EARLY REGALIA ON DISPLAY 
IN THE MICK MEMORIAL ROOM

 by Tomilynn E. Willits McManus, PHQ, PSG
Curator, International Center for Job’s Daughters

 Even though there are no crowns and headbands from the 1920s in our historical collection at the International Center for Job’s Daughters, we are most fortunate to have original capes and robes from this period.  Some of these items were sewn by Eastern Star members, and the mothers of the Job’s Daughters.  Others were purchased directly from commercial fraternal supply firms.  Consequently, the capes and robes from the early years of our organization varied considerably in length and style depending upon their source.  The robes were made from different fabrics and the capes had a variety of adornments.   

In creating displays for the Mick Memorial Room, it is important to include historical information about the item.  Notice how much more interesting it is to read about the cape from Bethel No. 1 (Illinois) than the Princess cape that has no identification.  Likewise, having the personal note from Mrs. Johnson explaining in her own words when she received her headband adds an immeasurable bit of history to her son’s gift.  When an individual or Bethel sends an historical item to the International Center for Job’s Daughters, a photograph of someone wearing the item, or a short history of the item, adds a valuable personal history to our collection and is much appreciated by the curator. 

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 Mother’s Day in the Job’s Daughters’ World is Sunday, May 13^th.  Many countries honor mothers at a different time of the year, but this is the date when our members in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Philippines, and Brazil will celebrate Mother’s Day.

Several published sources refer to Mrs. Mick as having organized the Order of Job’s Daughters in memory of her mother, Elizabeth Delight Hutchinson Wead.  Widowed early in her marriage, Mrs. Wead was left alone to raise four children:  two boys and two girls.  She regularly shared Bible stories with her children and, in particular, the lessons learned from studying the Book of Job. 

As Mother’s Day approaches, some Bethels might wish to plan a special tribute to Mrs. Mick’s mother or a ceremony in honor of all mothers.  The following information from “Suggestive Ideas”, a collection of poems, essays, and IOJD history compiled by Dr. and Mrs. Mick, might be useful in planning a Mother’s Day remembrance.

The following eight lines come from a lengthy poem entitled, “My Mother”, written by one of Mrs. Wead’s daughters that was read to Mrs. Wead on her 70^th birthday.

 When Mrs. Wead died in 1914, an Omaha daily newspaper published the following item: “A Last Loving Tribute to our Friend, Mrs. Elizabeth D. Wead”.

[Because we know that Ethel T. Wead Mick wrote many poems and essays, it is tempting to credit her with having written both “My Mother” and “A Last Loving Tribute to our Friend, Mrs. Elizabeth D. Wead”.  They appear in “History of Job’s Daughters” written by Dr. William H. Mick.  Dr. Mick credits his wife with other writings, but he does not acknowledge her as the author of either of these poems.]

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Ethel Wead Mick, when I first met her, was a beautiful woman in the prime of life.  She had curly hair of titian shade, and was a personality that was vibrant, tactful, forceful, persuasive and imaginative.  She was a direct descendant of Stephen Foster….I used to call her “Beautiful Dreamer” which is my favorite tune of Foster’s.  Not many people could dream of so great and perfect an Order and carry on the organization with so little friction, such smooth execution and loving cooperation by all.

Dr. Mick and my husband, Melvin Faber, met in the Masonic Club at Bordeaux, France, which assembled in a church during World War I.  They became fast friends and when, after the war, we located in Omaha, Mr. Faber’s first move was to contact Dr. and Mrs. Mick.  At this exact time Mrs. Mick was starting Job’s Daughters. Right away she asked me to take charge of the music of Job’s Daughters, which I did, gladly and humbly, never dreaming that Job’s Daughters would be what it is today…my first big assignment was to put on a concert by Job’s Daughters Bethel 1 to raise money for the purchase of robes and paraphernalia for this Bethel.

The nucleus or main attraction was, of course, the chorus composed of all members of the Bethel.  The chorus numbers were all two or three-part standard numbers for ladies’ voices.  All rehearsals and concerts were given in the Masonic Temple in Omaha at absolutely no expense to us.

