1903 Indianapolis letter Improved Order Red Men, Pocotaligo Tribe #203

$15.00 CAD

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Letter from Improved Order of Red Men, Pocotaligo Tribe #203 in Decatur to ‘Tribe’ in Indianapolis confirming they had burnt their four old Rituals and placing an order for the new ones.

Nice color letterhead, with two aboriginals outside of a teepee.

DECATUR INDIANA June 4th 1903 
Thos. G. Marrison Esq.
G.C. of R.
Indianapolis Ind.
 
Dear Sirs Brothers. This is to certify that we have destroyed by fire the four old Rituals. Enclosed please find cheque for $6.00 to pay for new rituals.
Yours in F.F.C (?)
H.P Beatty

Nice dry seal LL of ‘Pocotaligo Tribe #203 Sun Plant Moon…’.

Folded in six.

10 ¾” x 8”

 

The Improved Order of Red Men is a fraternal organization established in North America in 1834. Their rituals and regalia are modeled after those assumed by white men of the era to be used by Native Americans. Despite the name, the order was formed solely by, and for, white men. The organization claimed a membership of about half a million in 1935,but has declined to a little more than 15,000.

In 1834, the Improved Order of Red Men (IORM) was started as a revival in Baltimore. It was focused on temperance, patriotism and American History. In 1835, with only two tribes in place, a larger IORM was organized. Unlike the original Order, the IORM uses only expanded Indian titles. Rather than the public display of Indian costumes, the IORM uses its regalia in private gatherings.

The Order has a three-tiered structure. Local units are called "Tribes" and are presided over by a "Sachem" and a board of directors. Local meeting sites are called "Wigwams". The state level is called the "Reservation" and governed by a "Great Sachem" and "Great Council" or "Board of Chiefs"…

WIKIPEDIA