Thanks for posting this message. I stopped there once in a drive back from San Francisco. My dinner meal was fantastic, and walking thru that facility was a bit weird. Their gift shop was GREAT!
It’s been over five years, so time for me to review my will and final wishes as you suggest. It’s already on my to do list.
As for bequests, a *much* simpler way is to properly name a Lodge or WA Masonic Services as a whole or partial beneficiary of a bank or investment account or life insurance policy. Then it will pass outside probate. No will or attorney required. Easy to change.
A trust also operates outside probate, and can provide current or future assets/income. Probably not worth it for $10,000, might be a good idea for $100,000+. You’ll need an estate attorney. A good one is well worth the fees.
Been meaning to create a thick card with those instructions (fill in the blanks) for just such a purpose, especially for the Masonic residents of our home in Utica, NY.
While I appreciate the real point of this post being to encourage each of us to consider how our Masonic artifacts will be disposed of and our Masonic lives continue beyond our mortal toils.
But, I would really like to see some photos of this remarkable sounding apron case.
My Masonic mentor was a practitioner of what he called the "Hobo Art" of word carving. He gifted me one of his carvings and his daughter gave me one of his pocket knives. Needless to say these are two of my most prized possessions...
I've always loved 'Hobo Art' and 'Trench Art.' As for a pic, I understand that something is supposed to be posted on NW Masonic Discussion, but I haven't seen it yet. I'll share it when I do.
I received the case and its Apron from a Past Master of the old Chehalis Lodge, No.28 at a Stated Communication of Robert Morris Lodge, No. 97 (F&AM of Washington) back in October. WB Jim Wisner. He told me the story of how he came into possession of it, although I must admit I only heard the story once, so unfortunately I don’t remember all the details. He was given the case to assure that it went to a good home, and the Past Master figured the best person to find that home was someone that worked at the Grand Lodge office who also happened to be a member of Robert Morris Lodge No. 97 (so he could hand it over to me at a Stated Communication.) I took the Apron and case home, then took it to the Grand Lodge office, with the original intent of mailing it to the Grand Lodge of Oregon by parcel. That idea lasted all of a few seconds, as I live just over 2 hours from Oregon’s Grand Lodge office, and it was a perfect excuse to go there and hand-deliver it. I asked Cameron if he’d like to join me, and I’m certainly glad he did. It was a fun trip from Centralia, Washington to Forest Grove, Oregon.
We didn’t get the 2 cent tour, or the nickel tour. We got the Dime Tour. It was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot on how they have their library and museum set up. We also got a tour of the Grand Lodge headquarters, and I finally got an opportunity to meet the staff in person; after years of E-mails and phone calls, it was great to put faces to the names and voices! The only disappointment was the Grand Secretary, MWB Jim Morgan, was out of the office that day. But it’s all about the timing.
So what do I mean about “So far?” I am currently asking the Past Master, WB Jim Wisner, for a document explaining his role in obtaining the Apron and case, and the person he got it from’s story, as requested by WB Johnny Edwards, who is the museum curator and is… likely reading this. As of the time I publish this, I am awaiting WB Jim’s response. When I receive it, the story will be included with the Apron and Case.
As for the McMenamin’s Grand Lodge – now I can really say – “been there, done that, bought the T-shirt!” I must admit their sizes don’t totally line up with other brands, as the XXL did fit, but it’s a little snug in places. (I guess I have a new project to work on…) But the atmosphere is very similar to the McMenamin’s establishment in Centralia – the famous “Olympic Club” in downtown.
Very good article. When I was a younger Mason , many widows and family approached me with what to do with "masonic stuff". Hard question. I suggested we pass them on to others that their loved ones knew. Preparation is the key. Make sure others know your wishes. Give to those you want early, and see the joy in their faces. Time is fleeting boys. It tolls for thee
Thanks for posting this message. I stopped there once in a drive back from San Francisco. My dinner meal was fantastic, and walking thru that facility was a bit weird. Their gift shop was GREAT!
