A Circa 1805 Masonic Stoneware Jug from New York Owned by the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum

There is an outstanding nineteenth century Masonic stoneware water cooler that is somewhat well known today, which is in the collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum in Lexington, Massachusetts. The cooler was made at Moses Tyler's (1794-1846) business in Albany, New York, circa 1825-26; however, another significant Masonic object in the museum's collection is an early nineteenth century stoneware harvest jug, also from New York.

The harvest jug is incised,  "J. Romer / 1805," with Masonic symbols (all-seeing eye, sun, moon, columns, square and compasses, etc), fish, fish hook(s) and stylized flowers. The jug may have been made in New York City, otherwise perhaps a Hudson River region potter. 

According to the museum, "The potter who shaped and decorated this jug cut the owner’s name, J. Romer, and a date, 1805, under the spout. On the side of the vessel, he incised a whimsical picture of a Masonic apron into the clay, suggesting that the owner was a Freemason. John Romer (1764-1855), a member of Hiram Lodge No. 72 in Mount Pleasant, New York, may have called this jug his own."

A Circa 1805 Masonic Stoneware Jug from New York

Early 19th Century Masonic Stoneware Jug Made in New York

Incised with Various Images, as well as, "J. Romer / 1805"

Circa 1805

Stands 7" and 8" Across

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Scottish Rite Masonic Museum

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