Wakefield's Crystal Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen (A.O.U.W.) participated in the float division of the July 4th parade in 1922. According to regional news reports, the organization's float entry was "depictive of the order" which is credited with being the first fraternal group that introduced fraternal Insurance to its members, a benefit that was only available to "businessmen and manufacturers." Founded in Pennsylvania in 1868 by John Jordan Upchurch, the A.O.U.W. was established as an organization that would be responsive to the needs of its members while uniting labor and management. Originally intended to serve men in the mechanical trades, the A.O.U.W. opened its membership to other occupations just two years later. The parade was part of a $5,000 celebration organized under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce. More than 50,000 people were reported to have attended the event which began with a Gallo's Band concert and bonfire at midnight the night before at the Greenwood ballfield, and continued through the day with the "street" parade at 10 a.m., a baseball game, sporting events, and another concert by Gallo's Band. The $1,000 fireworks display, and the flying exhibition on parachute drop were postponed due to weather, with the fireworks slated for the next "first pleasant evening." In addition to the floats, the parade, led by Col. Edward J, Gihon, included a military division, 20 fraternal organizations, an industrial division, veterans of three wars, decorated cars and "horribles." Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 2021 Photo courtesy of the Wakefield Historical Society.
