Bits & Pieces

Where is this lodge? It has a splendid engraving above the doorway.

THE FREEMASONS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE, NOV. 16, 1861

To help contain loss and damage from everpresent fires, in the 1700s and 1800s many city dwellers formed groups in which members agreed to help each other extinguish fires and protect property. Bro. Zachariah Stevens, the owner of this bucket, belonged to the Masonic Fire Society of Gloucester, Massachusetts, a group which drew its membership from area Freemasons. Marked with Stevens’ name, this bucket could be easily returned after it had been used to help put out a fire. Over the years, masons have emblazoned anything and everything with symbols.

Right: Knight of the Orient apron which dates from the 18th century is on a leather.

The painting Le combat des Amazones by Rubens, dating from 1617, was the source of inspiration for the creation of this decor. Rather unusual and possibly a one off.