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Bottle of Wheat
1825; bottle ca. 1857
Maker not marked
USA: Massachusetts
Glass, wheat grains, paper, ink, cotton, cork
overall: 3-1/8"h x 1-3/4"w x 3/4"d
Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
GL2004.5275

Clear glass bottle. The bottle is filled with wheat grains. A typed label is adhered to one side of the bottle. It reads, "Wheat - Part of which was used at the Laying of the Corner-Stone of the Bunker Hill Monument, June 17, 1825, and at the Consecration of the Statue of Gen. Joseph Warren, June 17, 1857." Cork stopper secured in place. Cotton string around neck. Label on top, red edge, in ink "G.19"


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. 270-271.