A Guide to the Jr. Order American Mechanics Collection

Compiled by Eryn Kawecki

September 4, 2019

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia, USA

Title: Jr. Order American Mechanics Collection

Date Range: 1895-1900

Collection Number: 2019-0026

Extent: 1 box

Language: English

Abstract: A membership ledger listing names of members, the dates they joined, and how much they paid in membership dues.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions: This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. Researchers must register and agree to all copyright laws and archives policies before using the collection. Please contact the Shenandoah County Library before visiting to use this collection.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of item] Jr. Order American Mechanics Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia, USA.

Acquisition Information: The items in this collection were purchased from Laughlin Auctions on June 15, 2019.

Processing Information: Item was processed and put into a box for added protection. 

Biographical/Historical Note

In 1853 the Junior Order of American Mechanics, or J.O.U.A.M., was founded. Its parent organization, the Order of American Mechanics was a political and social order that advocated for nativist policies and provided financial support for its members.

Twenty five years after its founding the J.O.U.A.M. became an independent organization that focused on becoming a fraternal benefit society that was open to all people regardless of creed, race, or sex, however strong nativist sentiments remained. The group offered a social membership and insurance membership. The later granted members health, death, and accident insurance during a time when that type of coverage was rare.

A chapter of this organization was founded in Toms Brook on September 18, 1895. At the time it had 28 members. The majority of these were most likely workers at the nearby Lime Quarry or other industrial interests in the town.

By 1906 the organization had grown to 143 members and had built its own meeting house. On April 11 of that same year the lodge sent a petition to the United States Senate asking them to restrict immigration.

In a 1910 listing of the Jr. Orders of American Mechanics of Virginia, the Massanutten Council was listed as being located on Main Street in Toms Brook. Its meetings were held on Saturday’s and G.L. Borden was its secretary.

When the Massanutten Council organization ceased to function is unknown. However the building was converted into the Toms Brook Fire Department sometime after that organization was founded in 1948. It was demolished in the 1990s when that organization moved into a new building and turned their former hall into a parking lot. 

Scope and Content

The Jr. Order American Mechanics Collection consists of 1 membership ledger.

Inventory

Membership Ledger, Jr. Order of American Mechanics, Toms Brook Virginia, 1895-1900