Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, American, founded 1843 Search this
Medium:
collodion and silver on iron with lacquer
Dimensions:
H x W (Image and Mount): 4 1/2 × 3 in. (11.4 × 7.6 cm)
Type:
tintypes
Place captured:
Providence, Rhode Island, United States, North and Central America
Date:
ca. 1873
Caption:
This tintype photograph of a man in Grand United Order of Odd Fellows regalia came into the collection identified as a photograph of James Turner and accompanied by a membership certificate for Turner in the Prince Hall Freemasons Celestial Lodge No. 2 of Rhode Island. It is possible Turner was a member of both the G.U.O.O. F. and the freemasons, or the identification of Turner in the photograph may be a misattribution. The embroidery on the collar “P.N.F.” likely means “Past Noble Father,” the highest degree of Odd Fellowship in the order’s structure. The two unidentified women may have been members of the Household of Ruth, the G.U.O.O.F. women’s auxiliary organization.
Description:
A tintype photograph depicting a man identified as James Turner seated in Grand United Order of Odd Fellows regalia and flanked by two standing unidentified women. The tintype is in a magenta colored paper frame with gold designs around the edges. The full-length portrait shows the man sitting in a chair, wearing a dark jacket, vest and pants over a light colored shirt, and wearing a G.U.O.O.F. apron and collar. The wide collar is dark-colored with light colored fringe trim and embroidery on both sides in a vine and flower design. "P. N. F." is embroidered at the top of the proper left side of the collar and a sunburst design is on the proper right side. His proper right hand rests on his knee and he is looking straight at the camera. The two women stand on either side of him, their hands on his shoulders. They both wear ensembles with jackets in a striped fabric with a row of center buttons. They also have small purses on long straps across their chests. The woman on the right wears a light colored bonnet and dark colored gloves, holding a fan in her proper left hand. The woman on the left wears a dark colored hat and fingerless gloves. The cheeks of both women have been given a slightly rosy tint. The back of the frame has the mark of the photographer printed in an elaborate gold ribbon design in the center, [37 Westminster St. / H.G. PEARCE / Providence, R.I.], surrounded by a gold frame with floral motif.
