"American Heros" 

 Masonic First Day Covers

Charles A. Lindbergh  -  Aviator 

 1st Solo Flight Across the Atlantic Ocean

Early on the morning of May, 20, 1927, a trim silver monoplane, heavy with fuel, took off from Roosevelt Field, New York, and headed out to sea.  It was the start of the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight in history--a flight that was to bring its 25-year-old pilot, fame and fortune when he landed at Le Bourget Field, in Paris, 3,610 miles and 33 1/2 hours later.  Attracted by the $25,000 offered by the New York restaurateur Raymond Orteig for the first New York-to-Paris nonstop flight, Lindbergh interested a group of St. Louis businessmen in backing his entry.  A Ryan monoplane, named The Spirit of St. Louis (now displayed in the Smithsonian Institution), was built for him and he made the big flight.  On his return to the U.S. Lindbergh, already much decorated by foreign governments, received the Medal of Honor and was promoted to the rank of Colonel.  Tumultuous crowds greeted the "Lone Eagle" wherever he went.

James Hoban - Architect of the U.S. White House

James Hoban was born in County Kilkenney, Ireland, studied Architecture under Thomas Ivory and arrived in Philadelphia in 1785.  He was superintendent of the executive buildings including the White House, Treasury, State, War, and Navy buildings.  Hoban laid the cornerstone of the White House with full Masonic ceremonies on October 12, 1792.  Under his leadership Federal Lodge No. 1 was organized and Hoban became the first Master.  He was active in Royal Arch Masonry until his death on December 8, 1831.

Brother Davy Crockett

One of the six survivors of the Battle of the Alamo who surrendered to Mexican General Santa Anna only to be executed by his order on March 6th, 1836.  Davy's name is included on a placque on the San Jacinto battlefield as one of 48 pioneer Masons whose leadership helped lay the cornerstone of the Republic of Texas.  Was he, or wasn't he?  No lodge records exist but the Gr. Lodge of Texas believes he was and honored him in death by declaring him so.  EDSEL

Brother Davy Crockett

According to a popular song of the 1960's, he trekked to Louisana to participate in the Battle of New Orleans.  True or not, he did scout for Andrew Jackson in the Creek War, 1813-14.  His most glorious hour came in the defense of the Alamo where he died March 6, 1836.  The Grand Lodge of Texas included his name on the San Jacinto Monument to Masons who died at the Alamo.    EDSEL

Brother - Col. William F. Cody

Col. William F. Cody became known by the name "Buffalo Bill" because he contracted to furnish meat of the American Bison to the Kansas Pacific Railroad builders and in 18 months he killed 4,280 to feed the hungery workers.  Raised in Platte Valley Lodge No. 32, North Platte, Nebraska.  When he received his Mark Master Degree in Euphrates Chapter No. 15 at North Platte, he appropriately chose the buffalo head as his mark.     EDSEL

Brother James Bowie

Listed by the Grand Lodge of Texas as one of the five Masonic Heros of the Alamo.  Among effects of his estate claimed by his heirs when probated two years later was a well worn Masonic Apron.  Louisiana Masons believe it was Loge L'Humble Chaurniere, Opelousas, La.  EDSEL

Brother David Farragut, Admiral U.S. Navy

A pivotal victory when he, on his flagship "Hartford," and Capt. Theddoaus Bailey on the "Cayuga" captured New Orleans in April 1862.  In August 1864 he captured Mobile Bay, where he ran a mine field unscathed and coined the phrase "Damn the Torpedoes."  Both ranks, Vice Admiral and Admiral were created for him.  Lodge unknown.  The Grand Master of California attests to Farragut's Masonic membership.  Bailey was raised in Washington Lodge No. 21 NY  EDSEL

Brother Teddy Roosevelt - "Pure Food and Drug Act"

One of the great achievements of the Administration of Brother Theodore Roosevelt's Presidency.  It is unique in a world where most other countries permit quacks and charlatains to cheat and delude the public with fake nostrums and unproven remedies that often kill instead of cure.  A proud and visibly active Mason who visited lodges all over the world and attended Masonic Cornerstone Layings and other functions where ever he went.  Matinecock Lodge No. 806 Oyster Bay, NY     EDSEL

Brother Teddy Roosevelt

The present herd of 600 buffalo that thrive in the wildlife refuge at Cache, OK, descend from the 15 that he transferred there from the N.Y. Zoo for later generations to admire in their natural state.  Member of Matinecock Lodge No. 906, Oyster Bay, N.Y.  EDSEL

Omar Bradley  -   General of the Army

West Point 1915, He had attained Brigadier General rank by 1941.  Commanded the 2nd Corp in Tunisia and Sicily.  1st Army Commander at Normandy and 12th Army Group through rest of the European Campaign.   Best liked General and most admired by troops he became Chief of Staff in 1948-49, then Chairman U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1949-53.  Raised in West Point Lodge No. 877 Highland Falls, N.Y.  EDSEL

Brigham Young  -   1st Governor of Utah

After Prophet Joseph Smith's murder at Navaroo, Illinois, Young led the Mormon Migration to the Great Salt Lake where he established Salt Lake City and started the magnificent Mormon Temple. Believed to have been made a Mason in Navaroo he wore a Masonic stick pin on his shirt front the remainder of his lifetime. (purposely erradicated from all official portraits long after his death.)     EDSEL

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