Ritual of the Pacific Jurisdiction, Woodmen of the World
Omaha, NE: The Beacon Press Print, 1897. First edition. 8vo, [1], 126pp. Forest map at front, vignette Woodmen of the World emblems at the end of each section. Bound in plain brown cloth with marking or lettering. Toning to boards and endpapers, few smudges to prelims else clean internally. Very good.
Scarce ritual book from this fraternal order founded in 1890 as an offshoot of the Modern Woodmen of America, founded by Joseph Cullen Root in 1883. These two groups, and others which were founded via schism, were mainly life insurance benefit societies which organized social and recreational events, gave scholarships, supported orphans and hospitals, and various other philanthropic endeavors. Interestingly, they were also quite steeped in nature ritual, stemming from Root's prior involvement with the freemasons, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, and Ancient Order of Workmen.
OCLC cites a single holding at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library. Item #8602
Price: $150.00