The Downsville Odd Fellows Lodge is an interesting, two-story free-standing building which exhibits elements of the Romanesque Revival style. The building's imposing appearance is enhanced by the use of locally quarried rough-faced sandstone blocks and a large Romanesque arch, which is centered on the main façade. The roof parapet has an arched center which features a cartouche carved with the construction date of 1908.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a benevolent fraternal society that rose in popularity in America during the 1820s. They were a vehicle for social interaction as well as providing financial assistance to its members and families in times of need. The occupations of the men of the Downsville, Wisconsin area were dangerous ones. Many worked for logging companies, some worked in the sandstone quarries, while others cleared and farmed the land. One accident could doom a family to a life of poverty.

The Independent Order Odd Fellow’s objective was to provide assistance to its members in times of sickness or distress by helping them to get back on their feet. This helping hand was extended to members, their families and close relatives. In the case of death, widows and orphans were taken care of. These practices provided a valuable service during a time before the existence of public welfare or medical disability. Organizations such as the Odd Fellows were the precursor to health and life insurance companies.

The Independent Order of the Odd Fellows is sometimes referred to as the “Three Link Fraternity”. Many Odd Fellow Lodges are adorned with the fraternal symbolism of three links of chain connected together, as is the case with Downsville Lodge No. 196 I. O. O. F. In some instances the center of a link will contain the letters F – L – T which stand for Friendship, Love, Truth.