The Washington times., 1923-11-01
VALUED RELICS
WILL REST IN
MEMORIAL
Washington's Masonic Para
phernaIia Are Preserved and
Treasured by Chapter.

Among other relics is the little
silver trowel used by Washington at
the laying Of the corner stone Of
the National Capitol. September Is,
1888. The trowel was made by John
Duffey,l a silversmith Of Aiexan-
dria, who married the daughter CT
General Washington's landscape
gardener.
The little implement has been
used on many important occasions.
among the last being the laying OF
the corner stones Of the new Ma
sonic Temple in Washington, by
former President Theodore Roose-
Welt and by the grand master Of the
District Of Columbia, and OF the new
Scottish Rite cathedral.
Washlngton's Apron.
In the group may be seen Wash
ington's Masonic apron and sash.
worn by him as a Master Mason at
the LAYING Of the corner stone OF
the Capitol. The apron has been
worn since the death Of Washing
ton by about half dozen Masons,
among those so honored being
Lafayette and former President
William III. Taft.
On either side Of the apron are
the generals wedding gloves, and
beneath, his farm spurs. On the
right is his pruning knife and a
black glove worn while he was In
mourning for his mother. To the
left Is a little pearl-handled knife,
a gift from his mother in his boy
hood.
Among other relics are Washing
toms pocket compasses, cupping and
bleeding instruments, the last piece
of sealing wax used before his death,
a bootstrap worn by washington at
the defeat of BraddOck; copper
plate owned and used by John Han
cock while President of the Conu-
mental Congress and presented by
the Hancock family to Washington;
a button cut from Washington
coat at his first inauguration;
niece Of canvas from his army tent
used during the Revolution; Wash
ington's medicine scales and medal
lion.
Bedroom Clock.
A clock, shown in another group.
was on the mantel in the Generals
bedroom at the time Of his death.
AS Washington died. his physician
cut the cord suspending the weight
and the clock stopped, at 1920 p. m.
It is said to be the only piece OF
furniture in the death room which
was not returned to it's place.
The Lesser Lights are the orig
inal lights Of the lodge and were
used during it's most important oc.
casions. among them the laying OF
the corner stone of the Capitol, In
1898; the funeral Of Washington, In
1893, and the laying Of the corner
ment In 1848.
Used for Seventeen Years.
The old chair occupied by Wash
ington when worshipful master Of
Lodge, No. %, IL one Of the most
priceless relics. It was in con-
tinuous use for seventeen years.
It was placed in a glass case about
fifteen years ago and is not used
except on great occasions. The
frame is of mahogany, inlaid with
white holly and upholstered in
leather.
Another interesting relic is the
front door key of the Bastile.
weighing five pounds, presented
by Lafayette.
In addition to the Williams por-
trait of Washington the lodge also
owns another picture by Peele,
known as 1.-The Pope Peele Picture"
also said to be of great value; q
painting Of Lafayette by Peele; a
life-size painting of Lafayette in
Masonic regalfa, by Hurdle, of Alex
andria; and a painting OF Thomas
Fairfax, painted in London in 1880
and now vauled at $3.50, 900.
| All these relics, revered by all
Masons and patriots. are to be
placed in the magnificent new
Memorial.
Under the provisions of it's char.
ter, granted before the time of the
first President. the Alexandra.
Washington Lodge must always
meet in the City Hall of Alexandra.
Because of the inadequacy of this
building to house such priceless
relics and the eyer-present danger
from fire the construction of the
memorial was decided upon.