 At the first Concert of Job’s Daughters No. 1, the opening number was “March to Victory” by Sullivan which was prophetic of Job’s Daughters’ future.  So was Mrs. Mick’s appointment of me as Supreme Musician, for ever since that lucky day I have devoted my whole life in teaching music to young people in public schools, Job’s Daughters and church choirs.

The second number on the program was “Minuet in G” by Beethoven, set to words.  The two girls, Reah Haning and Alice Costeel, were selected because of their ability to do solo work. The third number was a violin solo…. I was in good form, just having returned from New York where I studied and played while Mr. Faber was in France.  Mrs. Howard Rushton was a gifted accompanist who played with me this difficult number.

Mrs. Mick’s two teenage daughters…were taking dancing lessons so they, dressed in flowing white robes, contributed “Spring Song “by Mendelssohn.  Eight girls dressed in Japanese costumes sang two numbers and danced the third while I played “Tambourine Chinois” by Kreisler.

I remember Maud Murrow…gave a wonderful reading from Les Miserables.  The concert closed with three beautiful operatic numbers by the chorus and the final song was “Dance of the Fairies” an arrangement with words set to one of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances.  The girls of No. 1 and I worked hard on the concert numbers. 

My other task, a very delightful one, was to stay with Ethel and Ruth Mick when their parents were traveling around instituting Bethels….We three got our own meals and at night we all retired to a bed piled high with comforts [sic] for we slept on the sleeping porch that was not glass enclosed.  We undressed for bed in warm bedrooms and when we all were ready we made a grand rush for the icy quarters and there was much squealing and shivering till we got warm.  The fourth member of our group was the house cat.  It was great fun for all of us especially me since I lived in a downtown hotel and Mr. Faber was away teaching in Iowa during the week and back in Omaha on the weekends only.

Both [Ruth and Ethel] were lovely, unaffected girls busy with their school work…but they were never too busy to do favors for

[Perhaps the reader has noticed a few discrepancies in comparing the text and the concert program.  Consideration should be given to the fact that Mrs. Faber’s letter was written 40 years after the concert.  Even with these minor inconsistencies, we are so fortunate to have this personal recollection.  As Editor of the Supreme News Exchange in 1990, I included this article in a Special Issue devoted to IOJD History. Reprints of the Supreme News Exchange Special History Issue are available from the Supreme Guardian Council Office in Papillion, Nebraska. Photo and concert program from the Mick Memorial Room collection.]

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I am sure that many of you have tried to find concise explanations of Freemasonry suitable for our Daughters to refer to when they are answering questions about Job’s Daughters and our Masonic relationship.  No doubt many of your jurisdictions have printed explanations of “What is a Mason?” Perhaps you have even attempted to write something yourself.  Now, here comes Richard Vang with an informative, easy-to-read, explanation of Freemasonry in book form for the whole family to enjoy, discuss, and share with friends. 

 As stated on the last page of the book, “My Dad is a Freemason is designed to provide young readers with an introduction to the fraternal organization known as Freemasonry.  The book describes one man’s Masonic career, told through the words of his young son.  The text explains what a Freemason is, what a lodge meeting is like, and the many activities that Freemasons participate in.  Included are rich photographs and images which illustrate the history, symbolism and philosophy of Freemasonry.”

 I liked the extensive number of photographs, the concise explanations, and the author’s style.  And, as an added touch of personalization, the book includes both a “This book belongs to…” page and a “Personal Masonic History” or genealogical research exercise.  The glossary, a listing of Masonic organization web sites, and pictures of emblems for 14 organizations of the Masonic Family contribute to making this book an excellent reference for readers – young and old!

The book is listed at $16.95, but can be purchased for less through on-line sources.  For a more detailed article about “My Dad is a Freemason”, visit the publisher’s web site at www.squarecirclepress.com.

