130 years ago--not-so- "secret societies"

I don't know how they could have been called "secret societies" when they were advertising their meetings on the front page of the newspaper, such as in the Edmonton Bulletin, March 2, 1893. If you can't read the small print, the ads for the secret societies read as follows:

SECRET SOCIETIES.

A.F. & A.M., Edmonton Lodge. Regular meeting, third Friday in each month, in Masonic Hall, at 7,30 o'clock, p.m. Visiting brethren cordially invited. R.B. FERGUSON, Secretary; C.W. SUTTER, W.M.

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. Meetings 2nd and 4th Friday in each month in Masonic Hall. All visiting brethren cordially invited.

A.O.F. COURT BEAVER HOUSE, 7866. Meetings in Masonic Hall first and third Wednesday's of each month. Visiting brethren cordially invited. W.B. STENNATT, C.R. J.R. MICHAEL, Secretary