Des Moines Valley purchases 73 Masonic
backdrops for our AASR degrees.
A few weeks ago, the Des Moines Valley was contacted by a couple of our Scottish Rite Brothers, Jeremy Davis and Brian Truex, asking if we were aware the city of Winona, Minnesota was selling 73 Masonic backdrops via an online auction. This was Thursday, November 19th.
These backdrops are part of an original set of 98 that were created by the Sosman and Landis company of Chicago in 1909. They were sold to numerous Scottish Rite Valleys throughout the United States. The city had purchased the Winona Masonic Temple in the mid-1980's but the Masonic lodge had retained the upper floors until recently moving to new building. The city of Winona decided to retain 25 of the backdrops and use the proceeds from the sale of the remaining backdrops to assist in the renovation of the auditorium. The backdrops have been professionally packaged and stored in the building since 2014.
After a great deal of discussion, the finance committee, and advisory conference decided to spend up to $10,000 for the backdrops. As we were bidding, it became apparent, that $10K might not do it. Fortunately, a couple of members that were aware of our interest had pledged a few extra dollars just in case the $10,000 wasn't quite enough. Our purchase price and winning bid was placed with 3 minutes remaining in the auction. We paid $10,010.00 plus a buyers premium of $500.
We will be taking delivery of the backdrops on January 16th.
If you would like to help with the unloading,
and brave the cold, please contact Shane Harshbarger at
515-288-8927, expected delivery is 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 16th.
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