1911 Shriner Ceremonial Announcement and Decorative Print
DESCRIPTION
This dual-sided ceremonial broadside produced by the Boston-based Aleppo Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners) functions as both a newsletter and a decorative print. Each side serves a distinct purpose, with the recto conveying information and the verso providing a highly visual, theatrical counterpart.
Ceremonial Notice and Initiation Culture
The text-heavy recto announces an upcoming ceremonial session and includes material for prospective initiates, or “novices,” such as advice columns, a humorous poem, and a brief overview of the order’s mythology and purpose. The tone is notably playful, reflected in lighthearted instructions and tongue-in-cheek guidance. Decorative elements include orange type accents, Shriner-themed illustrations, and two photographs: a large group portrait of uniformed members and a portrait of Imperial Potentate John Frank Treat.
In contrast, the verso presents a chaotic, carnivalesque scene of initiation rituals, where figures undergo exaggerated and humorous ordeals at the hands of fez-wearing members. These scenes, ranging from mechanical contraptions to theatrical punishments, reference the order’s initiation traditions in a deliberately exaggerated manner. The imagery, filled with Shriner symbols including a grinning crescent moon, serves both to amuse members and to dramatize the mystique of the organization for outsiders.
The Shriners and the Aleppo Temple
The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, commonly known as the Shriners, is a Masonic-affiliated fraternal organization founded in 1872, known for its elaborate rituals, Middle Eastern-inspired pageantry, and strong emphasis on fellowship and philanthropy, particularly through its network of Shriners Hospitals. Local chapters, or “temples,” such as the Aleppo Temple in Boston, served as centers of social and ceremonial activity, organizing initiations, events, and printed materials like this broadside that reflect both the theatrical traditions and civic presence of the order.
Despite two small holes and subtle damp-staining most noticeable in its right corners, this piece’s immediately evident eve-value and potential to inspire intrigue are by no means diminished.
CONDITION
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622