CHAPTER XXIV

FRATERNAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.

In all parts of the county were established early the fraternal orders, whose continuous development has brought unmeasurable benefits, not only to their members, but to all with whom they have been associated in the complex relations of a growing community. Fraternal co-operation has ever been a prominent factor in the development of Genesee County. While keen and stimulating competition has never been lacking among its business and professional men, they have worked together, in the most harmonious manner, in matters concerning the general welfare. Whether the growth of fraternal and beneficiary societies has been the effect of the fraternal spirit which prevails, or that this spirit has been fostered by these societies, is an interesting problem. Certain it is that their conception and development have been contemporaneous with those of the community and that the names of their officers and leaders are to be found prominently connected with all of its business and social enterprises. The number and variety of such organizations are continually increasing and their prosperous condition is further proof of the congenial nature of their environment.