Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & LibraryObjects
1886-1915
Locke, Robinson, 1856-1920
USA: Ohio, Toledo
Ink on paper
15" x 11"; 39 x 28 cm.; 1 item (26 pages)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harold G. Zulalian
A77/007/003
A scrapbook attributed to Robinson Locke (1856-1920), the owner, editor, and theatre critic for the Toledo Blade, a Toledo, Ohio, newspaper. The scrapbook spans the years 1886-1915 and features invitations, newspaper clippings, correspondence, artwork, and Christmas cards written to and by Robinson Locke. Robinson Locke was the son of Martha Bodine Locke (1833-1919) and David Ross Locke (1833-1888), a famous Civil War newspaperman and the owner of the Toledo Blade. Upon the death of his father in 1888, Locke took over the newspaper and served as both its editor and theater critic, writing under the pen name of Rodney Lee. Locke married twice: in 1886 to Kate King (1861-1894) and again in 1909 to Mabel Dixey, a former actress. In addition to his work as a newspaperman, in 1883, Locke, a prominent Republican, was appointed by President Chester Arthur as the United States Consul at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, a position he held until 1885. Robinson Locke was made a Mason during his time Newcastle-on-Tyne, and upon his return to the United States, Locke joined Sanford L. Collins Lodge, No. 396 (Toledo, Ohio). Among his many positions in the Fraternity, Locke served as the Grand Secretary of the Ohio Council of Deliberation, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; the Trustee of the Ohio Masonic Home (Springfield, Ohio); and as the Marshal of the Camp to the Supreme Council, Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. RELATED TO: Robinson Locke Collection, New York Public Library Archives and Manuscript Division; Robinson Locke Collection, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum; Robinson Locke Papers, Bowling Green State University Libraries.