Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

The Independent United Order of Mechanics

Here at the National Heritage Museum, we get pretty excited about lesser-known fraternal groups.  The apron seen here is a recent acquisition, which was originally used by a member of a little-known group - at least it wasn't listed in our standard reference books and it wasn't represented in our collection.

The apron was worn by Torrance Ashby (1897-1966), as a member of the Independent United Order of Mechanics, a group that is still active.  Ashby joined Star of Cambridge Lodge in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1920, when he was about 23 years old.  When he died in 1966, the apron, along with a collar and his membership certificate passed to his son, Deighton Ashby (1935-2006).  We are pleased to have all three items in our collection.

The Independent United Order of Mechanics formed in England in 1757 as a Friendly Society, a type of mutual benefit society that also served ceremonial and friendship purposes.  Reportedly, a schism between two local English Masonic lodges spurred organizers to found the group.  In the 1800s, the Order spread to the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, the Netherlands, and Canada.  The IUOM became established in the United States in its present form on January 3, 1910.  Membership is open to men and women, boys and girls, of "high moral and ethical standards, who believe in "A Supreme Being" who rules and governs the Universe."  Membership embraces all races, creeds and religions; indeed, the group has a tradition of a strong African American membership, which included the original owner of the apron, Torrance Ashby.

The group's motto is "Friendship, Truth and Love," suggesting some additional inspiration from the Odd Fellows.  Members aim to practice and promote justice, philanthropy, charity and benevolence.  They look after the welfare of their members and are active in their communities, particularly in healthcare and in education.

The apron is silk with a design printed on the front in black.  Bright pink and green silk, along with gold trimming are added as borders.  A close look at the apron suggests that Ashby's wife or another female relative made it at home.  One of the brown elasticized "ties" stitched at the corners has a clasp reading "Gem Golf Garter," suggesting that the maker repurposed the garter for the apron ties.

Independent United Order of Mechanics Apron, ca. 1920, probably American, National Heritage Museum purchase, 2007.029.2.

The National Heritage Museum's Masonic and Fraternal Apron Collection

Established in 1975 by Scottish Rite Freemasons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A., the National Heritage Museum tells America’s story.  For over thirty years, the Museum has collected, by gift and by purchase, objects that help tell that story.  Today, the collection numbers over 16,000 objects.

The collection’s primary strength is its American Masonic and fraternal items.  The Masonic and fraternal apron collection is a particular highlight.  With over 400 aprons in the collection, the Museum serves as an important resource for the study of these intriguing pieces.  Spanning three centuries and the globe, the apron collection offers potential for new interpretations not only of Masonic history, but also of American history.

Our website includes a section called Treasures, which highlights about 100 objects in the collection, including some aprons.  One of my favorites is shown here – it was probably made in Herkimer County, New York in the early 1800s.  In addition to its Masonic symbolism, the apron depicts two Masons dressed in their lodge finery, including their aprons.  The apron offers a Germanic interpretation of a popular Masonic design that appeared in English and American engravings between 1790 and 1815.  

We encourage scholars and researchers to contact us if our apron collection could be helpful for their research.  And, we continue to add to our collection, looking to increase our strengths and to fill our gaps.  We are very interested in aprons that have a story about who owned, made or used them.  If you have a special apron that you would like to consider donating to the Museum, please contact our Senior Curator of Collections, Aimee Newell, at anewell@monh.org.

Masonic York Rite Royal Arch Apron, 1800-1820, probably Herkimer County, New York, National Heritage Museum, Special Acquisitions Fund, 84.15.