GROTTO [International] Symbolism wrought by Ida S. Darling, Albany, N.Y., c. 1898

[EPHEMERA]. (7 7/8" x 5 7/8"); hand-drawn and colored design on free front end-paper removed from a book.

A folk-art style rendering of symbols relating to the Masonic affiliated organization named Grotto, drawn and colored by hand on what appears to be the free front paper of a book as it remains attached to the subsequent "Presentation" page. The drawing is signed "Ida S. Darling, Albany, N.Y." This small piece of art includes the "Eye of Providence" at the top under a banner of "In God Is Our Trust"; an American flag carried by an eagle representing patriotism; and the three books pictured at the bottom represent the three Blue Lodge degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. The lettering on the book pictured on the right reads "Truly Yours / G.G. Waldron / Hamilton, N.Y." The Grotto association, while unaffiliated with Masonry, limits Master Masons to its membership. It was founded by friends who were Masons, G.G. Waldron, LeRoy Fairchild, and Edwin L. Peet, and others in 1889 for the purpose of good fellowship, friendship, and fun.

The banner "Remember the Maine" assists with dating the art to the late 19th century, as the U.S.S. Maine battleship explosion occurred in 1898. This became a rallying cry of patriotism.