Object Spotlight: Masonic Apron
Martha may have worn the apron in the Washington family, but so too did George, although not in the kitchenly manner that we think of today.
Washington was a member of the Freemasons, a fraternal organization that existed then and now. For the first time in more than 200 years, one of Washington’s Masonic aprons, which were customarily worn at lodge meetings, has returned to Mount Vernon, where it is on display through May 19.
The apron is on loan from Mt. Nebo Lodge #91 in Shepherdstown, W.Va., which has been in possession of the apron since before 1820.
This apron, which was made in France, is believed to have been presented to George Washington at Mount Vernon in 1784 by the Marquis de Lafayette, the former general and close friend of Washington who was also a Freemason.
The apron features the square and compasses symbol associated with the Freemasons as well as the crossed flags of the United States and France, all embroidered in silk and gold- and silver-wrapped threads with metallic sequins.
After Martha Washington’s death in 1802, the apron is believed to have been purchased for six dollars from her estate by Thomas Hammond, husband of George Washington’s niece, and then given to Mt. Nebo Lodge prior to his death. In 1844, it was displayed at an anniversary celebration at the Jefferson County courthouse in nearby Charles Town. It was also worn by the Masonic Grand Master at the cornerstone ceremony of the Washington Monument on July 4, 1848.
The apron is on display in the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center, in the Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation Gallery.
UPDATE: The apron is no longer on display.
Object Spotlight is a regular feature on George Washington Wired that highlights some of the household belongings that Washington came into contact with in his daily life. For more of Washington’s belongings, see Mount Vernon’s eMuseum.
Courtesy of Mt. Nebo Lodge No. 91, Shepherdstown, West Virginia
March 31st, 2011 at 10:13 am
Wonderful that these artifacts are returned to Mount Vernon. And in such beautiful condition too.
April 11th, 2011 at 11:15 am
Well it went back where it belongs and stills looks in a good condition.
April 11th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Object Spotlight: Masonic Apron- George Washington was in the Freemason Club and was invited into it by Marquis De Lafayette. He was then gifted a unique Masonic Apron. When his family passed away, the apron was sold for $6 to a person who kept it and used it for a celebration. The apron is kept in an education center.
April 14th, 2011 at 11:09 am
Who else had this apron?
April 14th, 2011 at 11:20 am
This apron is very important because it has been with the washington members for awhile. It is very historic because it was a part of the Freemasons organization.
April 14th, 2011 at 11:53 am
Its amazing how things can be keep good in shape for so long.