Golden City Fashions: The Fraternal Orders
In honour of Golden City Days, we’re giving you a glimpse into the fashion behind Rossland’s secret societies.
Golden City Days had to be postponed, but we wanted to make sure that we brought our normal amount of flair to Rossland’s downtown core. This year, our summer Collections Assistant Claire put together an amazing exhibit about the fashion of Rossland’s fraternal orders.
Patriarchs Militant uniform, circa 1890s
During its Golden Age (1895 – 1929), Rossland was a lively town with dozens of saloons, hotels, and mines. Countless sport and social groups provided ample leisure opportunities for Rosslanders. More than 25 fraternal societies called Rossland home. Today, only the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #10 and the Deborah Rebekah Lodge #13 are still active in Rossland.
The ceremonial robes and uniforms of these "secret" societies banded the members together, displayed their rank, and were rarely shown to the public. From the Independent Order of Odd Fellow's Patriarchs Militant branch to the Pythian Sisters, Rossland's fraternal societies definitely dressed to impress.
Golden City Fashions: The Fraternal Orders will be on display in the Curiosity Clothing & Gifts window from September 8 until September 22nd.
We want to extend a huge thank you to Trinda and Curiosity Clothing & Gifts for continually supporting our outreach display program!
Can’t get enough of Rossland’s fraternal fashions? Stop by the Museum to see one of the beautiful 1890s Deborah Rebekah ceremonial robes from on display in the Kitchen this fall.