LAFAYETTE LODGE No. 18
Since 1838
One of the oldest Lodges in New York.
Founded in 1838, Lafayette Lodge No. 18 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is the oldest fraternal organization in the Town of Wappinger. Our 1877 Lodge stands tall in the heart of the Wappingers Falls Downtown Historic District and boasts a proud past built on friendship, love, and truth. For generations our members have enjoyed social interaction within our Lodge lounges all while continuing our mission of being charitable to our community.
History
Instituted on January 4, 1838, Lafayette Lodge, No. 18 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows has long been a cornerstone of the Wappinger community. Charter members Jno. A. Kennedy, J. D. Stewart, George Chatillion, Joseph R. Young, William A. Tyler, Jno. S. Ellison, and Joseph Blackburn met in what was then the Village of Channingville on West Main Street. By 1877, the lodge had grown to over 160 members and our Lodge Hall was constructed on South Avenue on land donated by the Mesier family. Members of Lafayette Lodge constructed the building themselves at a cost of $7,000. It's said that the members dug and constucted the foundation in one afternoon.
