SPRING 2016
AASR, VALLEY OF DANVILLE
A.A.S.R. Valley of Danville, 109 W. North Street, Danville, IL 61832
Phone: 217-446-7620 or 1-800-917-2277 Email: [email protected] Website:
aasrdanville.org
Meet the Officers
Thrice Potent Master, Kenton R. Leonard, lives in Mahomet with his wife, Rose. They have 2
daughters: Angela and Christina. They have 2 granddaughters: Sara and Molly. He is a self employed drywaller, carpenter and painter. He spent 13 years with the Cornbelt Fire Protection
District in Mahomet as a fireman and E.M.T.
Kent was raised in Mahomet Lodge #220 in January 2008 where he served as Master in 2013 and
2014. He was appointed DDGM7E in October 2013 and joined the Valley of Danville in November of 2010.
Sovereign Prince, Todd G. Gray, lives in Bridgeport, Illinois where he grew up. Todd and his
wife, Becky, have three sons: Gabriel, Quinn and Michael. He is the owner of Gray’s, which he
has owned for 30 years and his family has owned for 70 years.
Todd coached football in the Red Hill school system for 20 years and coached baseball in
Bridgeport and Red Hill for 30 years. He is a member of the Lawrence County Country Club
where he has served as a board member. Todd has attended Bridgeport United Methodist
church where he has been a trustee and president of Methodist men among other committees.
Todd is a member of the Elks and Moose Lodge, Bridgeport Lodge #386, Bridgeport York Rite, Southern Illinois
York Rite College No. 33 and Scottish Rite Valley of Danville.
Most Wise Master, Joseph W. Dunbar, graduated from Oakwood High School in 1989. After
high school, he joined the US Navy as a Jet Mechanic. After returning home from the service, he
went to Carpentry Apprenticeship School for 4 years, and now has 24 years in the Union Carpentry Trade.
Joe started is Masonic journey in November of 2006 and was raised a Master Mason in January of
2007. In the Spring of 2007, he joined Scottish Rite, where he was president of his class. He is a
current member of Olive Branch Lodge #38. He has been a member of the Gao Grotto since
November of 2003. He is the Chairman of the Annual Labor Day Breakfast held at the Masonic
Center. He is affiliated with Bowman United Methodist Church in Danville, IL. Joe is looking forward to his son,
Austin joining him as a 4th Generation Mason soon after his 18th birthday in May of 2016.
Joe is an outdoors man. He enjoys hunting, fishing and mushrooming. He spends his quality time with Kim, his
wife of 19 years, their children and 3 grandchildren.
Commander-in-Chief, Charles H. Felkamp, Jr., lives in his hometown of Casey, IL with the
love of his life, Loretta. They have 6 children and 15 grandchildren between them. He is semiretired.
Chuck is the Past Master of Casey Loge #442. He joined the Valley of Danville in the Fall of 1987.
He is a Past Most Wise Master of the George E. Burow Chapter of Rose Croix and has served as a
Valley Board member. He is a member of Bridgeport York Rite in Bridgeport, IL, a Member of
Wabash Valley Council of Allied Masonic Degrees in Albion, IL.
He served on Casey-Westfield School Board for two terms, served as Trustee for Palestine Presbyterian Church
in Palestine, IL and was a Den Leader and Pack Leader for Cub Scouts in Casey, IL.
AASR, VALLEY OF DANVILLE
Page 2
Building Progress
A great deal has happened with the
building since the last Valley Echoes
and much more is in the works. The
exterior walls have been sealed and
other exterior upgrades are being
planned to ensure the integrity of our
Temple Building as we enter the second
century of its existence. Yes we recently celebrated our 100th Anniversary on
April 26, 2016.
load test; the fire suppression system in
the kitchen has been upgraded to today’s standards; the beacon on the
front of the building is operational again
after many years, and some major projects are in the works. A handicap ramp
was installed across the front of the
building thus making all three entrance
doors accessible. (See photo). We
have entered into an agreement with
Verizon to install cellular antennas on
The elevator recently passed the 5 year the roof which will bring in some much
needed revenue. We are in the preliminary planning stages of updating our
downstairs restroom situation to better
accommodate future rentals and
events, while at the same time keeping
the Learning Center secure. And finally
we are investigating options to replace
our aging roof.
