A prominent feature of the exhibit is the array of Masonic aprons selected from the collection in our possession. These range from the simple white leather apron, more ancient than the Golden Fleece or "Roman Eagle" to the purple bordered and ornamented dress of a Grand Master. Several hand-embroidered and hand-painted silk aprons of the eighteenth century are to be seen; and there are leather aprons which have been decorated in various ways.
Noticeable also is a very nice display of modern porcelain and glassware, consisting of plates, loving cups, mugs, and pitchers, issued by various Masonic bodies as commemorative pieces.
The museum has a fine assortment of Knight Templar swords, many of them having been worn by Past Grand Commanders of the Grand Commandery of Iowa.
There is an interesting display of gavels including one used by Des Moines Lodge No. 41 at Burlington in 1840, while it was still under dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Also the heavy iron seal used by the lodge, and discontinued when it became Lodge No. 1 under Charter of the Grand Lodge of Iowa in 1844. The old altar used by this lodge is also in the museum.
Medals and badges having more or less Masonic character are numerous and interesting. One of the most important pieces in the collection is the large Washington medal by the famous American sculptor, Saint-Gaudens.
The Library possesses an extensive and valuable collection of autograph letters written by men famous in Masonry, literature, and history, the latter especially rich in connection with Iowa. In addition to these should be mentioned the large accumulation of photographs and engravings, some of them rare; also many charts, diplomas, certificates, summonses, and other forms which cannot be properly displayed for lack of space.
Non-Masonic
Among the thousands of items in the museum cases on the second floor are a number of rare examples showing the evolution of the written and printed word. The earliest records are found on the ancient Babylonian clay bricks, upon which inscriptions were cut with a stylus prior to baking. Photographs show the ancient Eqyptian writings on papyrus. These are only a few of the items in this distinguished group, all of which claim the interest of hundreds of visitors yearly.
In this general museum will be found atractive colonial, Indian and foreign exhibits, gradually accumulated over a long period of years, and donated, as in the Masonic section, by friends of the Library.
Charles H. Swab Memorial
On November 7, 1958, Grace A. Swab and Frances B. Swab conveyed by deed an imposing collection of art objects and family heirlooms to the Grand Lodge Library and Museum as a memorial to their father, Charles H. Swab. Included in the memorial are Dresden, Meissen, and Royal Daulton figurines, animal figurines of handmade Rosenthal, Chinese and Japanese cloisonne, cut glass, paintings, wall hangings, jewelry, and furniture.