Vintage 1953 Order Eastern Star OES Ritual Book Ephemera Lot Ribbons Holman Box For Sale

We enjoy finding unique vintage pieces, nostalgic collectibles, and interesting items from the past and giving them a new home.

Offered here is a fascinating mid-century Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.) ritual book and ephemera archive, largely associated with Thelma Robertson.

The centerpiece is a 1953 Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star, published by authority of the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

The title page notes that this edition was amended at the Triennial Assembly held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 1952.

Inside the front of the book is a handwritten ownership inscription:

Thelma Robertson – 1954

There is also a period Grand Chapter, O.E.S., Chicago stamp on the endpaper.

Especially interesting is the included 1956 Freeburg Chapter No. 542 Installation of Officers program, which lists Thelma Robertson among the 1957 officers in the role of Martha. This connection gives the lot a particularly nice personal provenance.

Included in the lot are:

• 1953 Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star hardcover book
• Blue Holman O.E.S. Bible box/slipcase, marked
  “Authorized Standard King James Version” and S164A
• 1945 By-Laws of Rob Morris Chapter No. 328, Order of the Eastern Star, Wellston, Missouri
• 1948 Roster of Rob Morris Chapter No. 328, Wellston, Missouri
• 1956 Freeburg Chapter No. 542 Installation of Officers program, Illinois
• Printed O.E.S.-themed inspirational card reading:
  “Earnest in Endeavor / Kind in Thought / Benevolent in Deed”
• Period handwritten verse/note referencing Martha, faith, hope, and trust
• Bundle of satin ribbons in traditional O.E.S.-associated colors including blue, yellow/cream, white, green, and red

The 1953 ritual also contains the familiar five-pointed Order of the Eastern Star emblem and ceremonial text related to chapter officers and installation ceremonies.

This is a cohesive group of O.E.S. fraternal ephemera spanning approximately 1945–1956, with unusually strong personal association through the repeated appearance of Thelma Robertson’s name.

Please note: the blue Holman piece is the box/slipcase only; a Bible is not included unless specifically shown in the photographs.

Good vintage condition overall with age-appropriate toning and handling wear.

The 1953 ritual book shows some wear to the binding and interior hinge area consistent with age and use.

The blue Holman box shows visible shelf wear, rubbing, edge wear, staining, and label wear.

Paper ephemera shows typical age toning, edge wear, and light handling marks.

The handwritten and printed paper pieces remain legible.

Please review all photos carefully for the exact condition and contents of the lot.

What makes this group especially appealing is that it appears to preserve part of one member’s O.E.S. history rather than being a random assortment of unrelated pieces.

Thelma Robertson’s name appears in the 1953 ritual book and again in the 1956 Freeburg Chapter installation program, where she is listed as Martha. Together with the handwritten verse and period chapter material, the lot gives a small but tangible glimpse into mid-century Eastern Star membership and ceremonial life.

For collectors of Order of the Eastern Star, Masonic-related fraternal history, vintage ritual books, lodge ephemera, or Missouri/Illinois local history, this is a particularly interesting archive.

Your item will be packed carefully with appropriate protective materials to help preserve the books, paper ephemera, ribbons, and vintage box during shipment.

Loose paper items will be protected from bending, and the books and box will be cushioned separately where practical.

We are happy to combine shipping whenever practical. Please contact us before purchasing multiple items if you would like a combined-shipping quote.

Thank you for visiting adVintage Picks! We appreciate your interest and hope you enjoy adding this unique piece of mid-century fraternal history to your collection.