All planned repairs and renovations
can’t happen without your help and support. For those who have contributed
please accept our heartfelt thanks. If
you would like to contribute donations
may be made to: AASR Valley of Danville, 109 W. North Street, Danville, IL
61832. Please note: “Building Project
Fund” on your check. You may, also,
make donations using your credit card
by calling the Valley Office at 217-4467620 or 1-800-917-2277.
Have you thought about joining the “32
Club” as a way to make your contribution? See accompanying story for more
details.
Fraternally,
Michael Puhr, Building Committee
Chairman
The 32 Club - By our Members, For our Members, For our Future
Approximately one year ago we launched “The 32 Club” as a way to secure funds for some major building
projects and repairs on the Masonic Temple. Unfortunately the response was dismal to say the least with
less than 1% our membership participating. However we have not given up on the idea and are again reintroducing the program.
The concept is simple. A member pledges $.32 (32 cents) per day which is $116.80 per year to be a member. All proceeds go to the building fund for maintenance and repairs. It can be paid monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually or annually. Payments may be made by mailing in a check, dropping by the office, or by calling the Valley Office to set up automatic credit card payments.
What you get in return is the satisfaction of knowing you contributed in a small way to the preservation of
our historic home for the last 100 years. Won’t you please consider joining this worthy cause?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name____________________________________________Phone____________________
Address____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_____________________________________________________________________
Payment Preference: Monthly_____Quarterly_________Semi-Annual______Annual_______
Signature______________________________________Date____/______/_______
VALLEY ECHOES
100 for 100th
Brethren – With our Spring Reunion 2016
now behind us and the month of April; we
have passed another significant milestone
in our Valley of Danville’s rich history. I am
speaking of the centennial year and month
of our Temple building and current location.
We will continue celebrating this centennial
year of our fraternal home, steeped in rich
history, memories, traditions and of significance to us all through 2016. The Spring
Reunion this year was named ‘’Clinton L.
Sandusky 33° Centennial Anniversary
Class”…a name very synonymous with our
Valley , its early growth and was the Commander in Chief of the Consistory when they
opened the doors at 109 West North Street
in Danville, Illinois.
Thinking of the historical significance of our
Valley building in Danville, not only to our
gentle craft and fraternity, the Members it
has served and continues to serve… but
also to our community as a whole and to the
region of East Central Illinois.
In looking back -100- years ago, in 1916…
Woodrow Wilson was President , the Chicago Cubs played their first game at Weeghaman Park now known as Wrigley Field
that year and the Valley of Danville – AASR
opened the doors to a brand new Temple
building and location. What an exciting time
that must have been and the confidence
those Members and Valley leaders had, not
only in themselves as Masons and as a
relatively new Scottish Rite Valley of the
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction… but also in
the confidence they had in being good men
who wanted to diligently build up and promote a good solid Masonic appendant fraternity to serve its Valley membership, that
furthers Masonry, the community and last
for years to come.
I am sure many of you who have been
around the Temple building over the years,
especially up on the second & third floor
have seen the pictures of significant events
and looked through the pictures of Reunion
Classes these many years gone by. All
good men, our fraternal Brothers, Master
Masons who had joined and have participated in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, who
contributed, helped to create and further the
Valley of Danville over the years. Brothers
whose broad shoulders we now stand on
proudly as we make our own personal
advancement and collective contributions in
and for the fraternity.
Thinking of that…wouldn’t it be great to
have Classes like that once again and to fill
our Preceptory at Reunion time? I for one
continue to think we can if we all work
together, especially in this significant year.
Call me an optimist Brothers … I really think
working together we can continue to strive
for 100 Candidates for our 100th building
year. Given the sheer geographic size of
our Valley…very attainable if we all work
together in our respective geographic areas.
There will be many opportunities yet this
year to do so.
