Masonic Apron

Dateca. 1827

Maker Possibly a member of the McDowell Family

MediumSilk embroidery threads and ink on a silk ground with a cotton backing and silk ribbon (fibers identified by eye)

DimensionsOW: 16" x OH: 15 1/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2000-27

DescriptionThis is a white silk rounded square Masonic apron with Masonic symbols in ink and embroidered silk threads. The sides, bottom, and flap are trimmed in a 1" white silk ribbon folded in half over the edges. The apron is intricately worked in a variety of embroidery stitches. The curved upper flap is lined in cotton and has a centered embroidered "All-seeing eye," the symbol of watchfulness and the Supreme Being, within a sunburst.
The main body of the apron consists of a centered pair of columns and arch resting upon a mosaic floor, representing the two pillars of King Solomon's Temple. Centered at the top of the arch is a crown. Under the arch is the letter "G" within a five-pointed blue star, symbolic of God and Geometry, the canopy of heaven, and the five points of fellowship. Below this is an open Bible with a square and compasses, representing the Great Lights of the Lodge and reason and faith. Below this are three candles representing the three Lesser Lights of the Lodge. At right of columns are the embroidered symbols: sun, level for equality; gauge or rule; beehive for industry; and trowel, which is symbolic of the tool that spreads the cement that unites masons in brotherly love. At left of columns are the embroidered symbols of the moon and seven stars for the number needed to make a perfect lodge; scythe for time; hourglass for human life; ark and dove; and acacia sprig for immortality.

Stitches: Algerian eyelet variation, back, blanket with additional threaded or woven pattern, buttonhole, cross stitch super imposed on satin, double running (?), feather, fly, couched satin (Roumanian couching), couched straight, satin, Smyrna, stem, and long stitches tied in a grid pattern, sometimes called Trellis stitch but not technically a stitch
Label TextThe Masonic apron, based on the leather apron of 18th-century artisans, is considered the badge of a Mason, and worn as part of the Masonic regalia. The practice of decorating aprons with embroidered or hand-painted designs began in the last third of the 18th century, and was especially popular between the years 1798-1830. During this period Masonic symbolism was a familiar element in the decorative arts and can be found carved into furniture, woven into carpets and coverlets, engraved on ceramics and textiles, as well as painted, embroidered, cut and pieced. Family members may have worked embroidered aprons, such as this one, at home.
InscribedA faded ink inscription under the apron flap reads "---------- Unanimity Lodge no. 54 ---- ---."
MarkingsPaper label reads, "Masonic Apron/ Daniel McDowell/ Unanimity Lodge of/ Edenton, North Carolina/ Entered June 1827/ Passed June 1827/ Raised July 1827"
ProvenanceMasonic apron was purchased by Sumpter Priddy from Sotheby's Important Americana Sale #7420, January 2000.

History of owner of Masonic apron:
Daniel McDowell was born in Pennsylvania on June, 1794. He married Mary Cox Norfleet on December 20, 1825, in Edenton, North Carolina. They had two boys and three girls listed in the 1850 Census, Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina. (An older son was already out of the house by the time the 1850 Census was taken.) McDowell is buried in section A-288 in the Fairview Cemetery in Warrenton, North Carolina (per letter to Kim Ivey from Joe Kvech 8/27/01 and email to Kim Ivey from Joe Kvech 10/17/01).
Daniel McDowell received his degrees in Unanimity Lodge No. 54 in 1827. He is listed on the annual returns of the lodge in 1828. He was a steward in the lodge in 1829. He is listed in the Unanimity Lodge No. 7 for the years 1859-1867 (per email from Walt Clapp to Liz Lentz 11/6/00).