I.O.O.F. Costumes and Regalia. The Henderson-Ames Co. Kalamazoo, Mich. Degree Staff Costumes, Regalia, Paraphernalia, Books, Blanks and Supplies for Odd Fellow Lodges: Net Catalogue Number Five

Kalamazoo, MI: Henderson-Ames Co. Press, 1910. First Edition. Wraps. Very Good . Folio, 34 by 25.5 cm. 134 pp. Plus separate cover letter and order form. With 24 pages of full color to the costumes or objects (the models are photographed and their faces are in black and white even when the costume is shown in color). 22 additional pages with one color, red, in addition to black and white (these are showing collars). The costumes are fantastical, some of them with a sinister or strange air, some with ancient associations, and all, without exception, goofy. The costumes can also range from ecclesiastic or biblical to pagan, academic to martial. Almost all are depicted head to toe and with actual photographed faces, although these would appear to have been pasted onto the costume, with the actual persons not photographed modeling the garments. (An early photo-shopping, if you will.) Also peddled are banners, painted scroll backdrops, swords, spears, wands, torcheres, masks, harps, minute books -- all the paraphernalia that might serve a fraternal order or dress-up men's club, or perhaps an S & M dungeon. Henderson-Ames has roots in the 1860s and became a major purveyor of uniforms, and not just those of fraternal orders, but including military uniforms and other lines. The company merged with Lilley-Ames in 1933 and operations were shortly moved to Ohio. Moderate soiling to the wraps. Clean and tight otherwise.