MASONIC GRAND LODGE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA, Freemason Library bookplate c. 1885

Description

GRAND LODGE, A.F. & A.M. of CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA
THEODORE S. PARVIN / MASONIC LIBRARY BOOKPLATE, ca. 1885-1890s
Elaborate ex-libris bookplate of Theodore S. Parvin (1817-1901) and the Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, finely engraved with Parvin’s portrait and Masonic symbols. A fine example of the engraver’s art in its own right.
4 x 4 in., produced by the E. A. Wright Co., bank note engravers, lithographers and plate printers of Philadelphia, ca. 1885-90s.
One of the most important figures in Iowa Masonic history, Parvin was a lawyer by training, became a Mason in Cincinnati in 1838 and was appointed the first Territorial Librarian of Iowa. He helped found early Masonic lodges in Burlington and Muscatine, was involved in the formation of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, and was elected Grand Secretary and remained so until his death. The library of the Grand Lodge was formed in 1845 on Parvin’s recommendation and was “nomadic,” moving with Parvin (who was also Grand Librarian) to Muscatine, Iowa City, Davenport, and finally to Cedar Rapids around 1884, where it remains today as one of the premier Masonic libraries in the world. (See Iowa Heritage Digital Collections website.)
Condition: Overall, very good. Bookplate not previously used (reverse side also clean); right side shows half-inch band of age-toning and a short corner crease; a few tiny nicks around the edges.
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