Junior Order of United American Mechanics State Council of Massachusetts Apronc. 187417 × 22"Paint and gold paint on leather, with bullion fringe and cotton backGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.4601554695073Artist unidentifiedCostumeThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster21504United StatesMassachusettsTextilesFraternal Art and ObjectsThis apron is associated with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics (Jr. OUAM) and was probably owned by the State Council of Massachusetts. The order was founded in 1853 and descended from the United American Mechanics, a nativist society founded in Philadelphia during a period when increased immigration was seen as a threat to job security, among other fears. Haverhill’s Enterprise Council No. 1, established in 1871, was the first council established in Massachusetts. In 1874 the five local councils in Massachusetts instituted their State Council. By the end of the nineteenth century, the Jr. OUAM’s charitable goals were inclusive and similar to other fraternal organizations.
This Jr. OUAM apron, like others in this exhibition, was inspired by Masonic examples. It includes Freemasonry’s square and compasses symbol, but adapts it to the order’s emblem by adding a flexed arm holding a hammer in the center.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Junior Order of United American Mechanics State Council of Massachusetts Apron," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.orghttp://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster21504http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster21504http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster2150418691879 2015 1 46 This apron is associated with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics (Jr. OUAM) and was probably owned by the State Council of Massachusetts. The order was founded in 1853 and descended from the United American Mechanics, a nativist society founded in Philadelphia during a period when increased immigration was seen as a threat to job security, among other fears. Haverhill’s Enterprise Council No. 1, established in 1871, was the first council established in Massachusetts. In 1874 the five local councils in Massachusetts instituted their State Council. By the end of the nineteenth century, the Jr. OUAM’s charitable goals were inclusive and similar to other fraternal organizations.
This Jr. OUAM apron, like others in this exhibition, was inspired by Masonic examples. It includes Freemasonry’s square and compasses symbol, but adapts it to the order’s emblem by adding a flexed arm holding a hammer in the center.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Junior Order of United American Mechanics State Council of Massachusetts Apron," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org