Vintage 1962 Masonic Personal Archive – John Norman Holly – Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507 F.&A.M., Rochester, New York

Offered here is an original group of vintage Masonic items associated with Brother John Norman Holly, a member of Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507, F.&A.M., Rochester, New York.

This collection is especially interesting because multiple pieces are personalized to the same individual and document his progression through the three symbolic degrees of Freemasonry in 1962.

John Norman Holly’s Masonic Bible and presentation apron record the following dates:

Initiated: April 5, 1962
Passed: October 18, 1962
Raised: November 1, 1962

The term “Raised” indicates that Holly received the third degree and became a Master Mason.

Included in this historical group are:

• Personalized vintage Masonic apron bearing the Square & Compasses with “G”
• Apron presented to Brother John Norman Holly
• Original Masonic Bible with blue cover and gold Masonic emblem
• Original presentation/storage box
• Hand-completed Bible presentation page documenting Holly’s 1962 degree dates
• Presentation page signed by officers of Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507
• Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507 F.&A.M. By-Laws booklet bearing the name John N. Holly
• “The Fellow Craft Degree” booklet
• “Address to Candidate on Receiving the Third Degree,” originally written by Ellwood C. Wilder, Past Master, Hawaiian Lodge No. 21
• Period Masonic Bible literature
• Vintage Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite – Northern Masonic Jurisdiction – Valley of Rochester, N.Y. petition form
• Scottish Rite petition bearing a handwritten recommendation signature that appears to read Samuel M. Railing
• Additional period Masonic papers and literature shown in the photographs

The Scottish Rite petition is largely uncompleted, so no claim is being made that John Norman Holly formally submitted the petition or became a Scottish Rite member. It was found together with his Masonic materials and is included as part of the archive.

The strongest historical provenance in the collection comes from the matching name, lodge and 1962 initiation, passing and raising dates appearing on multiple original items.

Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507 F.&A.M. was a historic Masonic lodge in Rochester, New York, making this collection of additional interest to collectors of Rochester history, New York Freemasonry and fraternal memorabilia.

These items appear to have been kept together for decades and are being offered together as a single historical collection rather than separated.

Condition:
Vintage pre-owned condition with normal age-related wear. The apron shows some light discoloration, small marks and storage wear. The Bible and paper materials show normal age toning and handling wear. The exterior boxes show noticeable edge, corner and surface wear. No restoration or professional cleaning has been performed.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are considered an important part of the description and show the exact items included and their condition.

An interesting documented 1962 Masonic archive for a Freemasonry collector, lodge historian, Rochester/New York historian, genealogist or collector of vintage fraternal memorabilia.