I think a short reflection of the photo across the Masthead of this page may be in order.
That photograph was made on November 11th, 2007 at Gibson’s Photographic Studio in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Brothers in this photo are all Living Historians who live in various parts of the United States and come together as a group called “The Widows’ Sons Mess.” Several of the members have decades of Craft experience. One, as you will notice, had (at the time of the photo) just been brought to light as an EA.
Other than the ties of Brotherhood within the Craft, these men all share another common tie and that is the portrayal of mid-nineteenth century life in America – soldiers and civilians.
In 2005 they decided that they would like to more actively involve Masonry in the portrayal of their chosen time period. To do this they decided to represent the collection of charity for the relief of Widows & Orphans in an appropriate 1860s manner. At a living history event at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, these Brothers collected all manner of period appropriate items for sell off of a table (two barrels and an old door).
That photograph was made on November 11th, 2007 at Gibson’s Photographic Studio in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Brothers in this photo are all Living Historians who live in various parts of the United States and come together as a group called “The Widows’ Sons Mess.” Several of the members have decades of Craft experience. One, as you will notice, had (at the time of the photo) just been brought to light as an EA.
Other than the ties of Brotherhood within the Craft, these men all share another common tie and that is the portrayal of mid-nineteenth century life in America – soldiers and civilians.
In 2005 they decided that they would like to more actively involve Masonry in the portrayal of their chosen time period. To do this they decided to represent the collection of charity for the relief of Widows & Orphans in an appropriate 1860s manner. At a living history event at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, these Brothers collected all manner of period appropriate items for sell off of a table (two barrels and an old door).
Everything on the table was donated and 100% of the money raised was given to a Masonic charity. The above photo was taken at that event.
The success of the “Widows and Orphans Table” was enough that the idea was tried again at the 2007 Gettysburg Remembrance Day celebration. Brothers from Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania all donated material for the table.
The Widows’ Sons Mess is pleased that the concept of raising money for modern day Masonic charities – by portraying a part of our honored past – has been the success it has. To date we have raised more than $1,500.00, of which 100% has been given to charity.
Not only do they take their Masonry seriously today, but they reflect that desire for excellence while portraying a tumultuous time period of our Nation’s history - a time when brotherly love and affection were tried and strained – but a time period when the ideals of Masonry proved their worth and truth.
