SWAMPSCOTT — The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Kearsarge Lodge #217 pledged $10,000 to assist the preservation efforts of the General Glover Farmhouse.
Founded in 2025, Save the Glover!, a nonprofit organization, was established to gather funds to restore the property, according to Historical Commission Chair Nancy Schultz. She noted that Save the Glover! has since raised close to $500,000 in funds and pledges. The nonprofit needs approximately $2,000,000 for the preservation of the farmhouse.
Noble Grand of Kearsarge Lodge #217 Cabot Dodge explained what prompted the lodge to take action.
“I was talking with a neighbor who’s a part of the nonprofit. We asked her to come to our lodge to give us more information and updates on the efforts to save the Glover Farmhouse. One reason is that the Odd Fellowship goes back to the 18th century, and it was formed officially in the beginning of the 1800s,” Dodge said.
Dodge added that the funds were pledged in honor of Glover “Peter” B. Preble, a past member of the organization and a direct descendent of General John Glover.
“With the Glover family, and the history of the Odd Fellowship related to it, we felt it was an integral part of our order, and we wanted to get behind that. We feel strongly that we have a deep connection to history, and that the Glover Farmhouse should be preserved and maintained for future generations because it was part of the founding of our country… We’re excited to be part of the effort to preserve the glover farmhouse; it’s important to preserve history,” he said.
Vice President of Save the Glover! Inc. Ed Nilsson said it was great that the organization stepped up to contribute to the preservation efforts.
“It’s a very appreciated and timely contribution. I think it shows faith in the project and its importance. It’s great that we have public service organizations that show support for the community… The pledge is a great benefit to the Town and the project,” Nilsson said.
Schultz said, “We’re thrilled. It’s such a nice outreach, especially given one of their beloved members was a descendant of General Glover. Preble was so highly thought of, and the fact they made the pledge in his honor is really great… We’re so pleased that members of the community from all different areas are recognizing the importance of saving the farmhouse, especially nearing the 250th birthday of the nation.”
