The Demoulin Bros.

Vintage illustration has always been a great source of inspiration for any artwork that I do. So when I came upon this, it touched on two planes: 1) Vintage illustration and 2) Freemasonry.

The Demoulin Brothers company was established in Greenville, Illinois. From what I can garner, at one point they were in the business of distribution of Masonic lodge supply. Though, their website says that since 1892 they are best known for marching band uniforms.

Here is a link to the vintage catalog.

I have always found the lodge mysterious. Heck, anything bound by an oath that stipulates death if any secrets are told certainly carries a certain ‘hole in the fence’ appeal.

Myself being a fan of metal, I have always been aware of the appeal of the goat. The tricks that a horned beast plays on the best of man. The fascination with death and the occult. Is Satan real? Is Hell? In my opinion, probably not. But certain things come to mind when looking at the pages of this catalog. The ritualistic nature of proceedings, the constant doubt that would fill any initiate, the fact that someone else knows more than you and is unwilling to share until you aspire to be like them. It sounds harmless and silly, but there has to be more to it than pure fraternity. Right? Who knows maybe I should just swallow my non-conformity, the unwillingness to except what is handed to me, and take the oath, follow the path of so many good men into subjugation, conformity and fraternity. I am sure they could help me get a job.

Drink the blood of the goat and take the oath.

-Dan ®