Membership and Administrative Records of the German Druid Order – Lodge ‘Zur Gerechtigkeit’, Prenzlau (1906–1933) (Irving File 4A)

This volume comprises administrative and membership documentation from the Loge zur Gerechtigkeit (Lodge “To Justice”) of the German Druid Order (Deutscher Druidenorden, V.A.O.D.), located in Prenzlau, Germany. The material spans the period from 1906 to 1933, and reflects the lodge’s operations during the late German Empire, Weimar Republic, and early Nazi period.

The contents include:

• Alphabetical membership rolls with full names, addresses, birthdates, and professions
• Initiation records showing entry dates and ranks within the order
• Membership applications detailing personal background, professions, health declarations, and statements of loyalty to the lodge’s statutes and secrecy obligations
• Correspondence between members, lodge leadership, and the grand lodge regarding:
  • Acceptance or rejection of candidates
  • Resignations and expulsions
  • Political affiliations (notably with the NSDAP)
  • Internal disciplinary matters
• Abgangs-Karten (Exit Cards) confirming formal resignations from the order, often accompanied by justification letters
• Meeting announcements and notices concerning organizational changes
• Printed forms and official templates, many bearing the official seals and titles of the lodge and order

Several documents are accompanied by personal annotations, signatures, and internal notes of investigation or recommendation. The later entries increasingly reflect the tensions between the Druid Order and the National Socialist regime, with members resigning due to political affiliations or external pressure.

Disclaimer

Historical Document – Sensitive Content Notice

This document is a historical record created by the Deutscher Druidenorden (V.A.O.D.), specifically the Loge zur Gerechtigkeit in Prenzlau, and spans the years 1906 to 1933. It includes personal information, political affiliations, and institutional correspondence related to membership in a fraternal organization operating in Germany before and during the rise of the National Socialist regime.

Please be advised that:

• Historical Terminology and Beliefs: Some language, organizational structures, and stated beliefs in this document reflect the social norms, political ideologies, and discriminatory attitudes of the time. These do not align with modern values and may be offensive to contemporary readers.
• References to the NSDAP and Related Affiliations: Several entries refer to interactions with, or withdrawals from, the lodge in response to political alignment with the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP). These references are included for historical accuracy but do not imply endorsement.
• Privacy Considerations: While the individuals named were historical members, and the material is over 90 years old, users are encouraged to treat personal data with sensitivity and scholarly integrity.
• Fraternal Organizations and Secret Societies: This document references rituals, oaths, and confidentiality typical of secret societies or fraternal orders. These aspects are preserved for historical completeness and research purposes.

This material is presented solely for historical research, documentation, and educational use. It should be interpreted within its appropriate historical context.

Condition Note

The document is in overall fair to good condition, with the following characteristics:

• Paper Quality: The pages are predominantly intact, though some exhibit brittleness, discoloration, and minor edge wear, consistent with natural aging of early 20th-century paper stock. Occasional foxing and fading are present, particularly near page edges and folds.

• Ink and Legibility: Typed and printed text remains legible throughout. Handwritten entries, many in Kurrent or Sütterlin script, vary in clarity depending on ink density and author. Some entries are faded or smudged but remain decipherable with paleographic expertise.

• Binding: The volume appears to have been bound or compiled, possibly later in its archival life. The binding is functional but shows moderate stress along the spine. Some leaves are loose or partially detached, requiring careful handling.

• Annotations and Additions: Several pages feature contemporary handwritten annotations, signatures, and stamps. These add significant evidential value but may require magnification or enhanced scanning for digital access.