Independent Order of Odd Fellows · Chartered 1866
Our story
Sycamore Lodge history
From medieval English guilds to a Hayward charter in 1866 — and a proud re-institution in 2010 — here’s the story of Sycamore Lodge #129 and our historic hall.
Where it began
Odd Fellows in history
The International Order of Odd Fellows has a long history, which some trace to the later Middle Ages and the rise of the trade guilds. Written records survive from at least the 1700s in England.
The name itself has a charming origin. As the medieval guilds grew prosperous, their masters restricted membership to protect their wealth. In response, the less-established “fellows” formed their own rival guilds. In smaller towns there weren’t enough tradesmen of any single craft to fill one, so fellows from an odd assortment of trades banded together — hence, guilds of “Odd Fellows.”
By American revolutionary times, such lodges flourished across New England, and by 1819 were officially chartered in association with the Manchester organization in England.
From the beginning, the Odd Fellows have explicitly avoided political and sectarian commitments. Here in Hayward, all proceedings are conducted with openness and transparency: committee meetings are open to every member, and business follows democratic principles and Robert’s Rules of Order.
950 B Street · Since 1868
Hayward origins
In San Francisco, the Odd Fellows had built a flourishing lodge in the days of the Gold Rush — its membership soon large and full of civic leaders, statesmen, senators, and governors. In 1868, soon after the City of Hayward was established, the Odd Fellows built the impressive Lodge Hall you still see today at 950 B Street.
Its officers included Hayward leaders such as William Meek — our first Financial Secretary, who built the Meek Mansion on Boston Road — and William Hayward, who built the Haywards Hotel and eventually had the town named in his honor. Both men also served on the City’s Board of Trustees.
Some of the lodge’s original charter and historical documents still hang in our Museum area today.
Back in town
Recent history
Sycamore Lodge #129 is back in town! On April 17, 2010, the Hayward Odd Fellows Lodge was re-instituted — continuing a history that dates back to October 30, 1866.
The lodge had lain vacant since November 13, 2006, and the building was on the verge of being sold. That’s when local historian and attorney Frank Goulart, his wife and counselor Julie Machado, and Odd Fellow Dan Honniball hatched a plan. At Thanksgiving dinner in 2009, the idea to re-institute the Hayward Lodge was born.
Because of Frank and Julie’s ties to the local art and music communities, the vision was to meld traditional Odd Fellows good works with bettering the community through the arts and music education — the kind of shared, community-oriented purpose that helps a modern lodge thrive.
Two Open Houses invited the public into the beautiful 1868 building, and a membership drive tested community interest. An amazing 40 people stepped forward to become new charter members. With strong support from Grand Master Gene Breeland, Grand Lodge took the building off the market and allowed the community to re-institute Sycamore Lodge #129.
On April 17, 2010, 40 new members were initiated along with 6 associate members, and another 23 pledges became members that May. Then in 2013, after two years of planning, we broke ground on a voluntary accessibility project — adding a chair lift, an accessible bathroom, fresh interior and exterior paint, and a new elevator.
We’re proud to carry forward the causes of Friendship, Love, and Truth — to assist the sick, teach the orphan, relieve the distressed, and better our community through art, music, and other good works.
Through the years
Historic photos