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As Bethels prepare to honor our founder, Ethel T. Wead Mick, it is a time to reflect upon the great task that Mrs. Mick and her colleagues set forth in creating a new organization for young women. How does one begin an organization?  Where do the ideas come from?  Who decides the name?  Who helps put it all together?  How long does it take? 

When I discuss these issues with others, we learn not only of Mrs. Mick’s devotion to her cause and her dedication to the purposes of her new organization, but we comment upon the orderly fashion in which she accomplished all that she set out to do.  I have three recommendations for those of you who would like to learn more about the creation of our beautiful Order. The first five books of the SGC Proceedings outline the beginnings of our organization and include the names of all the people who helped in this endeavor.  These books are no longer in print so ask your Grand Secretary or Bethel Guardian Secretary where these books might be found in your state or province.  Two other sources are the Official History of the International Order of Job’s Daughters and the SNE Special History Issue both of which can be purchased from the SGC Office in Nebraska. 

In recent years I have asked you to remember Mrs. Mick by hosting a birthday party at your Bethel or by having a coin march for the Ethel T. Wead Mick Fund in support of the Mick Memorial Room, in addition to performing one of the Mother Mick Tributes in the Book of Ceremonies.  Some of you have done all three!

Many of you have expressed appreciation for the examples of Mrs. Mick’s original writings that I have provided the last few years, both prayers and poems, and that interest in her writings led me to search the records for something more to share with you.  In the 1933 SGC Proceedings, I found a short verse that Mrs. Mick spoke in memory of Elizabeth H. Bushell, PGG of Maryland, who died January 13, 1933.  I think these words would be most appropriate in paying tribute to Mrs. Mick as well so I’ve copied them below in case you would like to include them in your Mother Mick Tribute this year.

Bethels have continued to send me a wonderful variety of photographs for the Bethel Photo Album in the Mick Memorial Room.  Many of you have sent installation and initiation photos, as well as photographs taken at fun activities, fundraising events, Mother Mick Tributes, and on your travels to visit other Bethels.  Each picture is special!  And it is a joy to receive them and to add them to the album which is now on display at the Supreme Guardian Council office. If you aren’t sure whether I already have a photograph from your Bethel, send me an e-mail at mcmanust@earthlink.net  and I’ll check my records.   There is room for only one photograph from each Bethel. 

If you haven’t sent me a photograph of your Bethel, please do so.   Take your picture at an installation, fun activity or fundraising event.  Have several people in the picture, and ON A SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER, include their names and offices, and what event the picture represents (e.g., an installation, a special meal, or a trip to another Bethel).  Include your Bethel Number and city.    Make sure that it is a clear picture, no larger than 4x6 inches, and PLEASE SEND ONLY ONE to the Curator, c/o Supreme Guardian Council, 233 West 6^th Street, Papillion, NE  68046. 

The album is beginning to bulge a little because of the number of photographs, but please keep them coming!   Thank you for participating in this project.

A Lily of the Valley poem

Submitted by Tomilynn W. McManus PHQ, PSG
Curator, Mick Memorial Room

“The Song of the Lily of the Valley Fairy” A poem and illustration by Cicely Mary Barker  Gentle fairies, hush your singing; Can you hear my white bells ringing, Ringing as from far away? Who can tell me what they say?  Little snowy bells out-springing From the stem and softly ringing— Tell they of a country where Everything is good and fair?  Lovely, lovely things for L? Lilac, Lavender as well; And, more sweet than rhyming tells, Lily-of-the-Valley’s bells.

Cicely Mary Barker was born in Cryodon, South London in 1895 and died in 1973.  She led a quiet life, and was always happiest with a sketchbook in hand.  Owing to ill health she was educated at home and largely taught herself to draw and paint.  Despite her lack of formal artistic training her natural talent was commercially recognized when she was only 15 with the publication of a set of postcards.

But it was her Flower Fairies books, the first of which was published in 1923, which brought her international acclaim as an artist.  The delicate charm of her illustrations, coupled with her meticulous botanical accuracy, has captivated both children and adults alike for nearly 70 years, and the books have become classics of children’s literature.

