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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Masonic Bookends
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Masonic Bookends

Artifact IDMO 1979.54
Object Type Bookend
Maker (born 1888)
Date1944
Mediumwood (walnut, mahogany, oak, birch, blackwood), plastic, metal
Dimensionsoverall (each bookend) H 5 1/4 in x W 5 3/4 in x D 3 3/8 in (13.3 cm x 14.6 cm x 8.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA pair of carved and inlaid wood Masonic bookends. On the face of each of the bookends is the square and compasses Masonic emblem. The Order of the Eastern Star logo is inlaid on the reverse sides. Additional masonic symbols are inlaid into the bases of the bookends. Screwed to the front of each base is a black and white plastic plaque with an inscription that reads: FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT / THE GREATEST PRESIDENT / IN AMERICAN HISTORY. Inset into the reverse side of each base is another black and white plastic plaque with the maker's information: FROM / JACOB KATZ / LOS ANGELES, CAL.

The underside of each bookend base is lined with red felt.
Historical NoteThese Masonic bookends were sent to Franklin D. Roosevelt in April 1944 by the maker, Jacob Katz of Los Angeles, California.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view