I'm adding both the Museum and restaurant to my travel to do list...
I was there about 10 years ago, and they even allowed me to look into a very inexpensive single bed room (but I couldn't stay there that night)?
It’s been over five years, so time for me to review my will and final wishes as you suggest. It’s already on my to do list.
As for bequests, a *much* simpler way is to properly name a Lodge or WA Masonic Services as a whole or partial beneficiary of a bank or investment account or life insurance policy. Then it will pass outside probate. No will or attorney required. Easy to change.
A trust also operates outside probate, and can provide current or future assets/income. Probably not worth it for $10,000, might be a good idea for $100,000+. You’ll need an estate attorney. A good one is well worth the fees.
Been meaning to create a thick card with those instructions (fill in the blanks) for just such a purpose, especially for the Masonic residents of our home in Utica, NY.
While I appreciate the real point of this post being to encourage each of us to consider how our Masonic artifacts will be disposed of and our Masonic lives continue beyond our mortal toils.
But, I would really like to see some photos of this remarkable sounding apron case.
My Masonic mentor was a practitioner of what he called the "Hobo Art" of word carving. He gifted me one of his carvings and his daughter gave me one of his pocket knives. Needless to say these are two of my most prized possessions...
I've always loved 'Hobo Art' and 'Trench Art.' As for a pic, I understand that something is supposed to be posted on NW Masonic Discussion, but I haven't seen it yet. I'll share it when I do.
Brethren, this is my part of the story… so far…
I received the case and its Apron from a Past Master of the old Chehalis Lodge, No.28 at a Stated Communication of Robert Morris Lodge, No. 97 (F&AM of Washington) back in October. WB Jim Wisner. He told me the story of how he came into possession of it, although I must admit I only heard the story once, so unfortunately I don’t remember all the details. He was given the case to assure that it went to a good home, and the Past Master figured the best person to find that home was someone that worked at the Grand Lodge office who also happened to be a member of Robert Morris Lodge No. 97 (so he could hand it over to me at a Stated Communication.) I took the Apron and case home, then took it to the Grand Lodge office, with the original intent of mailing it to the Grand Lodge of Oregon by parcel. That idea lasted all of a few seconds, as I live just over 2 hours from Oregon’s Grand Lodge office, and it was a perfect excuse to go there and hand-deliver it. I asked Cameron if he’d like to join me, and I’m certainly glad he did. It was a fun trip from Centralia, Washington to Forest Grove, Oregon.
We didn’t get the 2 cent tour, or the nickel tour. We got the Dime Tour. It was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot on how they have their library and museum set up. We also got a tour of the Grand Lodge headquarters, and I finally got an opportunity to meet the staff in person; after years of E-mails and phone calls, it was great to put faces to the names and voices! The only disappointment was the Grand Secretary, MWB Jim Morgan, was out of the office that day. But it’s all about the timing.
So what do I mean about “So far?” I am currently asking the Past Master, WB Jim Wisner, for a document explaining his role in obtaining the Apron and case, and the person he got it from’s story, as requested by WB Johnny Edwards, who is the museum curator and is… likely reading this. As of the time I publish this, I am awaiting WB Jim’s response. When I receive it, the story will be included with the Apron and Case.
As for the McMenamin’s Grand Lodge – now I can really say – “been there, done that, bought the T-shirt!” I must admit their sizes don’t totally line up with other brands, as the XXL did fit, but it’s a little snug in places. (I guess I have a new project to work on…) But the atmosphere is very similar to the McMenamin’s establishment in Centralia – the famous “Olympic Club” in downtown.
It was a great day, a very memorable one!
Very good article. When I was a younger Mason , many widows and family approached me with what to do with "masonic stuff". Hard question. I suggested we pass them on to others that their loved ones knew. Preparation is the key. Make sure others know your wishes. Give to those you want early, and see the joy in their faces. Time is fleeting boys. It tolls for thee
Wonderful to have been able to visit with you and VWB Clayton. The donation is on display for a few years.