Source:  A Flower Fairy Alphabet by Cicely Mary Barker. Published by the Penguin Group in 1990.  First published in 1934

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Happy Birthday, Mrs. Mick!

by Tomilynn W. McManus, PHQ, PSG, Curator It is that wonderful time of year when we are honored to take a few minutes to remember the wonderful attributes of the lady who created our beautiful Order, Mrs. Ethel T. Wead Mick.  Please remember to schedule a Mother Mick Tribute at your meeting closest to March 9th.  Several Bethels have inquired about making a donation to the Mick Memorial Room in honor of Mrs. Mick’s birthday.  To do so, please send your check to the Supreme Office at 233 West 6th Street, Papillion, Nebraska 68046 and indicate that it is for the Ethel T. Wead Mick Fund.    As with all previous gifts that you have sent in honor of Mrs. Mick, this contribution will be used to enhance and maintain our historical collection housed at the International Center for Job’s Daughters.  If you have any questions about the Mick Memorial Room or our historical collection, please write to me at mcmanust@earthlink.net. Even though you will find Mother Mick Tributes in the Book of Ceremonies, you might want to include this prayer in your ceremony.   It was written in 1938 and Mrs. Mick gave it at the 18th meeting of the Supreme Guardian Council.    PRAYER Heavenly Father, we have followed Thee  Throughout this changeable year Kindly progress, light on our pathway Bringing comfort with cheer. May the members that are added To Job's Daughters' encircled chain Grow stronger in friendship's links And forever remain. May the wisdom we have given, Hours our guardians have spent Reflect wholesomeness in our Daughters, Bringing peace with content. May the Great God of Time Whose undying love we all know Observe with guidance Wherever Job's Daughters go.  These things we all ask in Thy name. Amen.   Return to Table of Contents BIRTH OF THE JOB’S DAUGHTERS’ FLAG From the 1934 original writings of Mr. Mattrup Jensen, PASG Edited by Tomilynn W. McManus, PHQ, PSG, Curator (May 2000)  The birth of the Job’s Daughters’ Flag was on August 22, 1934, in the City of Portland, Oregon, USA at which time the Supreme Guardian Council held their Annual Session.  The presiding officers at this meeting were Mrs. Ida B. Smith, from San Francisco, California, Supreme Guardian, and Mr. Guy O. Henderson of Chicago, Illinois, Associate Supreme Guardian.  At this session, THIS FLAG was adopted unanimously as the Official Job’s Daughters’ Flag.   “May this emblem, through the ages, For our Daughters wave on high; Ever upward, onward striving, ‘Til love shall rule in earth and sky.”   The designer of this flag was Mr. Mattrup Jensen, PAGG of California, Past Associate Supreme Guardian.  In “History of Flag”, he has written the following. “One day while sitting in my office, I looked up at the picture of George Washington, which hung upon the wall, just above my desk.  On one corner of the frame there was fastened a small flag of the United States of America; on the other, a small flag of Denmark. The thought came to me, that both of these flags were not created or designed by chance, but that the color, cross, stripes and the very field, stood for something quite definite.  Following this thought it occurred to me that the organization of Job’s Daughters should have a flag that was truly emblematical of the Order…I immediately stepped to my drafting table and proceeded to design such a flag.   First, I made the field or background of purple; the basic color of the Order…second, I placed the triangle, the insignia of the Order, containing the likeness of the three daughters of Job…on the purple field, the width of a stripe from the standard, and the width of a stripe from the top and bottom of the flag.  Third, I placed three white stripes, the second basic color of the Order, on the field of purple; one stripe emanating from each of the three points of the triangle, making five stripes starting at the triangle.  This completed the arrangement; giving us a flag composed of three white stripes, five stripes emanating from the triangle and seven stripes in all, across the entire width.  I present it to the “Fairest in all the Land’, and may it lead our Daughters upward and onward, that their influence may be the means of promoting and preserving the highest ideals of life. Return to Table of Contents