May 2, 2026

Here’s a muddy-day parade in Roscommon, led by the Roscommon City Band and an I.O.O.F. banner.

Before Paved Streets, Celebrations Still Came With Music — And This Roscommon I.o.o.f. Anniversary Drew A Full Lineup.

A long line of marchers and a brass band fill a muddy street in this old Michigan postcard scene — with a drum labeled “Roscommon City Band” and a banner reading “I.O.O.F.” The handwritten caption on the image says it marks the 30th anniversary of Roscommon Lodge No. 261, dated Monday, April 26 (year not shown), with visitors including West Branch No. 70 and a “Traveling Lodge.”

Fraternal parades like this were a big deal in small towns, drawing crowds, music and plenty of Main Street pride — even in less-than-perfect road conditions.

Do you recognize the buildings or know what year this anniversary would have been?

#RoscommonMI #WestBranchMI #MichiganHistory #VintageMichigan #OddFellows

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Michaela Nolte

Michaela is a history buff and loves to export historical markers and old buildings and seeks stories about Michigan and Great Lakes history. When she is not writing, you can find her with a good book sipping wine on the beach.

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