Foresters of America

The Foresters of America was a national fraternal benefit society founded in 1874. Like many fraternal organizations, it organized local chapters known as Courts. Paterson, New Jersey, had several active Courts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the city’s large immigrant and working-class population.

Foresters of America in Paterson

Research shows that Paterson was home to multiple Foresters of America Courts, including:

Court Garfield No. 4 was one of the earliest New Jersey courts of the Foresters of America, organized in Paterson, New Jersey, during the 1880s. It appears to have been named in honor of President James A. Garfield, who was assassinated in 1881. The numbering (“No. 4”) indicates it was the fourth Foresters court chartered in New Jersey, making it one of the state’s oldest.

Court Liberty – An English-speaking court organized in Paterson during the late 19th century. It frequently appeared in local newspapers and Grand Court proceedings.

Court Passaic – A Paterson-based court that served members from the city and surrounding Passaic County communities. It was active during the early 1900s.

Court Cavour No. 133 – An Italian-American Foresters of America court organized in Paterson. It became the subject of the landmark New Jersey court case Grand Court of Foresters of America v. Court Cavour No. 133 (1913–1914), making it one of the best-documented Foresters courts in the state. More

These Courts provided:

  • Sick and death benefits to members
  • Life insurance before commercial insurance was common
  • Funeral assistance
  • Social events, parades, picnics, and dances
  • Patriotic observances and civic activities

Membership

The organization was especially popular among:

  • Silk mill workers
  • Locomotive and machine workers
  • Firefighters
  • Police officers
  • Skilled tradesmen

Many Paterson residents belonged to several fraternal organizations at the same time, such as:

  • Foresters of America
  • Odd Fellows
  • Knights of Pythias
  • Improved Order of Red Men
  • Elks
  • Sons of Italy

Meeting Places

Paterson Courts generally met in rented halls rather than owning their own buildings. Meeting locations included:

  • Washington Hall
  • Turn Hall
  • Lyric Hall
  • Odd Fellows Hall
  • Labor Lyceum
  • Other downtown meeting halls on Main Street, Market Street, and Ellison Street.

Newspaper Coverage

The Paterson Morning Call, Paterson Press, and Paterson Evening News frequently published:

  • Installation of officers
  • New member initiations
  • Annual memorial services
  • Excursions
  • Anniversary banquets
  • Obituaries of members