Our own ongoing internal research at the
Valley continues to tell us there are many
Brother Master Masons within the theoretical borders of our Valley, in good standing
with their home Blue Lodge that for whatever reason have no affiliation nor membership with Scottish Rite, the Valley of Danville
in particular or another Valley besides ours.
I for one continue to be amazed at the
numbers presented and within our large
geographic area. As I travel throughout the
Valley…I see current Masons and our new
Masons looking for more, to belong, participate & to learn. Thinking of how vast the
Valley of Danville theoretical boundaries
are, north to south and east to west, the
number of Blue Lodges contained within
that area we might serve, one can only
assume from this ongoing research information there are many other Brother Master
Masons, for whatever reason, have not yet
been introduced to the Scottish Rite Experience of Masonry.
Now, we do know that there is no higher
Degree than that of a Master Mason.
However, the Scottish Rite of Masonry offers, through the Degrees and opportunity,
an enrichment of the tenets, principals and
philosophy of Freemasonry found in the
Symbolic Lodge and a widened fellowship.
It is what a Brother from the Valley of Chicago coined the phrase at a meeting I had
attended a while back saying … “Scottish
Rite is the College of Freemasonry’’.
With that said …I would respectfully ask
again…is there a Brother Master Mason you
may know who has not enjoyed the honor
and fellowship of the Scottish Rite Experience and in becoming a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason? If you are like me Brother…that answer is yes. Thinking of all of
our current Scottish Rite Members throughout our Valley of Danville and if together we
all asked just one to consider petitioning,
our membership would double. A very
simplistic concept to be sure…but if we all
shared with just one Masonic Brother in
Lodge or we may know …it soon becomes a
reality. It may just start with a single friendly
conversation with a Brother Master Mason
and friend you know well and it goes from
there. Introducing Scottish Rite Membership and the brotherly support of our current
Scottish Rite Members is everyone’s
opportunity.
Let us also continue to reach out to our
newest Members, our existing Members,
perhaps those we have not seen in a while
to check on them and invite them back to
our special events, degree opportunities
and our Reunions in Danville. I would
venture to guess that many of us see these
brethren on a regular basis…so why not
inquire. In this day and age of electronic
communications, social media, internet, “E”
mail , cell-phones and seemingly instantaneous connections …unlike our brethren of
1916…all is required is the effort and costs
virtually nothing…but can produce a won-
derful result and to reconnect with our fraternal Brothers and friends. We are seeing
this in our ‘Brother to Brother’ contacts
program, our wellness check so to speak,
with many Brothers and families very grateful for the contact.
I am respectfully asking of you my Scottish
Rite Brothers for the favor of your review
and consideration to help share the Scottish
Rite Experience in building and encouraging
the membership while extending sincere
fellowship in the one of the finest Valleys of
the AASR Northern Masonic Jurisdiction ;
the Valley of Danville. Your valued assistance is needed. We, as Scottish Rite Masons do have a lot to offer, specifically in our
Valley of Danville with 100 plus years of
heritage and counting. Share with others
what you have enjoyed and experienced as
a Member of the Valley of Danville-AASR.
Petitions can be obtained and downloaded
from our Valley of Danville web-site and
available on our official Facebook site as
well. Feel free to make clear legible copies
of both sides of the petitions as needed. If
you have questions or need to request additional petitions, pamphlets or any information regarding petitioning and fees ; you
may contact your Valley Ambassador in
your Lodge , the Valley of Danville office by
“E” mail [email protected] or by
calling (217) 446-7620 or 800- 917-2277.
Our web-page www.aasrdanville.org If I
can be of any assistance please contact me
@ [email protected] . We are here to help
and to work together.
As an added benefit in our building centennial year…the Valley of Danville has available to Members a commemorative coin for
purchase with a very good likeness of the
building and inscription and on the back the
double-head Eagle. These make great gifts,
keepsakes and are being made available to
new candidates on completion of their 32nd
Degree as a gift to them.
Let us all renew our own confidence and our
support of each other. Let us all work together in continuing to share our Scottish
Rite Experience with our Brother Master
Masons. Let us all be encouraging and
attentive of our existing Scottish Rite Members and to make this, our building centennial year, one they will talk about for years to
come.
