Thread: Any one like to research? Knights of Pythias

Ok, make this short as I can...

My boss posted a article on craigslist, it has pictures here:
http://tulsa.craigslist.org/atq/2448463453.html

She found these in the attic at my work. We know that they belong to the Knights of the pythias (pythians). We have contacted a couple of people, they say they know what they are, used for... but will not tell us.
We've done a lot of research as to the history of the group, organization. One of the temples, I believe it may be in NYC, has a picture of Abraham Lincoln because he was going to become a member, before he was assasinated. Here is also a list of other people that are in the organization.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Pythias


Any way, what it boils down to is.... we want to know what these podiums were used for with the spikes on them. We have found other podiums on line, but not with the spikes.
The initials on the podiums are what the pythians use.... F,C,B. Colors of red, blue and green.

Does anyone know any information? Anyone know anyone close to you that is a member.

I also found that on ebay they are selling items of this group. Like medals, uniforms, swords etc.
Also, on one of the sites that we found it lists all the rituals and stuff, and one of them mentioned something of use with a coffin. Well, the owner of the building before my boss, found a coffin in the attic, but took it, because she thought it was, well, odd...... She didn't check the corner of the attic though, since it is mainly beams to walk across, this is where my boss found the podiums.

anyway, any knowledge or help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Being it is a Fraternal Organization and they will not share any info unless you join the organization. I am involved with the Order of Eastern Star which is part of the Masonic Fraternity and it works the same way. I did google your area and found this: Pythian Benevolent Association 1535 S Memorial Dr # 125, Tulsa, OK 74112-7046 (918) 622-1577 ‎

Very honestly your bosses thinking that the podiums are worth more than $ 100.00 is very overpriced. Most organizations have this stuff and it us most often made by the members. So doubt she will find a buyer very easily. I would contact the organization above and ask them if they wanted them and donate them.

Thank you for the address and phone number, I will pass it along to my boss. We would love to know what the spikes were used for. Just very interesting to me. !! The organization was found in the late 1800's, with what seems to me different branches of it. I know there was also a branch of it for just women/widows etc...

They will not disclose what the spikes are for it is part of a initiation ceremony and secret part of the organization.

Yeah, I figured that. And I know there's not that many people here anymore...... but I was hoping that maybe, just maybe, someone would read this and know something, anything.

Originally Posted by Taterbo

This group must be like the Free Mason..another tight lipped - closed mouth group...

Yes it is the same type of organization. I belong to several groups associated with the Masonic fraternity and they don't tell the secrets. Although there have been several tv programs that try to tell you they know all the secrets but yet they never actually reveal them.

Well, my boss got a hold of that number Slance put up. She talked to a member there..... said that the pythians group was in Cleveland Ok. (small town), from 1901 untill the mid seventies. He said that his father was a member here. I guess he told some of the history of the group and of the group being in our town. He also told her what they were used for.

It was used for some type of initiaition ceremony, test of faith. Members were asked to jump off of something and on to it with bare feet, then at the last minute they pulled the spikes away (so they wouldn't land on them).
Any way, that's what he said it was used for.