Rowland Family Masonic and Eastern Star collection, 1868-1959

Richard Allison Rowlands (1890-1955) was Grand Master of Masons of the State of New York from 1950 through 1952. He often shared Masonic events with his family, particularly his wife, Gertrude, and his daughter, Patricia.

Gertrude and her three daughters were also members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Gertrude and Patricia took their turns as Worthy Matron. Gertrude was Worthy Matron of Schnectady's Corlaer Chapter 528 during 1950 and Patricia was Worthy Matron of the same chapter during 1952.

The Rowlands family lived at 1361 Regent Street in Schnectady, New York with their three daughters: Shirley, Virginia, and Patricia. R. A. Rowlands' grandfathers were members of the craft. Richard Rowlands, Sr. was a member of Stella Lodge No. 485 in Brooklyn, New York, and Gerritt Vervoort was a member of Munn Lodge No. 190 in New York City. R. A. Rowlands' father, John S. Rowlands, was a member of Lebanon Lodge, No. 191, New York City and served as its Master in 1906. R. A. Rowlands' mother was a member of Flatbush Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

R. A. Rowlands' grandson, Richard V. Travis (son of Virginia Rowlands and L. Earl Travis), is the donor of this collection of materials including a photograph album, three scrapbooks, over 20 Masonic, military, and civic certificates, ephemera and museum objects. Richard V. Travis was Executive Director of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library, here in Lexington, Massachusetts. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and is a member of many Masonic organizations.