Hoodwink Apronsfound in Caged Area – 5 Floor Center – Detroit Masonic Templeth

Zion Lodge No. 1 Archives

These two Aprons were discoveredin the archives of

Zion Lodge No.1, F. & A. M.in the Detroit Masonic Temple,

January 2007

The older of the two has a whiteleather base and the newer one had asatin base. Both are flat bonaz styleembroidery with velvet trim.The exact use of these aprons ismost puzzling.

Notes on the Older Apron: The Apron Base is White Leather. The All-Seeing Eye is in the Flap. TheFringe is Silver Gray. The Belt appears to have been added at a later time; thus the fake Side Tassels.The Body Embroidery has a large Hoodwink surrounded by a Cable-Tow.

Notes on the Newer Apron: The Apron Base is White Satin. Again the All-Seeing Eye is on the Flap.The Fringe is Blue slightly lighter in color than the Velvet Trim. The Hoodwink embroidered on the Bodyis much smaller than on the older apron. The Belt seems to be of original manufacture.

The Square Knot Clasps are slightly different on each apron. Leading to the conclusion that the additionof the Belt on the Older Apron was not done at the same time the of the manufacture of the Newer Apron.

Both aprons were manufactured byIhling Bros Everard Co. of Kalamazoo, Michigan — Dates of Mfgunknown.

The uses of such aprons are a mystery. There is nothing in Michigan Ritual that infers that such an apronwould have been worn by either the Candidate or a Lodge Officer.

Robert L. Murphy, PM26 January 2007

The Older of the two Aprons The Newer of the two Aprons

Manufacturer’s Label