Masonic Material Culture

[Bushrod Carter]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

A brother found this "Masonic War Certificate" while researching a doctor who served with an Illinois regiment. It was issued by the Grand Lodge of IL, AF&AM to serve as a set of credentials for brethern serving in the military. I would imagine that other Grand Lodges did the same thing, but have never seen another example.

Brother Gutzke,

Thanks for sharing that "War Certificate." I have seen a couple others of similar design, but haven't had a chance to get photos of any.

I believe several Grand Lodges printed similar certificates during the war. I can only imagine that it would have come in VERY handy should a Brother have found himself in a rather bad position.

I have also seen copies of similar certificates issued to Brothers joining the armed forces during WWI. They were printed in English, French AND German - all on the same certificate!

[Bushrod Carter]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Here is something that I think everyone will enjoy.

Again, this is a prime example of period Masonic devices being SMALL!

Oh! and you will notice that this is a PIN and NOT a FOB - ala no watch chain.

Unfortunatly, the Brothers name and unit are lost to time.

Please, speak up with what you think.

[Bushrod Carter]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

And, for grins and giggles...

Here is the finished product of the 1790s apron I posted mid-construction on page 21. The first image is the original and the second and third are the latest finished project.

Please let me know what you think.

[TATTOOS1]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Bro Patrick
It is Excellent!, all of your aprons that i have seen are first class I cant wait till its my turn on your list.
pat did you get my last emails concerning Gettysburg nov 08.

bill
1712 Frienship ,
Edinburgh, Scotland.
W S MESS

[Justin Runyon]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Nice,

Bro's Lowe, Adams, and Newly raised Bro. Calloway are in a hotel looking at it now.

[Matt Woodburn]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Pat,

Another masterpiece! Beautiful.

[FlatLandFed]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Makes my ceremonial apron look awfully plain!
Thanks for sharing, Brother. Nicely done.
Paul Hadley, JW, College View 320, AF&AM

P.S. -- Congratulations Brother Paul on seeing the lights. I hope your home Lodge is doing well with its restoration efforts.

[paulcalloway]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Antiock Church Hosp.
Nov. 13th, 1862

Mrs. Hathaway & Family -

I recd a letter from you yesterday the date I think you must have forgoten nevertheless it was gladly received. Dr. Seamore was here this afternoon and I intend to send this by him. I was not taken by surprise to hear of Bro. T.W. death as he continued sick so long I had lost all hopes of him. I would liked to have been with him during his sickness it is a pleasure to be with those we love but death will part us from friends. I see by your letter that some friends could not bear to have me so far away. I have noticed that space makes warm friends and keeps them so.

I would like to have [drawn symbol of a square and compass] to wear. would have mine sent if it was not the last gift from Father. I will get one of the first chance I am in the House with three Masons two I.O.O.F.

....

J.C. Hathaway

The letter continues for several paragraphs which I don't intend to completely transcribe but I thought this Masonic reference would be of interest to many of you.

According to his obituary in the October 25th, 1905 Geauga Republican, John C. Hathaway enlisted as a Sergeant in Co. E, 105th Ohio Volunteers. Born April 6th, 1831 and living 74 years. A farmer before the war, and a California Gold-Miner. He returned from California prior to the war to take care of his father's estate who presumably died while he was in California - a half a world away.

The Masonic symbol his father gave him must have indeed been very special to him.

The war came and went and after returning home again he became a traveling salesman for the remainder of his working days.

[Bushrod Carter]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Here is a pin that just sold on eBay. It was bought from an estate sale and came attached to a "Gettysburg Reunion" ribbon.

With that Civl War "documentation" it sold for more than $160.00!

Still, a nice pin.

[jgr1974]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Had my eye on that one-should have bought it!!!! I am collecting sash buckles at the moment though!!!!

The Mad MIck!!!

[Greg Barnett]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Bro Craddock
I was bidding on that very pin. My max was 150.00. I did buy this one. What are your thoughts.
Cheers

[Justin Runyon]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

I saw that one Greg, nice little pin. Are you IOF as well?

[Greg Barnett]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Justin,
I am not IOF. I would have to say that my eyes have only recently been opened to the Great Lights, so my knowledge is ever-growing.

[Bushrod Carter]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Brother Greg,

Nice pin. The three links at the bottom of the pin represent the I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) as a symble in the same manner that the Square and Compasses represent Freemasons. That type of pin was very popular post Civil War when Fraternalism blossumed in the United States. It was quite common for a man to join BOTH the Masonic Lodge AND the Odd Fellows. The three links represent "Friendship, Love & Truth."

[Greg Barnett]

Re: Masonic Material Culture

Remarkable. The wealth of knowledge on this forum never ceases to amaze me. My thirst for knowledge is never ending. Bro Craddock look out for that phone call!!
For my next query...

How about this apron. I am guessing that it is late 19th century, Junior Warden and not of our period.