By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (May 15, 2025) —
The Diamond Springs I.O.O.F. No. 09 Lodge Hall, located at 3731 Odd Fellows Road in Diamond Springs, California, is a significant historical and fraternal landmark. Erected in 1852 by Diamond Springs Lodge No. 9 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.), it holds the distinction of being the oldest fraternal building in continuous use on the West Coast.
Historical Significance
Unlike many fraternal halls of its era, this lodge was constructed on a hillside rather than the main street, a strategic choice that helped it survive multiple fires that devastated Diamond Springs over the years. The building serves as a tribute to the fraternal spirit of the 1849ers, embodying the principles of friendship, loyalty, and charity.
Organizational Details
Diamond Springs Lodge No. 9 remains active today, with meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. The lodge is part of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a global fraternal organization founded in 1819 in Baltimore, Maryland. The I.O.O.F. promotes values such as friendship, love, and truth, and is known for its charitable endeavors, including visiting the sick, relieving the distressed, burying the dead, and educating orphans.
Odd Fellows Cemetery
Adjacent to the lodge hall is the Odd Fellows Cemetery, a historic burial ground with 383 memorials recorded on Find a Grave. Approximately 90% of the graves have been photographed, and 71% have GPS coordinates, reflecting the community’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
The cemetery is one of several in California established by the I.O.O.F., which has a long-standing tradition of providing burial services as part of its mission. While not among the largest, the Diamond Springs cemetery is notable for its historical significance and the insight it offers into the local community’s past. hmb-odd.org
If you’re interested in exploring the lodge hall or the cemetery, both sites offer a glimpse into the rich fraternal and pioneer history of Diamond Springs and the broader El Dorado County region.
