Fraternal Symbols of the American Protective Association1919Sheet: 28 1/2 x 28 1/2 " (72.4 x 72.4 cm)
Frame: 32 x 32 x 1 1/2 " (81.3 x 81.3 x 3.8 cm)Cut paperEva and Morris Feld Folk Art Acquisition Fund1985.40.10Papercut of concentric circles and stars constructed in five sections with symbols of various fraternal organizations. 1" square border all around composed of touching "S" scrolls, containing 25" diameter circle of chain links; ten pointed star with multi-borders inside circle, alternating fraternal symbols within and between each point, including eagle on shield with heart overhead, skull and cross-bones over hourglass, crossed hammers; 8 3/4" dia. circle inside, containing 5 pointed star on "fishnet" ground. 1529561057Joseph George HeuerDrawingsThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain.http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster13492PittsburghPittsburghUnited StatesPennsylvaniaWorks on PaperFraternal Art and ObjectsPittsburghpapercutThis highly complex fraternal papercut is one of several cut by Joseph G. Heuer (1876–1954) between the 1890s and 1953. According to information provided by descendants, the artist was a 33rd Degree Mason and was Master of his Lodge. He was also District Deputy of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania that holds one of the papercuts. Heuer was born in the 10th Ward District of Pittsburgh and earned a degree in electrical engineering. Although he made his living in sales, he also wrote music and patented inventions. His last papercut, made in 1953, remains in the family and was bequeathed to the first male heir to become a Mason.According to John Hamilton of the Museum of Our National Heritage, this papercut combines symbols associated with a number of lesser known fraternal organizations, including Knights of the Golden Eagle and Order of Mules. This suggests that the papercut refers to an umbrella association of older patriotic orders called the American Protective Association, an order founded in 1890 with the objectives of "perpetual separation of church and state, undivided featly to the Republic, acknowledgement of the right of the Sstate to determine the scope of its own jurisdiction, etc." (see memorandum)http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster13492http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster13492http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster1349219191919 1985 40 1 papercutThis highly complex fraternal papercut is one of several cut by Joseph G. Heuer (1876–1954) between the 1890s and 1953. According to information provided by descendants, the artist was a 33rd Degree Mason and was Master of his Lodge. He was also District Deputy of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania that holds one of the papercuts. Heuer was born in the 10th Ward District of Pittsburgh and earned a degree in electrical engineering. Although he made his living in sales, he also wrote music and patented inventions. His last papercut, made in 1953, remains in the family and was bequeathed to the first male heir to become a Mason.According to John Hamilton of the Museum of Our National Heritage, this papercut combines symbols associated with a number of lesser known fraternal organizations, including Knights of the Golden Eagle and Order of Mules. This suggests that the papercut refers to an umbrella association of older patriotic orders called the American Protective Association, an order founded in 1890 with the objectives of "perpetual separation of church and state, undivided featly to the Republic, acknowledgement of the right of the Sstate to determine the scope of its own jurisdiction, etc." (see memorandum)