History
History of Odd Fellows
The Thermalito Land Colony – A Vision Transformed
The story of the Odd Fellows’ commitment to caring for their elderly members in California begins not with a home, but with a dream of a prosperous community. This dream was born in 1886 in the Thermalito Land Colony, founded by three enterprising men—Edward W. Fogg, Albert F. Jones, and Frank McLaughlin. A banker, an attorney, and a mining engineer, respectively, they were not only visionaries but also devoted members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). Together, they set out to create a thriving agricultural community along the Feather River, just west of Oroville.
Their grand plan envisioned a colony of fruit orchards, nurtured by the temperate climate and fertile soil of the region. They laid out the community with meticulous detail, designing twelve miles of graded avenues and offering forty-acre lots to eager newcomers. At the heart of this budding settlement would stand the Bella Vista Hotel, a magnificent centerpiece perched on the high bluff overlooking the scenic river. The hotel was to be a symbol of the colony’s prosperity, attracting visitors and settlers alike.
Construction of the Bella Vista Hotel began in 1888, with hopes of welcoming its first guests the following year. But as the walls rose, so did the challenges. The project was underfunded from the start, and the anticipated influx of settlers and land buyers never materialized. The United States was teetering on the brink of economic depression, which would culminate in the financial crisis of 1893. Work on the grand hotel slowed and eventually halted altogether, leaving the building unfinished and burdened with a $3,000 lien—a considerable sum at the time.
By 1895, with no buyer in sight and their dream of a flourishing Thermalito fading, the three founders made a remarkable decision. Embracing the Odd Fellows’ principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth, they chose to donate the building to the IOOF. The gift was offered as “a free gift,” and the lien was paid off by the generous citizens of Oroville, ensuring that the Odd Fellows Home could begin its new life unencumbered by debt.
What was intended to be a grand hotel transformed into something far more meaningful—a sanctuary for the elderly members of the Odd Fellows. The IOOF completed the construction in 1896, adapting the unfinished structure to serve as a home for aged and indigent members of the Order. By the end of that year, seventy-nine applications from Odd Fellows and their wives across the state had been approved, and sixty-nine residents moved into their new home, a place of dignity and care amid the golden hills of Northern California.
The Thermalito Home flourished. In 1897, the Odd Fellows purchased additional property, expanding their land holdings from eight to eighty-five acres. They added a forty-room annex, as well as facilities including a laundry, storehouse, barn, stables, and even a cemetery. The home became a vibrant community in its own right, embodying the Odd Fellows’ commitment to providing for their members in their later years.
Despite these efforts, the Thermalito Home was not without its challenges. The hot summer months and swarms of mosquitoes led to discontent among residents, and from the beginning, some members of the IOOF—particularly those in the Bay Area—advocated for a new home in a cooler, more temperate location. Still, the Odd Fellows remained committed to making Thermalito a success, building a hospital on the site in 1905. Tragically, the hospital burned down in 1908, but with characteristic resilience, the Order rebuilt it the following year.
By 1907, the Home had grown to accommodate 320 residents, who could often be seen enjoying the expansive grounds and the views from the broad porches. The property along the Feather River was even leased out for gold dredging in 1908, providing additional income to support the Home’s operations. But the dream of a peaceful and contented life in Thermalito was not to last.
The complaints about the heat and insects, combined with the desire for a more accessible location, led the statewide Odd Fellows organization to make a difficult decision. In 1913, the residents of the Thermalito Home were moved to a new facility that had been constructed in Saratoga, in the cooler, more hospitable climate of Santa Clara County. The people of Oroville, who had embraced the Home as part of their community, were saddened by the departure. Many local residents accompanied the Odd Fellows to the train station, bidding farewell to the friends and neighbors they had come to cherish.
The story of the Thermalito Home came to an end, but its legacy lived on. The property remained vacant for several years, and many of the buildings were eventually torn down. In 1927, a fire destroyed much of what was left. Yet, even in its abandoned state, the site retained a certain mystique, becoming a playground for local children until its final remnants were consumed by fire in the 1970s. Today, only the cemetery and the stately palms lining the original drive remain, silent witnesses to a once-thriving community that embodied the spirit of the Odd Fellows’ devotion to caring for their own.
The story of the Thermalito Home is one of vision, generosity, and resilience. It marks the beginning of the Odd Fellows’ journey in California, a journey that would continue to evolve and expand as the Order sought new ways to serve its members and the broader community.
