Visual Research Foundation

VISUAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Odd Fellows and Rebekahs throughout the world raised $2,000,000 for establishment of an Endowed Chair in ophthalmic research at the Wilmer Institute of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. State, Province and related programs are operated and assisted by the Order. Pledge cards are available to those who wish to pledge their eyes after death.

“Seeing is believing,” and vision holds the key to sight. Our eyes are our contact with the world. To whatever degree we lose sight, we lose tough with our surroundings, and the quality of life is affected. Blindness is the most feared of all human disabilities. Today scientists, fortified with unprecedented skills, knowledge and technology are intensifying their research attack against blindness and are on the threshold of unlocking more doors to sight for many who suffer from a wide range of eve diseases and vision problems.

For example, the Wilmer Eye Institute. The Johns Hopkins Hospital has been at the forefront of eye research, teaching and patient care since it was founded in 1925. Year after year, the Wilmer Eye Institute leads the top ranking eye institutes in the United States.

Our goal is to increase the endowment to Wilmer Institute to $2,500,000.00. This will insure that all expenses for Odd Fellow / Rebekah’s Professor of Ophthalmology, Dr. Henry D. Jampel, M.D., M.H.S., will be covered.

The Big Eye Magnifier lamps, which have helped many members and friends who have vision problems or for use in hobbies and crafts, are available by contacting the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Visual Research Foundation Chairman.

View The Lamps

These lamps may be purchased through the IOOF lodges. Please contact us for more information.

Click to access the login or register cheese

Floor Lamps #310 & #518

Model #310  – –

  • Height adjusts from 22” to 44”
  • Save desk space and enhance every project

Model #518

  • Deluxe Floor Lamp Height adjusts from 30” to 60” with single hand operation. Tall orders are not a problem!

Call to Order

SOLD OUT!!

(320)234.0101

Table Lamp Model #010

The lamp and magnifying lens is mounted on a 10” flexible arm. This compact design is a must for trade shows and exhibitions.

Call to Order

(320)234.0101

Two-arm Table Lamp Model #1418

High intensity lamp is mounted on a flexible 14″ arm, the distortion free lens is mounted on an 18″ flexible arm. It’s the most versatility offered in a single desktop unit!

Call to Order

SOLD OUT!!

(320)234.0101

Excelsior ♦ Minnetonka #102

Organized January 1,1885

Meeting Information

Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesday
Meeting Time: 7:00 PM
Address: PO Box 129
Excelsior, MN 55331

Contact Info

Ty Hodges, Secretary
10008 Quebed Ave. S.
Bloomington, MN. 55438
Phone: 612.638.7441

Excelsior, Minnesota ~ Minnetonka No.102

Past Grand Masters

  • Bernard Leach 1984-1985
  • Wesley Searles 1986-1987
  • Roland Schallberg 1999-2000
  • Allan P. Sauter 2003-2004
  • Bernard Leach 2005-2006
  • J. Douglas Plott 2008-2009
  • Rick Benesh 2015-2016
  • Wayne Rosengren 2017-2018
  • Robert Arthur, Jr. 2018-2019
  • Rick Benesh 2023-2024

Charter Members

  • W.H. Le Van
  • J.T. Rawlings
  • Wm. F. Darver
  • Lewis Hanson
  • Wallace W. Wait
  • Osby V.W. Digafoos
  • W.E. Rawlings

NOTE:
Any inquiries regarding genealogy questions should only be in regards to individuals that were a member of a Minnesota Lodge. All other inquiries for other states will be answered with a referral to your states Grand Secretaries contact information.

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