Consult professionals before attempting to repair or recondition artefacts, especially old books and records, portraits, furniture and paraphernalia. Require the wearing of 100% cotton archival gloves by those handling artefacts, old documents and portraits. Make notations for needed restoration, preservation and consider security and insurance coverage.

Fox River Chapter No. 14 at Geneva has begun this process. The following is an example of what we have discovered when we began cataloguing the artefacts of our chapter. Fox River Chapter began at Saint Charles in 1852. That was a ten-mile buggy-ride for companions living in Batavia. Moving the chapter to Geneva was more convenient for companions living in Batavia, Geneva and Saint Charles. In 1854, the companions helped form Geneva Lodge No. 139.

According to its engraved base, C. H. Faitz made an aluminium keystone (marked “No. 1”), presumably for Nathaniel Bowditch, Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Illinois in 1899. Bowditch was an employee of the historic Mosler Safe Company. We presume Faitz was also a companion and skilled craftsman with Mosler Safe Company. Yes, research is needed. The face bears the usual capitular circle of lettering and may have had a delta. Other sides and the top bear Masonic emblems and working tools. Each penny is of the United States’ Indian head design.

The three unusual capitular gavels depicted with the keystone may date from 1852 and may have been made by a local capitular craftsman. Their different sizes may indicate that they were intended for use by the Excellent High Priest, King and Scribe.

Inventory the artefacts of your chapter and then send pictures and history to the Right Excellent Grand Scribe for possible inclusion in Hiram Words.