To read more about the Thermalito Home, Past Grand Master Peter Sellars wrote the definitive book on the subject, which you can purchase from the Butte County Historical Society here: https://buttecountyhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Odd-Fellows-Home.pdf.
The Birth of the Saratoga Retirement Community
As the chapter of the Thermalito Home came to a close, the Odd Fellows’ commitment to their elderly members only grew stronger. The challenges faced in Oroville, with its harsh summers and swarms of mosquitoes, highlighted the need for a new home in a more favorable location. In response to the growing demand from Bay Area Odd Fellows, the organization embarked on a new journey, one that would lay the foundation for a cherished institution in the heart of California’s Santa Clara Valley.
In 1912, the Grand Lodge of California founded a new Odd Fellows retirement home in the scenic town of Saratoga, nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The location was chosen not only for its beautiful surroundings but also for its temperate climate, offering a serene and comfortable environment for the Order’s elderly members. This new facility, established as a nonprofit public benefit corporation under California law, was aptly named the Odd Fellows Home of California.
The Saratoga Home, governed by a Board of Trustees elected by representatives of the Grand Lodge, quickly became a beacon of hope and care. It stood as a testament to the Odd Fellows’ enduring dedication to their principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth, providing a place where members could spend their later years in peace and dignity. The home was designed to accommodate a growing number of residents, with ample space and facilities to ensure their comfort and well-being.
In a significant gesture of unity, the Grand Lodge, during its 1964 session, voted to include members of the Rebekah Assembly—the sister organization of the Odd Fellows—on the Board of Trustees governing the Saratoga Home. This decision not only acknowledged the Rebekah Assembly members’ invaluable service to the Order but also strengthened the bond between the two branches of the Odd Fellows family, enhancing the governance of the home with diverse perspectives and shared values.
The Saratoga Home continued to expand and evolve, reflecting the Odd Fellows’ commitment to providing the highest standard of care for their members. By the early 1990s, the Grand Lodge recognized the need to further extend its reach. In 1992, they purchased a senior retirement facility in the picturesque Napa Valley. This new addition, initially named California Odd Fellows Housing of Napa, Incorporated, soon became known as The Meadows of Napa Valley. Like its Saratoga counterpart, this facility was also governed by a Board of Directors elected by both the Grand Lodge and the Rebekah Assembly.
In 2001, in a strategic move to unify and streamline their operations, the Grand Lodge voted to merge the Odd Fellows Home of California and California Odd Fellows Housing of Napa, Inc. into a single corporation under the name Odd Fellows Home of California. This merger symbolized a new era of collaboration and efficiency, ensuring that both facilities could continue to serve their residents with the utmost care and dedication.
The following year, during a special session held in Napa, the Grand Lodge took another bold step to secure the future of the organization. They voted to add four At-Large Directors from the professional sector—experts in fields such as law, accounting, medicine, and finance—to the Board of Directors of the Odd Fellows Home of California. This infusion of professional expertise helped strengthen the organization’s governance and allowed the Saratoga and Napa communities to thrive as premier retirement communities in California.
Today, the Saratoga Retirement Community stands as a shining example of the Odd Fellows’ vision and perseverance. It is more than just a place to live; it is a vibrant community where residents can enjoy a rich and fulfilling life, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the camaraderie of their fellow members. The expansive grounds, comfortable accommodations, and dedicated staff all reflect the organization’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its members.
The legacy of the Saratoga Retirement Community is a testament to the Odd Fellows’ ability to adapt and grow in the face of challenges. From its humble beginnings in the Thermalito Land Colony to its current status as a beloved home for the elderly, the Odd Fellows Home of California has always been guided by a deep sense of duty and compassion. It is a place where the values of Friendship, Love, and Truth are lived every day, providing a safe and nurturing environment for those who have dedicated their lives to these noble principles.
A Journey of Transformation and Resilience
Saratoga Retirement Community Today
As the Odd Fellows Home of California (OFHC) continued to evolve, its partnership with Pacific Retirement Services (PRS), established in 1998, would prove to be a defining factor in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. The turn of the millennium brought with it a series of significant hurdles. By 2000, the organization found itself facing substantial financial losses that left it in a troubled cash position. Determined to overcome these setbacks, the leadership of OFHC and PRS implemented major operational changes over the next two years, striving to achieve savings and stabilize their finances.
