History’s Bizarre and Famous ‘Secret’ Societies Unveiled
Some organizations are built for people that want to get together and discuss topics they’re all interested in. Others have bigger goals or are just social clubs.
Sometimes, people gather in groups to influence the world, which is how many conspiracy theories surrounded some secret societies.
We’ve put together odd and famous ‘secret’ societies that have made history over decades – or hundreds of years!
20. Skull and Bones
Founded in 1832, the Order of Skull and Bones was actually called in the beginning The Brotherhood of Death. It was a Yale University society that only allowed elites and was inspired by masonic rituals.
Every week, its members would meet twice in the “Tomb.” Rituals have been kept a secret, but the name of the members have been revealed.
The two Bush presidents were members of the society, and conspiracy theorists believe this is how the CIA was built, by hiring some of the groups’ members!
19. The Alfalfa Club
The club was founded in 1913 to celebrate General Robert E. Lee’s birthday. The name of this society derives from a plant’s root which “will allegedly do anything for a drink.” Alfalfa Club was wealthy and influential, having around 200 members.
They only accepted new members (based on invitation) when a current one died! Every year, the US president joins the Alfalfa Club’s annual party to give a speech.
Back in 2009, President Barack Obama gave a funny speech:
“This dinner began almost 100 years ago as a way to celebrate the birthday of General Robert E. Lee. If he were here with us tonight, the General would be 202 years old.
And very confused.”
18. The Dill Pickle Club
Back in 1914, the Dill Pickle Club was founded by Archibald “Jack” Jones, who organized the Industrial Workers of the World (union that protected workers).
He left the group and started the Club where he could discuss with people about labor and societal problems. Some of the most famous Dill Pickle Club members were Upton Sinclair and Clarence Darrow.
The Club was also a lot popular when Prohibition began, since it became a speakeasy. Here’s the entrance signs in this old photo.
17. Freemasons
The Grand Masonic Lodge was founded in 1717 when ledges got together, expanding membership levels from first (Entered Apprentice) and second degrees (Fellow Craft) to the third degree (in the 1750s).
Reaching the third degree gives a person the title of a Master Mason. The last degrees allows members to participate in most of the rituals and masonic activities. Masons are recruited only through a current mason’s recommendation.
Catholics are forbidden by the Roman Catholic Church to join the Masons, and if they do, they’re excommunicated.