When Carl Sandburg was young, he became a member of a secret society. He sent away a one-dollar money order to join. By return mail he received a button to wear on his lapel. The letters C.M.A. appeared on the button. There was also a booklet containing the ritual, secret handshake and password. A certificate, suitable for framing, was included.

C.M.A. stood for “Coming Men of America” and the password was “The future is ours.” Carl wore the button on the lapel of his coat a few times, but never met anyone who knew the significance of the initials. Eventually, the certificate and ritual booklet were consigned to the flames in the kitchen stove.

In the late nineteen century joining a fraternal society was very popular among members of the working class. The Oddfellows, Knights of Pythias, Improved Order of Red Men, Masons and Modern Woodmen were among those established in Galesburg. Many of them followed prescribed procedures during their meetings and had degrees of membership which had to be passed to achieve higher office. The wearing of medals, ornate headgear, aprons and sashes were part of the special character of each organization.

Many of the organizations provided a death benefit or insurance. In those days, there was no Social Security or Medicare. Working men had to provide for their families as best they could.

The building now known as the Galesburg Antique Mall, on the northwest corner of Main Street and Seminary was erected by the Oddfellows. The building provided space for the organization’s meetings as well as rental space for offices and retail stores. The size of the three-story building is an indication of just how many members the Oddfellows had attracted.

The Masonic Order was an older society which attracted businessmen and professionals. It was one of the oldest secret societies, having been established during the 16th century in Scotland. It was designed to do charitable work in the community as well as provide fraternal friendships among its members.

The Grand Army of the Republic was an organization for men who had served in the Union Army during the Civil War. They were often seen in patriotic parades and decorating the graves of men who had sacrificed their lives during the Civil War. The G.A.R. became a political organization because of its efforts to persuade the United States Congress to provide pensions for veterans. It also had auxiliary organizations for wives, sons and daughters of veterans. As the members died off, the organization began to wane. It ended with the death of its last man in 1956. The auxiliary orders still exist.

As an adult, Carl Sandburg never joined a secret society. He did not believe in isolating oneself from others for any reason. He was a firm believer in the equality of mankind and doing for others as far as you were able.