However, as if the financial strain wasn’t enough, construction delays in 2001 and 2002 further exacerbated the cash shortage. The organization was in dire need of support, and PRS rose to the occasion. In 2002, PRS stepped in to fund the cash shortfall, covering payroll and operating expenses and allowing OFHC to continue its vital work. This period also saw efforts to repair relationships with neighbors in Saratoga, an essential step in maintaining community support. Simultaneously, expansion at Saratoga was redesigned to create more marketable products, setting the stage for future revenue growth.
The following year, 2003, marked a turning point. Faced with ongoing financial difficulties, OFHC borrowed funds from the Grand Lodge to sustain operations through to 2022. Buoyed by this support, they successfully secured Cal-Mortgage approval for an $80 million loan to fund the construction of Phase II. With renewed vigor, construction began, and the organization looked forward to a brighter future.
In 2005, this optimism was rewarded when the expansion opened on schedule and within budget. The newly expanded facilities were quickly filled, demonstrating the demand for high-quality retirement living and validating the efforts of the leadership to reposition the community for success.
Continuing on this upward trajectory, 2007 brought more good news. The city of Napa granted approval to expand the Meadows of Napa Valley (MNV) campus, which would allow the community to offer a broader range of care options to its residents. Moreover, a road that threatened to bisect the MNV campus was eliminated, preserving the campus’s unity and enhancing its appeal.
By 2009, the first transformation of the MNV campus was complete, with three phases of construction and renovation bringing new life to the community. These improvements were a testament to the resilience and determination of the organization to provide exceptional care and services.
Meadows of Napa Valley Today
The success of these efforts was evident in 2012, when OFHC refinanced $100 million through Cal-Mortgage, a move that generated $2.8 million in annual savings. This financial restructuring provided much-needed stability and positioned the organization for continued growth.
Two years later, in 2014, OFHC received the final Certificate of Authority (COA) for MNV, officially converting it to a CCRC. This milestone was celebrated across the organization as a validation of years of hard work and strategic planning. The financial results were immediate: by 2015, the CCRC product at MNV generated $12 million in revenue, reinforcing the community’s strong market position.
In 2016, OFHC achieved another significant milestone when it received an investment-grade rating of BBB- from Fitch, reflecting the organization’s improved financial health and stability. That same year, they financed further expansion at MNV using a 2016 bond with a drawdown bank loan. This strategic decision to avoid Cal-Mortgage insurance resulted in $1.7 million in cost savings, demonstrating the leadership’s financial acumen and commitment to prudent management.
The year 2021 marked the culmination of many years of dedication and hard work. The expansion at MNV was completed, providing even more amenities and services for residents. In a remarkable show of fiscal responsibility, OFHC paid down $67 million of debt from 2019, significantly improving its financial standing. This achievement was recognized as Fitch upgraded OFHC’s rating to BBB, solidifying the organization’s position as a leader in senior care.
The journey from financial uncertainty to stability and growth is a testament to the resilience, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment of the Odd Fellows Home of California and Pacific Retirement Services. Their partnership, forged in challenging times, has not only weathered storms but has also flourished, creating vibrant communities where seniors can thrive. This chapter in their history reflects the power of collaboration and the relentless pursuit of excellence, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
Legal Status of OFHC
The Odd Fellows Home of California (OFHC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation that operates under the laws of the state of California. It was founded to provide housing and care services for elderly and handicapped members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and, if space permits, for the general public. OFHC’s operations include the management of two retirement communities, Saratoga Retirement Community and The Meadows of Napa Valley. These facilities offer various levels of care, from independent living to skilled nursing, while maintaining a commitment to the charitable purposes mandated by its status as a 501(c)(3) organization.
As a 501(c)(3) entity, OFHC is distinct from the Grand Lodge of California, which is classified as a 501(c)(8) fraternal organization. While both classifications are tax-exempt, their purposes and responsibilities differ. A 501(c)(3) corporation, like OFHC, must be organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes. This status requires that all revenue generated by OFHC be reinvested into the organization to further its charitable mission. In contrast, a 501(c)(8) fraternal organization, like the Grand Lodge of California, is primarily focused on providing benefits to its members through social and fraternal activities.
The Grand Lodge of California maintains significant control over OFHC through its authority to elect members to the OFHC Board of Directors. This includes electing four Odd Fellows, three Rebekahs, and four at-large members to the board. The Rebekah Assembly of California, although allowed to elect a minority of the board members, has no ownership interest in OFHC. This governance structure ensures that the Grand Lodge can influence key decisions and maintain oversight over the operation of OFHC’s retirement communities.