Recent content by hiram392

Haven't been on this site for quite some time...think it was 2005. Saw the reference to going dark in summer. We at New Holland Lodge No. 392, in Ohio, traditionally go dark in July & August. It's a good thing, too. Been in the same upstairs rooms of our building since 1899. Just too warm...

Ohio checks in. Ohio member, here. ;) Ohio has 2nd largest membership in US (between 110,000 & 112,000). Joined in 1985. Master of my Lodge in 89/90/91. Have been Secretary ever since. 150 members in my local Lodge (rural area). Over 500 active lodges in Ohio. FYI, Shriners are also Masons.

The current issue of Early American Life (October 2005) has an article on hats (men's and women's) from the early 18th century through the mid to late 19th century. Although their hats aren't pork pies or panamas, it is still a very interesting article on early head gear. Jeff

Hello, all. I am new to this area. The hat I have is a black "velvet" finish hat, with a braided (6 rows) band. The braid is looped once on the side and the tails are knotted, on facing fron, one facing back. The crown is a single pleat with a tight pinch at the top. It has a satin lining...