SOLD (MG) International Order of Odd Fellows 1924 Portland, Oregon Hooked Rug

Regular price $150.00

Really a cool piece! I've found just a few other Odd Fellows hooked rugs from the late 19th and early 20th century, but none with a design at all like this one, made in Portland in 1924, and which I am quite confident is one of a kind because of its very specific nature.  

I've done a little research to help unpack it. "Silver Leaf" and "203" (found under the moon and stars at top left, a symbol of the Rebekahs) is the name and number of a specific lodge in Portland. "Star 219", at lower right, is the name of another "subordinate" Portland lodge. The Encampment Tent is a common IOOF symbol and also a level of degrees, and the Golden Rule is a specific degree at the the Encampment Level. Finally, the Friendship, Love, Truth links at bottom left.  So all together, this rug seems to very specifically document the lodge affiliations and degree status of a particular Portland-based Rebekah and/or couple in 1924!

I assume the intent was for this to be made into a rug or mat, but the final work was left undone--which makes for especially easy hanging on the wall. One could wrap the edges around a stretcher, or just hang via pinning by the top corners. Or, it wouldn't be very much work to sew the edges under to finish it off, just about 100 years later! 

23" x 18 1/4" overall; hooked area is 19 1/4" x 16 1/8". There are a few small stains on the backing fabric, minor; overall it is in terrific condition, bright and clean and odor-free and ready to hang