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Original circa-1912 composite photograph mounted to heavy presentation board. The photograph remains attractive and highly readable, with age toning, scattered spotting, light surface wear, minor creasing/waviness and small edge imperfections. The mounting board has substantial age and storage damage, including chipped and missing corners/edges, scratches, abrasions, discoloration and extensive old moisture staining on the reverse. No frame is included. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition.
Description
Offered here is an original antique composite photograph documenting the founding members and officers of:
Progressive Lodge No. 954, A.F. & A.M.
Chicago, Illinois
The photograph records the lodge as:
* Instituted February 23, 1912
* Constituted October 19, 1912
More than 80 individual members are pictured and identified by name. The central section presents the lodge’s original officers, including:
* E. Brooker — Worshipful Master
* F.F. Schaefers — Senior Warden
* W.H. Paterson — Junior Warden
* J. Nichol — Treasurer
* W.C. Kater — Secretary
* H.W. Barnett — Senior Steward
* G.R. Raabe — Senior Deacon
* W.P. Milton — Chaplain
* F.A. Gilbert — Junior Deacon
* F. Van Winkle — Junior Steward
* J.C. Renner — Marshal
* J.W. Mitts — Tyler
The traditional Masonic square-and-compasses emblem appears prominently in the center.
The photograph is credited along the lower edge to:
Gehrig Studio, 1116 W. Madison Street, Chicago
Contemporary Grand Lodge of Illinois records confirm that Progressive Lodge received its dispensation on February 19, 1912, was instituted four days later by District Deputy Grand Master Albert Roullier, and had 82 men sign its petition for a charter. The records recommended that the organization receive its charter as Progressive Lodge No. 954. 1912 Grand Lodge of Illinois proceedings
Approximate measurements:
* Overall mounting board: 19¼ × 16¼ inches
* Photograph: 16¾ × 12½ inches
A scarce, extensively identified piece of early Chicago fraternal history with strong appeal to Masonic collectors, Chicago historians, genealogists and antique photography collectors.
Sold exactly as pictured. The photograph remains attached to its original mounting board and has not been removed or professionally conserved.
Item specifics
* Organization: Freemasonry
* Lodge: Progressive Lodge No. 954
* Year: 1912
* Location: Chicago, Illinois
* Type: Composite Photograph
* Original/Reproduction: Original
* Photographer: Gehrig Studio
* Image Color: Black & White
* Subject: Charter Members and Lodge Officers
* Material: Photograph mounted on board
* Country of Origin: United States
* Antique: Yes
* Theme: Masonic, Fraternal, Chicago History, Genealogy
Keywords
Progressive Lodge 954, Chicago Masonic lodge, Freemason photograph, A.F. & A.M., antique Masonic photo, 1912 Chicago, charter members, Masonic officers, Blue Lodge, square and compass, fraternal organization, lodge composite, genealogy photograph, Gehrig Studio, 1116 West Madison Street, Illinois Freemasonry, antique group portrait, Chicago history, Masonic memorabilia
