The 1930 DeMoulin Bros. & Co. Fraternal Supply Catalog No. 439

[Dave Monroe]

Pictured above is the cover of the 1930 edition of the
DeMoulin Bros. & Co. catalog titled "Burlesque and
Side Degree Specialties, Paraphernalia and Costumes." 
We believe that this was the last "fraternalism
supply" catalog the DeMoulin Bros. produced, as this
company suffered the same fate that many businesses
did with the onset of the Great Depression.  Today,
they are one of the largest suppliers of marching band
uniforms in the country.  In the broken economy of the
1930's, the fraternalism items this company produced
and sold were not considered a high priority on the
"need or necessity" list of many Lodges.  Yet, the
side degree specialties that they sold were the very
items that increased Lodge membership, their donations
to charities and interest in "Lodge Life" itself. 
These side degrees added to the "degree of laughter"
early Lodge Brethren engaged in when initiating new
members!  We have reproduced the DeMoulin Catalog here
in its entirety.  Pay particular attention to the
various testimonials at the bottom on some of the
below catalog pages.  These testimonials were sent in
by the Lodges who purchased this paraphernalia and
they described how it worked for them.  In the end
you'll see that the wholesome fun... "light hazing,"
endured by the candidates made them feel more apart of
the Lodge and fostered Brotherly Love and Affection. 

If you would like to learn more about the history of
the DeMoulin Bros. Co. we suggest that you visit
http://www.demoulincollectors.com and purchase John
Goldsmiths new book “Three Frenchmen And A Goat -The
DeMoulin Bros. Story”.

(Legal Notice:  Be advised that Phoenixmasonry, Inc.
will not be held responsible for any accidental
property damage, injury or loss of life due to any
irresponsible manufacture or use of the items listed
in or made as a replica shown in this catalog or
pictured on this website.)

http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/demoulin/index.htm


 
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