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Masonic Past Master Apron
1970
Ihling Bros. Everard Co.
USA: Michigan, Kalamazoo
Synthetic fiber (likely), synthetic leather (likely), cotton, ink
overall: 14"h x 18"w x 1/4"d
Gift of Patricia Fé Andrews
2016.070.3

Masonic Past Master Apron, Emil Cruz, Worshipful Master. Square apron of synthetic leather and velvet (likely synthetic) has triangular flap and synthetic white fringe around body and flap. Wide dark blue border on body of apron has wavy vine-like pattern embroidered on it in white, with flowers at the corners central design of apron is an embroidered Past Master symbol, two crossing grape vine sprigs below, and false ties with white fringe to either side; dark blue border on flap is narrower, and there is an all-seeing eye embroidered at center of flap in blue, yellow, black, and gray. Top of apron trimmed with royal blue synthetic cord, which makes up ties which have tassels at ends. Printed in blue ink under flap: "PRESENTED BY / SCHILLER LODGE NO. 263 / F. & A. M. / DETROIT, MICH. / TO BROTHER / EMIL CRUZ / WORSHIPFUL MASTER 1970". Backing lined with dark blue satin (likely synthetic) and has white manufacturer's label sewn at bottom center with green embroidered text, "IHLING BROS. EVERARD CO. / UNIFORMS REGALIA / EQUIPMENT / KALAMAZOO, MICH."


One of the emblems of a Past Master, a sun within compasses, with a quadrant connecting its legs, adorns this apron. Schiller Lodge No. 263 in Detroit, Michigan, presented this apron to Emil Cruz (1904-1983) to commemorate his term as Master of the lodge. Past Master’s aprons like this one represent the wearer’s experience, his connection to the fraternity, and the respect of his lodge brothers. Cruz, who was born in the Philippines, emigrated to the United States in 1924 at the age of 19 and eventually worked as a jeweler. He was a member of Schiller Lodge No. 263 and Damascus Commandery No. 42, both located in Detroit.



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