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Oklahoma Indian Degree Team, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1955

 Item
Identifier: A1996-066-4333

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The Ralph B. Duncan postcard collection consists of postcards with a Masonic connection, either a building used for Masonic purposes, a person connected to Freemasonry, or a subject concerning Freemasonry. Mostly made during 1907-1940s, there are some that are both earlier and later, which can be determined by changes in postcard conventions. Included are portraits, views of buildings, cartoons, among other subjects. Most of the postcards of buildings are in the United States, with some from other countries such as Germany and France. The portraits generally are of American historical figures who were known or believed to be Freemasons. The buildings included were used for Blue Lodges, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shriners International, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Order of the Eastern Star, DeMolay International, amongst other Masonic bodies and auxiliary groups. There are also some postcards that depict or mention other fraternal organizations, such as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Dates

  • Creation: 1955

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Biographical / Historical

Made by Curt Teich & Company. Made in Illinois, Chicago.

Full Extent

1 item/s : Paperstock ; overall: 3-1/2"h x 5-1/2"w

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

From the Collection: German

From the Collection: French

From the Collection: Spanish; Castilian

Exhibit Label Text

Freemasons from different lodges sometimes form degree teams to perform Masonic ritual in unique ways. In 1948, Native American Freemasons from Oklahoma formed the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree team. This team, which is still active, traveled to lodges across the United States staging the Master Mason degree. Members wore regalia from their respective tribes while staging parts of the degree. The team members were from different tribes including the Apache, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, and Creek Nations. Label text from "The Masonic Hall of Fame: Extraordinary Freemasons in American History" exhibition (opened Oct. 2021).

Processing Information

Masonic Degree Teams. photochrome. group photo of Oklahoma Indian Degree Team, A.F. & A.M., wearing Native American dress. Reverse of postcard says to "address all inquiries to Joe C. Eades, of Tulsa, Oklahoma" and lists Gene Fields as Director. postcard is part of Curteich's 3-D Natural Color Reproduction series.

Repository Details

Part of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library Repository

Contact:
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