Discover An Oddly Rich History
What is the Oddfellow Manor?
The Historic Oddfellow Manor of Elkins, West Virginia is a historic preservation and educational nonprofit dedicated to restoring a former Odd Fellows children’s home and developing the surrounding land as a place of learning, creativity, and community. Here you will find information about the people, projects, and programs shaping the property—from farming and gardening to food preservation, traditional skills, and self-sufficiency—helping reconnect our community with practices that have been lost to modernity.
Who we are
The Historic Oddfellow Manor of Elkins, West Virginia is more than a historic home — it’s a living classroom where history meets sustainability. We are a small group of people committed to restoring this landmark, teaching self-sufficiency skills, and creating a place where the past and future can meet in meaningful ways.
The work is ongoing, and the vision for what this place can become continues to grow.
Our Work Is Rooted in Three Areas
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Historic Preservation
We are restoring the 1908 Odd Fellows children’s home and preserving the stories, architecture, and purpose that shaped it. This work ensures that the history of care, resilience, and community remains visible for future generations.
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Sustainable Agriculture
Orchards, gardens, and regenerative growing practices are being developed across the property to teach stewardship of land and food. These spaces will serve as living classrooms for sustainable agriculture and self-reliance.
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Traditional Skills
Workshops and demonstrations will focus on practical skills such as food preservation, sewing, woodworking, and metalworking—skills that once sustained communities and still hold value today.
Our Vision
Oddfellow Manor is being restored not only as a historic landmark, but as a place where people can learn, work with their hands, care for the land, and gather in community. Over time, orchards, workshops, gardens, and shared spaces will grow here, creating a living connection between past and future.
What’s Happening at the Manor
A Community Coming Together
On October 10, 2026, nearly seventy friends, neighbors, and supporters gathered at the Historic Oddfellow Manor for an afternoon of exploration, storytelling, and community cleanup.
Together, we tended flower beds, cleared fallen branches, shared refreshments, and welcomed people through a building that holds so many memories.
Some visitors came to see the Manor for the first time. Others returned with stories of family members who once lived or worked here. Each conversation reminded us that this place belongs to a history much larger than its walls.
The restoration is only beginning, but the community surrounding it is already growing.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to sharing what comes next.
Be Part of What Comes Next
Restoring Oddfellow Manor is a long journey, and there's a place in that story for everyone. Whether you're interested in its history, want to lend a hand, or simply want to follow its progress, we'd love to stay connected.
Get Involved
Have a skill, a memory, or an interest in helping? We'd love to hear from you.
Support the Manor
Help preserve this historic place and its possibilities for future generations.
Follow the Restoration
The story of Oddfellow Manor is still being written.
From uncovering its history to restoring its grounds and welcoming the community, each step brings us closer to realizing its potential.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube as we share our progress, discoveries, and the people helping bring the Manor back to life.
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!