Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Improved Benevolent and Protective Elks of the World Apron
1960-1980
George Lauterer Co.
USA: Illinois, Chicago
ink on cotton, silk
overall: 14 1/2 x 16 x 1/8 in.; 36.83 x 40.64 x .3175 cm
Museum Purchase
2001.028.2

White Improved Benevolent and Protective Elks of the World apron with purple trim and white grosgrain ribbon ties. Square body with triangular flap. Printed in blue ink on flap "lap" "I.B.P.O.E.W." Elk's head is printed on apron body. Maker's label on back.

Because a group of Freemasons founded the organization, the Elks used rituals, handshakes, and passwords similar to those used in Freemasonry. Like Freemasons, they meet in lodges and wear an apron as part of their regalia. A member of the African American Elks Midway Lodge #241 in Reidsville, North Carolina, probably wore this apron.