Building Restoration at Historic Milford Laurel Lodge #191

Milford Laurel Lodge #191 continues in the renovation of their 145 year old Lodge Hall. Chartered in 1852 in Madisonville (Cincinnati), Ohio, today this lodge in Milford, Ohio represents the consolidation with four other I.O.O.F. Lodges, including…

• #488 Madiera Lodge, located in Madeira, Ohio consolidated with Laurel Lodge #191 in 1907.

• #295 North Western Lodge, located in Cincinnati, consolidated with Laurel Lodge #191 in 1953

• #335 William Tell Lodge (A German Lodge), located in Cincinnati, consolidated with Laurel Lodge #191 in 1961

  #49 Clermont Lodge, located in Milford, consolidated with Laurel Lodge #191 in 1974, with Laurel Lodge relocating to the lodge building in Milford, Ohio.

Restoration

The building that today is the home for Milford Laurel Lodge #191 was constructed by Clermont Lodge #49 in 1875. Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States at the time. President Grant was and Odd Fellow and was born in Clermont County.

Over the years the building had been painted numerous times and had lost part of its original identity in the historic section of Old Milford. The building was in need of paint again but rather than continue the expense of repainting in future years, the decision was made by the lodge members to return the building to its previous appearance of all brick construction.

The work was done by Richardson Construction, a local contractor. Restoration started in October 2010 and was completed in November 2010. Work included painting of trim and some window molding replacement. Brother Dave Demaris of #191 did a great job as overseer for the lodge.

The building today compliments the other historic buildings in the Old Milford section and we hope will lead to interest in our lodge and potential new members.

The members of Laurel Lodge #191 are quite proud of the results and hope other members of Ohio I.O.O.F. will have a chance to see our building in the future.