Fraternally,
Michael J. Dooley, 32°
Membership Chairman/
Valley of Danville-AASR
Watch For Upcoming
Degree Opportunities, Valley Events and
Information On
National Scottish Rite Day
November 12, 2016 -In Danville
AASR, VALLEY OF DANVILLE
Page 4
MSA Nominees
Graham Houser, Past Most
Wise Master of the George E.
Burrow Chapter of Rose Croix
and former Chairman of the
Board for the Valley of Danville was born and raised in
Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He was
educated in the Ft. Wayne community schools
followed by Purdue University, Parkland College, and American Sentinel University. Graham’s career path has taken several turns
after beginning in the fast food industry like
many teenagers, then moving into management as time went on. After leaving that industry Graham became a director for the
world’s largest BMX sanctioning body, then on
to purchasing in the plastics industry, computer retail, a buyer for food a distributor, programming of computer courseware for the
military and others, educational software support at Pearson, a help center supervisor for
Walgreen’s, computer programming at a nuclear plant, and now access control for Department of Housing at the University of Illinois as an IT Technical Associate.
Guardian Council for Bethel No. 104 International Order of Jobs Daughters, an advisor for
Acacia Chapter Order of DeMolay, Betsy
Ross Chapter No. 30 Sword of Bunker Hill,
Honorary Medical Mason upon receiving the
Mortar and Pestle Degree, Hope Chapter No.
104 Order of Eastern Star, Champaign Chapter No. 50 R.A.M., Urbana Council No. 19
Cryptic Masons, Urbana Commandery No. 16
A few years later a move took Graham to
Knights Templar, more than 6 years on the
Phoenix, Az. where he became a plural mem- Masonic Awareness Committee as their Webber of Paradise Valley Lodge #62. That same master for the Valley of Danville, over 10
lodge later merged with another and he beyears on the Ancient Craft Degree Team for
came both a charter member and life member the Valley, and several years on the Family
of Paradise Valley-Silver Trowel Lodge No. 29 Life Committee. He has taken an active part
F. & A. M. Ten years later his life path saw a in more than 18 of the 29 degrees of the Anmove to Champaign, IL where Graham joined cient Accepted Scottish Rite and has been an
Urbana Lodge No. 157 A. F. & A. M. and be- assistant director for several of those for many
came a life member; serving through the
years. There was even time spent during a
many offices on his way to becoming Worfew reunions and a couple special events
shipful Master in 1999-2000. Graham presworking both lights and sound, or being a
ently serves that lodge as a Director at Large photographer.
for the Ruth Hayward Masonic Fund which he
has done for more than fifteen years, including Although this article may seem verbose it still
a year as Chairman.
does not list all the accomplishments Graham
has seen during his tenure as a Freemason,
Further work over his 37 years as a Freema- but it is intended to serve as an example of
Graham began his Masonic journey as a
son has included over 6 years on the Internet what a large and important part of his life it
member of Maumee Lodge No. 725 in Ft.
Wayne, Indiana where he and his older broth- Committee and Masonic Awareness Commit- truly is. Nothing is dearer to him than his life
tees for the Grand Lodge of Illinois A. F. & A. in the craft with all his Brethren and their famier were raised on April 25, 1979. On that
night the two brother-brothers became at least M., several years as an active member of the lies.
James (Jim) D. Beebe was
born at Lakeview Hospital in
Danville, Jim grew up on the
family farm in rural Cissna
Park, the son of Joe and
Mildred Beebe. He graduated
from CPHS, where he was
active in music, church, 4-H
and FFA. During that time he was a member
of L.L. Lockard Chapter of DeMolay. He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a
degree in Music Education. While in college,
Jim was a member of ACACIA Fraternity
(founded by Masons) and also participated in
Bloomington Scottish Rite’s “American Passion Play.” He and his wife Joy continued
their work with the Passion Play for several
years after graduating. Originally a member
of the Cissna Park Masonic Lodge, he is
currently a life member of the Watseka Masonic Lodge and a 50 year member of the
the fifth generation of Freemasons in their
family. That same year he was created a 32nd
Degree Scottish Rite Freemason and Sublime
Prince of the Royal Secret in the Valley of Ft.
