Knowledge is Power - Lettered Areas
Before the current system of OA Sections began in 1973, OA Lodges belonged to Areas. There were 12 Areas, each corresponding to one of the 12 BSA Regions that existed during that time.
The New York City Lodges, for example, belonged to Area 2-A (and later to 2-J). The number 2 represented Region 2.
You may not know, that prior to the numbered Areas there existed Areas designated by letters (the NYC Lodges belonged to Area C).
Some of the lettered Areas issued patches, slides and neckerchiefs for these conclaves and conferences. These represent some of the earliest known examples of OA memorabilia.
While not from a NYS Lodge, there is one currently on eBay a 1945 Area J Conclave Neckerchief Slide. The bidding on this item started at $ 5.00 and with over two days left (as I post this) the bidding is already over $ 400.00. It will be interesting to see where it ends up.
Table of contents for Knowledge is Power
- Knowledge is Power - Nentico Lodge #12 X1
- Knowledge is Power - Owaneco Lodge #313 Quinnipiac Dancers
- And I thought YOU were crazy!
- Knowledge is Power - Sea Scout Eagle Badge
- Knowledge is Power - Wakpominee Lodge #48 A1 Wabiningo
- White Sea Scout Eagle Badge
- Knowledge is Power - The Silver Fawn
- Another Eagle Scout Badge
- Knowledge is Power - Lettered Areas
- Knowledge is Power - P2K Arrowheads
- Knowledge is Power - Uncommon Flaps from Common Lodges
- Knowledge is Power - A Philmont P2K Arrowhead on eBay now
- Knowledge is Power - Region 7 Canoe Base
- Knowledge is Power - Region 13
- Knowledge is Power - Silver Fawn Revisited
- Knowledge is Power - Adirondack Lodge #357 R1
- Knowledge is Power - Tahgajute 247 X1
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To share information about new or newly discovered Order of the Arrows patches, flaps, odd-shapes, neckerchiefs, event and chapter issues from New York State Order of the Arrow Lodges, warnings about fakes, spoof, and reproductions and any other information that may be of interest to New York State OA Collecters.
February 3rd, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Among the lettered Areas, pay special attention to “Area Z”. Area Z covered what is roughly now SR-5 (western NC and SC). The conclave for this area has been dubbed the “Dixie Fellowship” for over 50 years now.
Area Z patches are *highly* collectible. Some can sell for thousands of dollars. There is a very strong sense of history and tradition amongst the Arrowmen and collectors in this area.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
John,
Agreed the Dixie Fellowship connection adds to the value. The condition of the slide was pretty rough, which I’m sure held the price down.
From observing eBay, I suspect any Dixie Fellowship items particularly from the numbered Area years would be a good pickup if found at a Northern TOR.