A Different Kind of Board Game: Probing the Mystery Behind the Odd Fellows’ Charter Frame

CLAREMONT, NH June 10, 2023--Water stains menaced the edges of Claremont's Odd Fellows’ Lodge No. 12 charter. It was time to reframe this 177-year-old treasure. The elegantly scrolled and hand-colored charter had been rendered by lithographer Benjamin Thayer at his studio in Boston. Thayer was the go-to man for formal works and music publishing. Thayer and Co's had created political lithographs as well, including that of a young Franklin Pierce.

Odd Fellows’ caretaker Mike Huse sent the charter out for professional reframing. With this, an amazing find was revealed. Three slat boards covered the back of the artwork. On one board was etched: E.E. Bailey & Co. Claremont NH.

Ebenezer Eaton Bailey was born in Unity, NH on May 7th, 1809. His name and trade came to light in the Friday, November 18th, 1836 edition of The National Eagle as follows:

"Ebenezer E Bailey respectfully informs his friends and the public that he has removed his Silver Smith Establishment from Unity to Claremont Village to the brick building lately erected at the junction of Sullivan and Main Streets, near the Tremont House, where he expects, as heretofore, to furnish at short notice all articles in the line of his business at the lowest Boston prices."

Vowing that he would maintain his prior eyeglass rim work, Bailey went on to list over fifty articles for sale, including such novelties as music boxes, ladies gold and filigree ‘ear knobs’, silver pencil cases, coffin plates, pocket mirrors, ivory paper folders, violin strings and spy glasses.

Bailey would do well at what is now known as the "Flatiron Building" in Claremont. He announced a partnership with three fellow silversmiths and advertised a need for "three smart and active lads" to serve as apprentices. In a future edition of the National Eagle, Bailey offered rooms for rent over his shop.

Tragically, Ebenezer Bailey met his end while trimming an elm tree at his Washington Street residence on May 8th of 1862. His wife rushed to his side after his twenty-five foot head-first fall. Bailey died instantly. It was mentioned in the National Eagle that his service at the Methodist Church was fully attended.

Was Ebenezer Bailey a member of the Odd Fellows? Did he assist in securing the back of the 1846 charter with a packing board from his shop or was it merely discovered and used? Also intriguing is the writing of NH. State abbreviations go back to 1831. States with one name, for example Vermont, would be noted as Vt. States with two names were noted with periods until 1963, resulting in N.H. This etched board entwines the N and the H rather artistically. Was it secured to the framed work later? After all, the charter itself had gone missing three times since its 1846 creation. If the backing board was added at a later date, who wrote E.E. Bailey's name?

If anyone can shed further light on this intriguing ‘board game’ mystery, please call the Eagle at 603-543-3100, or contact me at: [email protected].

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