Wayne, followed soon after by becoming a
member of the Ancient Arabic Order of the
Nobels of the Mystic Shrine at Mizpah Temple.
Valley of Danville Scottish Rite.
Danville Syphony’s first locally staged opera
HANSEL AND GRETAL. Sunshine ProducJim also holds a Masters Degree in Music
tions, DLO and the Symphony were again
Education from the University of Illinois. He
brought together for a special production of
completed additional work in music, theatre
MAN OF LAMANCHA under Jim’s direction
and English from Milikin University, Illinois
and supervision. Again with the Danville
State University and Vandercook. He has
Symphony, he directed the community protaught in Mazon, Gilman/Danforth, Ridgefarm
duction of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
and Danvile school Districts.
A member of Danville Elks Lodge #332, Jim
Besides his 25 years with “Sunshine Producis a Past Exalted Ruler, Past Secretary, Past
tion” in Danville, Jim has directed for Danville
District Deputy for the Grand Lodge and is
Light Opera and Red Mask Players. He was
currently chairman of the local Coats-4-Kids
responsible for bringing Danville Scottish Rite
program. He is a past Secretary of the Dantogether with DLO for the Bi-Centennial proville Noon Kiwanis Club.
duction of “1776.”Jim is a past organist and
choir director for the Valley of Danville and
Jim and his wife, Joy have been married 54
has directed 3 of the Valley’s Christmas
years and have lived in Danville the past 44
plays. While teaching in Ridgefarm, he
years. The couple have 2 children, Danielle
worked on one of the “new” vignette degrees (Scott) Wetle of Glen Ellyn and Stephen
with members of the Ridgefarm Lodge. He
(Gayle) Beebe of New Palestine, IN. They
served as the Artistic Director/Producer of the are blessed with 5 grandchildren.
Brother Houser and Brother Beebe will receive their MSA’s (Masonic Service Awards) on June 25, 2016 at the Illinois Council
of Deliberation in Springfield, Illinois. The MSA may be conferred upon members of the Scottish Rite in this jurisdiction who
have attained the 32nd Degree and who, by reason of meritorious service of a Masonic character, are deemed worthy of such
recognition. The award is determined by each Scottish Rite Valley and presented through the Illinois Council of Deliberation.
VALLEY ECHOES
Page 5
Upcoming Events
Valley of Danville Picnic
Saturday, July 16, 2016
12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
McFerren Park, Hoopeston, IL
Jaycee’s Pavilion
RSVP by July 13, 2016. Bring Lawn
chairs and a side dish to share. Public
Valley of Danville
Traveling Board
Meeting
Wednesday, August 10,
2016
7:00 p.m.
Casey Lodge #442
105 E. Main, Casey, IL 62420
Members only. 4th Degree DVD will be
shown if any candidates are present.
Newton Degree Day and
Feast of Tishri
Saturday, August 13,
2016
Candidate Registration
will be at 11:30.
Ricky Casteel’s Farm - 14395 E.
1500th Ave, Newton, IL 62448
RSVP by August 10, 2016. The 4th Degree DVD, 7th and 24th Degrees will be
presented. Feast of Tishri will be at
noon. Public is welcome to attend the
Feast.
Bridgeport Degree Day
Thursday, August 25,
2016
6:00 p.m.
Bridgeport Lodge #386
201 Washington St., Bridgeport,
IL 62417
Members and Candidates only. 4th
Degree DVD, 12th Degree DVD, 9th Degree Presentation
Tuscola Degree Day
Saturday, September
10, 2016
9:00 a.m.
Tuscola Lodge # 332
105 1/2 Main, Tuscola, IL 61953
Members and Candidates only. 4th Degree DVD, 22nd Degree Presentation.
Coffee and Donuts will be served.
Mahomet Degree Day
Saturday, September
24, 2016
9:00 a.m.
