Before the current system of OA Sections began in 1973, OA Lodges belonged to Areas. There were 12 Areas, each corresponding to one of the 12 BSA Regions that existed during that time.
The New York City Lodges, for example, belonged to Area 2-A (and later to 2-J). The number 2 represented Region 2.
You may not know, that prior to the numbered Areas there existed Areas designated by letters (the NYC Lodges belonged to Area C).
Some of the lettered Areas issued patches, slides and neckerchiefs for these conclaves and conferences. These represent some of the earliest known examples of OA memorabilia.
While not from a NYS Lodge, there is one currently on eBay a 1945 Area J Conclave Neckerchief Slide. The bidding on this item started at $ 5.00 and with over two days left (as I post this) the bidding is already over $ 400.00. It will be interesting to see where it ends up.
Among the lettered Areas, pay special attention to “Area Z”. Area Z covered what is roughly now SR-5 (western NC and SC). The conclave for this area has been dubbed the “Dixie Fellowship” for over 50 years now.
Area Z patches are *highly* collectible. Some can sell for thousands of dollars. There is a very strong sense of history and tradition amongst the Arrowmen and collectors in this area.
John,
Agreed the Dixie Fellowship connection adds to the value. The condition of the slide was pretty rough, which I’m sure held the price down.
From observing eBay, I suspect any Dixie Fellowship items particularly from the numbered Area years would be a good pickup if found at a Northern TOR.