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Oxen

OXEN - Represent patience and enduring strength.

KJV Proverbs 14:4 - Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

Owl

OWL -  The owl is honored as the keeper of spirits who had passed from one plane to another, winging it's newly freed soul from the physical world into the realm of spirit.   In ancient Egyptian, Celtic, and Hindu cultures the symbolic meaning of owl revolved around guardianship and a protection of the dead.  In this light the owl was ruler of the night and seer of souls.  

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Ladies Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen (L.A. to B.R.T.)

LADIES AUXILIARY TO THE BROTHERHOOD OF RAILROAD TRAINMEN (L.A. to B.R.T.) -  On January 23, 1889, the Grand Lodge of Ladies Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen was organized at Fort Gratiot, Mich., by Brother W. W. Wilkinson, Grand Master. All expenses were paid by the brotherhood.  The preparation of the constitution, bylaws and ritual was tedious. The success in organizing has been attributed to the untiring efforts of Sophia P. Granger and the assistance of the brotherhood.

Keystone with Letters HTWSSTKS (Masonic)

MASONIC KEYSTONE WITH LETTERS HTWSSTKS - The Masonic Keystone, which is the Masonic mark of an Ancient Grand Master.  HTWSSTKS stands for "Hiram The Widow's Son Sent To King Solomon."  All third degree Freemasons study the story of a man named Hiram Abiff (a.k.a. Hiram the Widow’s Son.)  According to legend, Hiram was chief architect for the Temple of King Solomon.

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Junior Order of United American Mechanics (JOUAM)

JUNIOR ORDER OF UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS (JOUAM) -  The Order of United American Mechanics was an anti-Catholic American Nativist organization of the mid-19th century.  It was founded in Philadelphia amid the anti-alien riots of 1844-45.  It originally was called the Union of Workers.  Members were required to undertake efforts to publicize and campaign against the hiring of cheap foreign labor and to patronize only "American" businesses.  In 1853 it created the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, as an youth auxiliary.

Hammer

HAMMER - Symbolizes the power of creation, strength and justice. It may also represent the deceased persons profession.  

  • In Norse mythology, Thor, the god of thunder and lightning, wields a hammer and fights for justice.  
  • In American folkore, the hammer of John Henry represents the strength and endurance of a man.  
  • The hammer in the song "If I Had a Hammer" represents a relentless message of justice broadcast across the land. The song became a symbol of the American Civil Rights movement.

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Chalice (Eucharist)

CHALICE (EUCHARIST) -  The chalice often appears in association with a white circle representing the consecrated Eucharist.  The two items combine to signify the Catholic rite of Holy Communion. The headstones of priests often bear these objects.

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Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty)

CORNUCOPIA (HORN OF PLENTY) -  Symbolizes an abundant, fruitful life.  Also a symbol of the harvest, which in turn symbolizes the end of life.

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Woman, Holding Anchor

WOMAN HOLDING ANCHOR -  A female, typically shown wearing Roman Stola and Palla garments, stands with one arm resting on or holding an anchor.  This is often an Anchored cross meaning hope and is the primary symbol of the statue.  Often, the opposite arm is raised with the index finger of the hand pointing towards the sky. This symbolizes the pathway to heaven.  A hand held over the heart symbolizes faith.  Other key elements can be a broken chain attached to the anchor or sometimes hanging from the neck. This symbolizes the cessation of life.

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