Corvallis Odd Fellows

Barnum Lodge No. 7  •  Established 1858  •  Corvallis, Oregon

Friendship, Love, and Truth — serving our community for over 165 years.

Our Mission Our History

A Fraternal & Charitable Order

Friendship • Love • Truth
The Threefold Motto of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is one of the world's oldest and most enduring fraternal organizations, dedicated to the improvement of society through acts of charity, benevolence, and fellowship. We admit both men and women who share a commitment to doing good in the world.

The Corvallis chapter — Barnum Lodge No. 7 — has been a cornerstone of the Willamette Valley community since its charter in 1858. Through income generated from our historic building, we direct thousands of dollars each year to the causes our community needs most.

The Corvallis lodge holds a historic distinction: it was the driving force behind the gender integration of the national Odd Fellows, and produced Oregon's first female Grand Master, Patty Olson, who was initiated here at Barnum Lodge No. 7.

History of Barnum Lodge & the Odd Fellows Building

1858

The Lodge is Chartered

When the early pioneers of the Willamette Valley settled in Corvallis, some carried ties to fraternal organizations that would become the backbone of philanthropy in the community. Barnum Lodge No. 7 was formally chartered in 1858, making it one of the oldest continuously operating lodges in the Pacific Northwest.

1907

The Building Is Constructed

The storied brick building at 223 SW 2nd Street — between Madison and Jefferson Avenues in the heart of downtown Corvallis — was constructed in 1907, originally as the Kline Department Store. Its enduring brick facade, broad windows, and hardwood floors were built to last generations.

Mid-1950s

Odd Fellows Acquire the Building

In the mid-1950s, Barnum Lodge purchased the 1907 building, establishing a permanent home in downtown Corvallis. Rental income from commercial tenants on the ground floor funds the building's upkeep and fuels the lodge's annual charitable giving.

Historic

Gender Integration — A National First

The demand to make the International Order of Odd Fellows a gender-integrated organization first arose from the Corvallis branch. Patty Olson, initiated here at Barnum Lodge No. 7, went on to become Oregon's first female Grand Master. In her honor, the North Hall of the building bears her name.

2008

Celebrating 150 Years

In 2008, the lodge marked its 150th anniversary with a community celebration. The lodge also maintains an active historic cemetery in Corvallis — including pioneer graves — a mission dating to the Odd Fellows' earliest days of providing burial space for those who could not afford it.

Today

Serving Corvallis into the Future

With around 35 active members, the lodge remains a vital civic institution. Barnum Lodge continues its tradition of charitable giving, community engagement, and stewardship of one of downtown Corvallis's most beloved historic buildings.

223 SW 2nd Street — Our Historic Home

The Odd Fellows Hall sits at the center of downtown Corvallis. The South Ballroom features beautiful exposed brick walls and long windows that bathe the space in natural light, with hardwood floors ideal for dances, events, and gatherings. The North Hall (named in honor of Patty Olson) is a warm, wood-paneled room with a full kitchen and ADA-accessible facilities.

The building is available for community rental — from weddings and concerts to corporate gatherings and dance parties — with proceeds supporting our charitable mission.

View Hall & Rental Info ↗

Meeting Schedule

Lodge meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Members are encouraged to complete any required forms before attending — see the Member Forms section below.

1st

Tuesday of the Month

Regular Lodge Meeting

3rd

Tuesday of the Month

Regular Lodge Meeting

Barnum Lodge No. 7  •  223 SW 2nd Street

Corvallis, Oregon 97333

Pre-Meeting Forms

Members may complete the following forms from home before attending meetings. Click any form below to open it in Google Docs or Google Forms. Please submit completed forms prior to the meeting date.

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