1879–1887 manuscript minutes of the Little Elk Haymakers’ Association No. 1 of Cecil County, Maryland.

“The Sultan declared the seat of the Grand Vizier vacant…”

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Primary historical evidence documenting this obscure Cecil County, Maryland chapter of the “National Haymakers’ Association.” The NHA was a “side degree” of the Improved Order of Red Men, a once enormously popular benevolent and fraternal order. Traditionally, “haymakers” met in “haylofts” (meeting halls) and had officers such as “Collector of Straws” and “Guard of the Barn Door” with “Tramps” being potential candidates.

This “Little Elks” chapter, however, uses titular designations that sound more familiar to, say perhaps, Shriners. There is a Grand Sultan, a Grand Vizier, a Grand Scribe, a Minister of Finance, and so forth. (In fairness, candidates were still called “Tramps.” and the “Hayloft” is noted.)

The minutes record all of the names —and there are many— of the society’s members and those of subsequent initiates who become “humble believers” when they were brought into the fold. Roll calls were taken, the weekly dues of five cents were collected, initiation paddles were purchased, badges were designed, amendments were put forth to be voted up or down, a “Court of One” drafted bylaws, and so on. The idea of creating a brass band was sallied forth, the entertainment committee wanted the “The Bridegroom Cometh” to be shown, and a lock was needed, to be put on the hall doors.

Visiting members from other chapters were greeted and welcomed. A member of the Octoraro Tribe No. I.O.R.M. of Northeast was admitted. With another fellow, the two men (and only men) “became Illustrious Companions and possessors of the Oriental Secret.” Cultural appropriation was also seen with the chapter’s own badge (a sheaf of wheat with a native American next to it), the ceremony of the “quenching of the Council Fire of the Tribe,” and various “tribe” members.

The NHA was established in 1879, which is the starting year-date for the manuscript minutes found here. As one reads these minutes, the chapter’s beginning years seemed heady and giddy with enthusiasm. New members sweep in. Entries are long and effusively-written. By the mid-1880s, and heading into the the final years recorded, this enthusiasm is offset by thin entries suggesting that the council fires were no more. This unique manuscript likely contains the complete history of the Little Elk Haymaker’s Association.

Price: $450.00