The history of the Tyner Lodge began shortly after Ambrose E. Fink moved back to Tyner in the fall of 1900. Ambrose E. Fink was very instrumental in the organization of the first Tyner lodge. The 5 petitioners were Ambrose E. Fink, Watson S. York, Henry L. Jerrell, Charles F. Dawson and Eli Wick. The picture below shows the eventual meeting place for the newly formed Tyner I.O.O.F. no. 821.
(Individuals and year of the picture is unknown)
On the 14th of February 1905 the Tyner I.O.O.F. Lodge no. 821 began. The meeting was called to order by Grand Master J.T. Orr, with Deputy Grand Master W.F. Ramey and other Grand Lodge Officers. The petitioners held nominations for officers and elections were conducted and Ambrose E. Fink was elected as the first Noble Grand, Charles F. Dawson vice Grand, Watson S. York Secretary, Henry L. Jerrell Treasurer and Guardian Mr. Eli Wick. Three trusties were elected as well. They were Eli Wick, Ambrose E. Fink, and Charles F. Dawson.
On the 21st of February 1905 the next meeting was held and the petition of charter for Tyner I.O.O.F. Lodge no. 821 was filed to the Grand Lodge. The remainder officers were appointed. J.A. Wolff, R.F. Beagles, C.H. Powell, A. Beard, G.S. Herman, J.J. Deagles, W.S. Lemert, J.M. Schroeder. On 28th of February 1905 24 members petitioned for membership and received the initiatory degree, first, second and third. 9 of the original membership remained until their death.
On 4th of March 1905 the petitioners were obligated by Americus Lodge #91 of Plymouth at the home of H.G. Jerrell. The by-laws of Americus #91 were adopted and read by A.J. Wolfe.
Then on the 18th of May 1905 a Home Dedication took place by the Grand Lodge I.O.O.F. of Indiana. The petitioners were granted their charter.
From 1905 to 1953 all elected and appointed officers served 6-month terms.
But during this period 1 member, Carl Wolff was elected as recording secretary unanimously and would serve as recording secretary for over 37 years.
On 24th of April 1906 was one of the first bigginings of the belevence for the Tyner I.O.O.F. Lodge no. 821, it was a contribution to the sufferings in the San Francisco earth quake. After this, belevance began to take shape during these early years to include, the payment of dues for service members inducted into the armed forces, gifts to Churches in need in Kentucky, Illinios, and Indiana. Furnishing a room in the Marshall County Hospital. Annual Scholorship awards, annual Christmas baskets, and local food pantry’s. Last but not least, to assit members in need.
On the 4th day of May 1911, the Plymouth I.O.O.F no. 91 Lodge held degree day for all the surrounding lodges. Nearly 300 were in attendance. Rochester I.O.O.F. no. 47 was there to assist the Plymouth Lodge. 25 members that attended were from the Tyner I.O.O.F. no. 821. The team from Rochester Lodge conferred the degrees on twelve candidates eleven of whom were from Tyner and the other from Plymouth. This event was so large it could not be held in the Plymouth Lodge. Instead, they rented the Plymouth Armory to hold the meeting that day.
From 1917 to 1924 a seven-man degree team and 2 alternates lead by Dan Miller functioned at multiple events throughout the state. These members included Dan Miller, Jesse Keller, Homer Stoneburner, Amos Sarber, Earl Bennent, Merle Stoneburner, and Mel Sprague, and E. J. Robinson went along as a musician. In addition, they had five other men that went along with them, to comprise a thirteen-man drill team. And in 1924 one of their greatest accomplishments was to perform in Greencastle, Indiana in front of the Grand Lodge.
In 1912 a Scoutmaster and Scout Troupe was sponsored by the Tyner Lodge. This was only the beginning for sponsorships more would follow throughout the years to include bowling teams, a basketball team, and softball teams. Sponsoring bowling teams still continue to this day.
When the Civil defense was organized, a post was built on 4b rd. the home of Frank Martin. They were nationally televised by the U.S. Signal Corps.
In 1939 the cemetery in Tyner, deeded by the early members to a perpetual Tyner Cemetery Association for the care of the property. Past members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows were recognized through many years with gravesite markers. Not only in Tyner Indiana, but throughout cemetery’s located within the area. In 1975 new memorium flags were voted on and approved.
As part of serving the community three lodge members served as Sheriffs of Marshall County. Those men were Henry L. Jerrel 1890- 1894, Earl Bennett 1923-1927, and Frank Martin 1941-1945.
In 1947 the Tyner Rebekah’s no. 865 received their charter and continues to this day.
In the 1950’s cash renting ground to raise money for benevolence and charity was popular. This continued through the 1960’s. The members also helped with planting and harvesting of other lodge brothers in need.
1954 began and the term of the Noble Grand changed from a 6 month term to a 12 month term. Roy Fenimore was the first to preside as a full year Noble Grand. During his first year, a 50 year anniversary celebration was planned for the 18th of May 1955 at the Tyner School House. Recognition of members service was planned and Carl Wolff receiving the first 50 year member pin. In 2021 there would be 12- 50 year members, 3- 60 year members, 2- 65 year members, and 1- 67 year member Marvin Klingerman. Please review the additional document for the 50 year celebration banquet and meeting.
1960 as membership grew and increased activities began, plans started to develop for a purchase of new property where a new lodge would be built.
It was within month’s a property was located and a site location was determined. By early December of that year, the members were moving into the new Tyner I.O.O.F. no. 821 lodge on 4b rd. In August of 1961 a lodge picnic was held with 64 members in attendance. The inside upstairs would be completed over the winter of 1961/1962. 27th of May 1962, 57 years after the charter had been granted, a dedication was held at the new lodge. And in 1970 new recreation room was added.
Not only in 1960 was there plans for a new building, there were plans for a fall fish fry. The LaCrosse Lions Club was hired to fry the fish. This arrangement would continue for another nine years. After the August fish fry in 1969, the LaCrosse Lions Club offered to sell 3 fish fry burners for $150.00 & 20 baskets for $5.00 each. This was the beginning of the Tyner Odd Fellows no 821 Lodge fry bus.
(Similar to this bus)
By early November a new fry bus was purchased by Ivo Hagenbush for $100.00. The conversion of the bus began in the following weeks and by the 20th of March 1970, the Tyner Odd Fellows no. 821 were frying their first fry @ the Plymouth High School.
A Tyner Odd Fellows no. 821 chicken fry was added to the schedule for the following year and continued for a number of years after, and as an annual event. Today the fry bus continues with over 14 fish fry’s per year for various organizations throughout multiple local counties. Currently there are 2 annual fish fry’s performed by the Tyner I.O.O.F. no. 821 for their own fundraisers.
(Today’s current fry bus)
The story to be continued- check back soon.