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1800-1820
Maker not marked
USA: New York, Herkimer County
Watercolor on silk
Frame: 23"h x 19-1/2"w x 1-1/2"d; overall: 18-3/8"h x 15"w
Gift of J. Earl Edick
76.22
Masonic York Rite Royal Arch apron; handpainted; inscribed "Conrad Edick" on flap; two angels holding banners inscribed "Sanctum" and "Sanctorum" around central design of Royal Arch, King and wardens; scene of harvesters on right surrounded by "HTWSSTKS."
Conrad Edick (1763–1845) of German Flats, New York, and a member of Charity Lodge No. 170, owned this apron. Exuberantly decorated, this apron features Masonic symbols, charming figures and fanciful depictions of lodge furnishings. On the right-hand side there is an image of agricultural workers enclosed by the letters “HTWSSTKS.” This image likely represents a symbol that Edick chose for himself as part of the Mark Master degree. Along with other business pursuits, Edick pursued farming. For further information, see Newell, Aimee E., "The Badge of a Freemason," 2015, p. 44-45; and blog post, February 14, 2012 http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2012/02/masonic-apron-mystery-are-these-from-the-same-hand.html