Fonds - Ladies Orange Benevolent Association Shuswap Lodge 473 fonds

The Swastika Lodge 473 of the Ladies Orange Benevolent Association was organized in 1922 as the womens group affiliated with the male organization, Loyal Orange Lodge. The L.O.L. organization had purchased a building from John Johnston, remodeling the auction rooms upstairs into Lodge Rooms and the downstairs into a hall. The Lodge was situated on Palmer Street.(151 Trans Canada NE).

The Swastika Lodge's primary purpose was to raise money to maintain the childrens home in New Westminster. The women also purchased material and sewed clothing to order, sending the requested clothing to the orphanage each year.

The hall was used for wedding receptions, meetings, bridal showers and small dances. During the 1920's a weekly whist drive happened each Monday, excepting the summer months. Twenty hands of progressive whist were played, accompanied by a lavish supper and prizes. After whist concluded, an hour of dancing took place, to the accompaniment of a violin and piano. The cost of the evening was fifty cents. During the depression the cost of admission was reduced to twenty-five cents. Although the event raised less money, it was continued as a service to the young people of the community.

The parade on the twelfth of July was a highlight for all Lodges in the area. In 1931 Salmon Arm hosted the event. Kamloops, Armstrong, Vernon, and Kelowna Lodge members gathered at the Orange Hall, and were led through Salmon Arm by a high ranking officer on a white horse. In 1941 the group changed its name to Shuswap Lodge 473.