Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Masonic Shriner Ihling Bros. Everard Co. Poster
1950-1970
Ihling Bros. Everard Co.
USA: Michigan, Kalamazoo
Ink and paint on cardboard
overall: 30 x 20 in.; 76.2 x 50.8 cm
Gift of Ihling Bros. Everard Co.
98.041.145

Ilhing Bros. Everard Co. Uniform Co. Masonic Shriner Poster; original pen and ink poster on cardboard; parade scene with figure seated on camel in costume; marching in foreground, two figures in costume, front playing horn, back with cymbals; across top: "Ilhing Bros. Everard Co./ Since 1869".

Formed in 1872, the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, was, originally, an exclusive Masonic group that developed and practiced a ritual based on fanciful interpretations of Middle Eastern culture and religion. Eventually the group became a popular national organization, welcoming thousands of members to its ranks. With this poster, regalia manufacturer Ihling Bros. Everard Co. deployed a whimsical depiction of imaginary Arabians to help advertise their Shrine-related offerings to consumers.