Mahomet Lodge #220
410 E. Main, Mahomet, IL 61853
Members and Candidates only. 4th Degree DVD, 28th Degree Presentation.
Coffee and Donuts will be served.
Danville Degree Day
Saturday, October 29,
2016 Candidate Registration 8:00 a.m.
Masonic Center, 109 W. North,
Danville, IL 61832
Members and Candidates Only.
4th Degree DVD, 14th Degree, 15th
Degree, 18th Degree. There will be a
light lunch.
Scottish Rite Day
Saturday, November
12, 2016 Candidate
Registration at 11:00
a.m.
Masonic Center, 109 W.
North, Danville, IL 61832
Members and Ladies encouraged to
attend. Light Lunch at Noon. There
will be a presentation of the 32nd
Degree and Activities for Ladies
followed by a nice dinner and
entertainment.
Candidates fees are $200.00 plus $90.00 dues current until July 1, 2017 are required before the 4th Degree is taken. ALL candidates must start by witnessing the 4th Degree, witness 3 other core Degrees and finish up with
the 32nd Degree to become a Scottish Rite Mason.
On Nov. 12, 2016, Valleys, Orients and Councils of Deliberations from both the Northern Masonic and Southern Jurisdictions will come together to celebrate the Scottish
Rite. It is the first time the fraternity has held such a nationwide day of honor.
We are asking that everyone in both jurisdictions commemorate Scottish Rite Day. Our hope is that you see it as
a chance to enjoy a fun, memorable occasion where you
can reach out to and connect with your Brothers.
Scottish Rite Day is meant to be an enjoyable, inspirational, and meaningful experience for our members. The
event will also accord the 32° the recognition and prestige it deserves.
A handsome, new jewel or medallion is being commissioned. It is similar to the picture above. They will
be available in November 2016, to all who have been made a Scottish Rite Mason. In the NMJ, each candidate receiving his 32° during 2016, will be presented this commemorative jewel free of charge; others
may purchase this one-of-a-kind jewel for $25. The jewel can be pre-ordered at srnmj.org, and the medallion will be available to pre-order soon.
AASR, VALLEY OF DANVILLE
Page 6
Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant
Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we remember the Valley Leaders we have lost in the past few
years.
Ill.·. John W. Deck, 33°
12/29/1933 - 1/30/2014
Received 33° in 1995
Ill.·. George L. Randall, 33°
3/11/1936 - 1/20/2014
Received 33° in 1980
Ill.·. Harold R. Greer, 33°
5/28/1929 - 2/21/2015
Received 33° in 1975
Gene L. Quick, MSA
01/04/1932 - 03/10/2016
Received MSA in 1999
Harry F. Muller, Jr., MSA
06/08/1925 - 10/21/2014
Received MSA in 1989
Ill.·. Robert L. Blacketer, 33° Ill.·. Robert E. Ford, 33°
7/31/1934 - 4/19/2015
2/8/1930 - 5/31/2015
Received 33° in 2009
Received 33° in 1991
Francis W. Bariether, MSA
04/01/1934 - 1/17/2015
Received MSA in 1985
James E. Pierce, MSA
7/7/1932 - 12/1/2015
Received MSA in 2005
Ill.·. Walter E. Thiede, 33°
07/08/1932 - 05/15/2016
Received 33° in 1983
Listed below are Brothers reported January 1 to March 31, 2016 who have been summoned to join the
Great Architect of the Universe.
