This massive photographic archive showcases hundreds of different costumes, regalia, props, scenic designs, furniture, and accessories for fraternal organizations such as the Masons, the Odd Fellows, Knights of Columbus, and the Order of the Eastern Star, as well as academic apparel including gowns and mortarboard caps, all available for purchase from the C.E. Ward Company of New London, Ohio.

There are numerous shots of a few different models dressed in dozens of different wardrobes, styled as lodge officers such as high priests, grand masters, or sword bearers, or posed as figures from religious texts such as King Solomon or Moses. There are shots of both the front and back of the subject.

There are also photos showing elaborate headwear such as aluminum helmets and colonial wigs; ornate (costume) jewelry; symbolistic object such as Pillars of Beauty and Cubic Stones; grand, stately furniture; imitation animal skins; ceremonial staffs;banners adorned with cryptic symbols; lodge pins and other metalwork, and much more. Many of these images have quite an oddly-compelling, surreal quality.

Charles E. Ward and his brother-in-law Ed Stilson opened their regalia business in 1891, creating bullion collars for a local Odd Fellows Lodge. They soon began producing robes, caps, and other lodge paraphernalia. They incorporated in 1905 and quickly expanded into a large and successful mail order business, sending catalogs all over the country. The partners split in 1910 and Stilson relocated to Anderson, Indiana where he opened the Ward-Stilson Co. Photographic (reproductions of his off-shoot company’s advertisements are included in the archive). C.E. Ward Co. remained in operation until the 1970s.