The original Druids were priest-like figures in Iron Age Celtic paganism. Many elements of ancient druidism still exist as quasi-religious sects. “Modern” Druidism was born in the late 1700s in England pubs. It borrowed iconography and semantics from the ancients but little else. The Ancient Order of Druids’ motto was Justice, Philanthropy and Brotherly Love. […]
Category: Fraternals
Frederick Sieg: Founding Druid
Frederick Sieg “planted the Druidic oak on the western shores of the nation.” He founded California Grove #1 of the United Ancient Order of Druids in 1859 and helped found and lead the state organization. Sieg was one of the earliest settlers in Placerville. He went to work with his gold pan in Cedar Ravine […]
Headstone Symbols: Odd Fellows
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, IOOF, is a fraternal and service organization, one of four founding fraternal orders in the “union” that formed Placerville Union Cemetery in 1871. Union Cemetery is located at 650 Bee Street in Placerville, CA. The IOOF Morningstar Lodge remains active in Placerville and meets regularly in their historic downtown […]