User:Lrgriffin3/sandbox

The Actors' Order of Friendship is a benevolent association that was established in 1849. It was disbanded in 1944.

History: It was organized by seven actors who met at the stage door of the Chestnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia in 1849: Joseph Jefferson III; Edward Thompson; David P. Bowers (1823-1857); Leander B. Richardson; Robert Johnstone; Henry Macklin and John Crocker. John A. Ellser, John Weaver (Proprietor of the Walnut Street Theatre), and J. S. Alexander were added to the Order at the following meeting. A second chapter in New York City, known as the Edwin Forrest Lodge was added in 1888.

Organization: Founding Board Officers were: Edward Thompson, President; David P. Bowers, Vice President; Joseph Jefferson III, Secretary; Leander B. Richardson, Assistant Secretary; and John Ellser, Treasurer.

Dissolution: The AOoF was disolved in 1944 by order of the Edwin Forrest Chapter. The Shakespeare Chapter in Philadelphia had dissolved years previously. The seal and the charter of the organization were turned over to the Actor's Fund of America.

Hi I am Leo R. Griffin,

A new wikipedia writer interested in U.S. History and Biography. Particularly history of Western Pennsylvania, Florida and Washington State. More specifically, the Gilded Age, Theatre and Vaudeville, Florida Boom and Florida Citrus. Also interested in the history and biography of under-represented people and groups.