This display relates to one of the most unusual and misinterpreted fraternal groups ever to exist. The Junior Order of United American Mechanics (often abbreviated as JROoUAM or JROUAM) still exists today, but in a very small capacity. The history of the group is rather spotty, leading to even more interesting research for the keen fraternalist.

Mr. Paul Bessel, a renowned author on fraternal subjects, offers the following description on his website:

“The United American Mechanics was founded in Philadelphia in 1845 under the name Union of Workers. It began as a nativist workingmen’s organization to fight against labor pressure from increasing immigration populations, specifically the Irish, Germans, and Roman Catholics. In 1853 a junior branch of the organization was founded. The Junior Order American Mechanics (J.O.U.A.M.) became an independent society in 1885. Its members were white males, between the ages of 16 and 50, of good moral character, believers in the existence of a Supreme Being, in favor of separation of church and state, and supporters of free education through the Public School System.

At the height of its popularity, the Junior Order had 200,000 members, dwarfing the high of 40,000 members for its former parent organization. The word “Junior” in the organization’s name had no reference to the age of its members after 1885 and similarly, the word “Mechanic” had no relevance to the members’ occupations. The Junior Order defined its objectives as promoting the interests of Americans by shielding them from the economically depressing effects of foreign competition, establishing a Sick and Funeral Fund and working to maintain the Public School System.

The J.O.U.A.M. had initiation and obligation procedures which, like other fraternal groups, were religiously oriented. Membership eligibility requirements changed over the years to include Jews, blacks, Roman Catholics, and women. The Junior Order’s mission evolved into one of developing a legal reserve for life insurance benefits. This was due in part to the declining membership in the early twentieth century. Membership was divided into two categories: social members and those enrolled in the insurance program. By 1965 insurance memberships had dropped to 35,172 with 15,000, social members, and by 1979 the group boasted only 8,500 social members and about half as many insurance members.”