RPPC McVille New York MWA Camp 1935 Fraternal Group with Goat & Axes 1908

Condition: *Please* use the Hip photo magnifier to check for flaws on each picture, mouse over to zoom and ... Read more about the seller notes *Please* use the Hip photo magnifier to check for flaws on each picture, mouse over to zoom and click to enlarge. Comes from a smoke free home. Common errors from the scanner vs damage are digital lines (usually grey or pink), cutting off the top of the card/words. Read Less about the seller notes

This is an outstanding real photo postcard (RPPC) featuring a full fraternal lodge group from McVille, New York, identified as M.W.A. Camp 1935 (Modern Woodmen of America). The photo dates to 1908, confirmed by the handwritten dating on the back and postcard stock, and was produced by Stuart Studio, a known early real photo photographer.This card captures an iconic and highly collectible fraternal parade/ritual scene featuring period uniforms, ceremonial axes, lodge regalia, and — most notably — the group’s goat mascot, a humorous but historically accurate symbol used by many turn-of-the-century lodges.Front Image Details (RPPC):The photograph shows more than a dozen uniformed M.W.A. lodge members in full regalia, each holding ceremonial axes, kneeling or standing in formation.Center front member kneels beside a goat wearing a lodge banner reading:“McVille Camp 1935 M.W.A.”Goat mascots were a well-known part of fraternal initiation rituals, making this image especially desirable to collectors.Standing behind the uniformed group are additional lodge officers and dignitaries in suits and hats.The backdrop clearly shows a train engine, tracks, and depot, providing excellent regional and early transportation context.Buildings and signage in the background appear consistent with early 20th-century McVille, New York.Strong composition with very good facial clarity, crisp edges, and excellent detail of badges, uniforms, and tools.Back Details:Divided-back era RPPC (circa 1907–1909).Photographer imprint along left side:“REAL PHOTOGRAPH STUART STUDIO”Pencil inscription: “Elmer E. Burke” (likely the original owner, not identified by you as a subject).“1908” written in pen on upper right and again in decorative purple stamp.No postmark; card appears unmailed.Historical Context:The Modern Woodmen of America (M.W.A.) was one of the largest and most active fraternal benefit societies in the United States during the late 1800s–early 1900s. Lodge groups like this performed:Ritual ceremoniesCommunity serviceParadesInsurance and mutual aid workThe ceremonial axes represent the group’s symbolic connection to pioneer woodcraft and frontier brotherhood.The goat, famously associated with fraternal initiation jokes, became an emblematic and humorous part of many lodge photographs — making such images extremely collectible.Railroad settings were also common gathering points, and their inclusion strengthens the historical and visual appeal of this postcard.Condition:Very good condition for 1908.Light corner/edge wear, mild toning.Image is sharp with excellent contrast and no creases.Back is clean with only period pencil and ink notations.Perfect For Collectors Of:Fraternal organizations (M.W.A., Woodmen, Odd Fellows, Moose, etc.)Goat-themed postcards & lodge ritual humorNew York town history (McVille)Railroad & depot RPPCsGroup portraits / occupational photographyEarly 1900s real photo postcards

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thepapergallery2 (2198)

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06/23/2010

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The Paper Gallery

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California, United States

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