The Society in Dedham for Apprehending Horse Thieves
The Society in Dedham for Apprehending Horse Thieves is one of the "oldest continually existing horse thief apprehending organization in the United States, and one of Dedham's most venerable social organizations."[ 1] [ 2] [ 3] Since its founding there have been more than 10,000 members including heads of state, Supreme Court justices, governors, popes, professors, generals, and other notables.[ 4] [ 5]
At one time membership of the "ancient and well known society"[ 6] was limited to "the pillars of society" and the "very flower and pick of the vigor, manhood and rising youth of the vicinity."[ 7] It has also been said that "for sheer whimsy, the Society... is without peer."[ 4] Today it is a tax exempt non-profit social organization[ 8] that continues to meet "just in case."[ 9]
At the turn of the 19th century the citizens of Dedham, Massachusetts came together to combat the rash of horse theft that was afflicting their community. Similar societies were also created in Brookline, Roxbury, Newton, Milton, Needham, Medfield, and Milford.[ 10]
