Monday Morning Coffee: Reading The Game

Sport announcers often speak of athletes that are able to Read The Game.  They understand in a moment of chaos, what is happening, are able to rise above it and reach a successful solution. 

This individual ability is not limited to athletics, think of folks in politics, stock markets and news reporters to suggest a few. 

Consider a recent journey to Farmland, Indiana.     

Now Farmland, platted in 1852 when the railroad was extended to that point and incorporated as a town in 1867, is these days a annually declining town in Randolph County, Indiana with a 2024 population of 1,246.

    Farmland, Indiana.

Initially attracted to the architectural 1887 white facade center building with its carefully crafted and constructed details.  Additionally, it is not the usual red local brick as found in the two book-end buildings. 

Would have been easy to have settled for a simple direct presentation of it but in Reading the entire group became curious abut the book-ends. 

The Pizza Hut on the right is housed in what was originally the Farmland Opera House that served the public as a venue for local and imported theater productions, political gatherings, church fundraisers, and civic meetings.  No surprise as such Opera Houses are rather common across the Midwest.

No what caught my attention was the structure on the left, engraved with the letters I.O.R.M.

O.K. - After visually isolating and photographing the white building, stepped back, composed, and photographed the entire trio.

Returning home, after a bit of research, discovered the Improved Order of Red Men aka IORM, is a non-profit fraternal organization devoted to inspiring a greater love for the United States of America and the principles of American liberty. Along with a women's auxiliary, the Degree of Pocahontas, they support various charitable, youth, and educational programs. 

Historically, the group was made up of members from the Sons of Liberty and Sons of St. Tamia, which were patriotic groups that split because of differences. 

In 1834 they began using the name Improved Order of Red Men, had a peak membership of over half million in 1920 but that dwindled to around 15,000 by 2011.

Interesting, would appear that group would fit right into today's political landscape.

Finally, as a documentary photographer, it is most important to Read The Game and select a successful and more meaning solution.

All writing and images © Richard W. Rodgers unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.