Louis W. Blary
Clark D. Bolser
James O. Bradbury
Thomas E. Brazzell
Roger W. Brown
William F. Buehler
Robert C. Boyd
Dale L. Carico
Craig M. Chambers
Howard E. Cheeseman
William R. Cook
Russell W. Davis
Victor M. Elbert
Richard A. Ewbank
James W. Franks
Frank D. Grant
Carl E. House
Gerald L. Kimmel
George F. Kropp
Greggory R. Letner
Julian S. Lorenz
James R. Mazzuchi
Thomas E McDaniel
Richard C. Newlin
William E. Pierson
Gene L. Quick, MSA
Jon L. Rayls
Robert C. Sergent
Daniel L. Shaffer
Harry C. Sydes
Walter E. Thiede, 33°
Max R. Wait
William E. Wayland
Oran H. Wiseman
Dan J. Woolever
VALLEY ECHOES
Freemasons in Stereo by Ymelda Rivera Laxton, Assistant
Curator, Scottish Rite Museum, Lexington, MA
The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum &
Library has over 50 Masonic and
fraternal stereocards in our photograph collection. Stereocards, also
known as stereoviews or stereographic views, are comprised of two
identical photographic prints mounted on card stock. They are viewed
through a stereoscope in order to
produce a three-dimensional image.
One highlight from our collection
depicts Freemasons at the Acropolis
ed the H.C. White Company in New
York City in 1870. Hawley, a former
spectacle lens manufacturer, moved
the company to Bennington, Vermont, in 1874. The company was the
primary producer of stereographs
and stereoviews in the United States
in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
H.C. White Co. was well known for
their “Travel Tour” collections featuring stereoview book sets featuring travel adventures from around
Page 7
lis? There is a record of Masons
providing financial relief efforts to
Greece after a devastating earthquake in 1894. There are also photographs of Greek Masons gathering
at the Acropolis during the Greco
Turkish War (1919-1922), also referred to as the Asia Minor Catastrophe or Western Front of the Turkish
War of Independence. The time
frame of these two events does not
correspond with the date the card
Masons at the Acropolis, Athens, Greece, 1899-1915, H.C. White Co., Bennington, VT, Gift of Michael
T. Heitke, Collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, 2013.036.69.
in Athens. The intriguing stereocard,
titled “Masons at the Acropolis, Athens,” shows forty men standing in
front of the ruins of the Acropolis.
Each man in the photograph has a
number on his suit and wears a
white apron. Who are these Freemasons? What year was this photograph taken? We are in the process
of researching these questions and
have found some information to help
in identify the date.
A maker’s stamp on the card reads
“H.C. White Company / Burlington,
VT / The Artisque Coleur Stereograph /Patented April 14, 1903.”
Hawley C. White (1848-1925) creat-
the world. White used original negatives specifically photographed for
the company between 1899 and
1901 to print the company’s first stereoviews.
White retired in 1915, as stereoviews began to decline in popularity. He sold his negative stock to Keystone Publishing and began manufacturing and selling “Kiddie Kars,”
a popular children’s tricycle. This
information helps us date the stereocard between 1899 and 1915. The
title of the stereocard does not appear to be original to the card, so,
who were these Masons and why
were they gathered at the Acropo-
was created and we don’t believe
this image is related to either event.
The Supreme Council of Greece participated in the 1907 International
Conference of Supreme Councils in
Brussels, Belgium. There is a possibility this mystery Masonic group
was related to that conference.
We are calling all history enthusiasts
to help us further identify this photograph. Email Ymelda Rivera Laxton,
Assistant Curator, at [email protected], with information or
ideas. To see more images from our
Stereocard collection, please visit
our Museum Flickr page at: https://
www.flickr.com/photos/
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite
Valley of Danville
PO Box 693
Danville, IL 61834
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 538
Forwarding Service Requested
DANVILLE, IL.
Phone: 555-555-5555
Valley Coin
Have you purchased your 100 Year Anniversary Coin? These commemorative coins are a
great keepsake.
Look for these at Valley
Events. You can also get coins by calling the
office at 217-446-7620 and paying a small
shipping fee.
Qty
Bagged
In a Hard
Case
1
$7.00
$8.00
2
$13.00
$15.00
3
$18.00
$21.00
4
$23.00
$25.00
5
$25.00
$28.00
Raffle Winners
Congratulations to the Learning Center Raffle
Winners:
First Prize - Harry C. Kuchenbrod, 33° Pensacola, FL
Second Prize - Paul F. Noerenberg, 33° Tolono, IL
Third Prize - Dianna Kirk Catlin, IL
Congratulations also to the F.A.V.O.R. Golf
Raffle Winners Ron and Connie Kotopish