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Bottle of Corn
1825; bottle ca. 1857
Maker not marked
USA: Massachusetts
Glass, corn kernels, paper, ink
Overall: 2-1/2"h x 3/4"w x 3/4"d
Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
GL2004.6546

Clear glass vial with stopper containing several corn kernels. A handwritten label is attached to the vial and reads, "Corn used at the Dedication of the Statue of Gen. Joseph Warren and part of that used at laying of the cornerstone of the Monument. 1825. W.H.L. Smith." Stopper secured in place. Label on top, red edge, in ink "G.20"


On June 17, 1825, a crowd of an estimated 150,000 people witnessed the cornerstone laying for the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Organizers preserved some of the corn and wheat used during the ceremony. Small amounts were taken from this supply and incorporated in the 1857 dedication of a statue honoring Joseph Warren, who died during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Remaining wheat and corn were saved to help remember and commemorate the two events. For further information, see Newell, Aimee, et.al., "Curiosities of the Craft: Treasures from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Collection", 2013, p. 270.



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