren County to this day.
There was much to see and admire in this grand room! Lou shared with me that the Warren Odd Fellows Chapter did die out for a time, but five years ago with the efforts of Lou and Al Webster, Warren Odd Fellows was resurrected with over 30 members. Membership is open to men and women. The Odd Fellows has reached out to help the Warren Community for over 150 years and continues to do so.
I would like to thank Lou Dussia for this incredible peak into more of Warren County's history and this great organization! If you are interested in becoming a member of the Odd Fellows Organization, reach out to Lou at Dreamboat Marine in Starbrick. Next time your walking the streets of downtown Warren, look up and imagine what history lies in the upper rooms!
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