Part 458: William F. Hamilton and the Shrine Circus
By 1921, Thomas G. Moses’ former business partner, Will Hamilton, was living in San Francisco, California. Born in Franklin, Pennsylvania, Hamilton moved to New Jersey in the 1890s and remained their for over two decades. Like many scenic artists, he worked all over the country on a variety of projects. He would later relocate to San Francisco where one of his more interesting projects would involve the Oakland Shrine circus. In the publication “Variety,” there was an article titled, “Hamilton’s Special Events” where he was credited with creating “an abundance for special scenery” for the Shrine (Vol. IXIV, No. 11. Nov. 4, 1921).
The following year, “The Oakland Tribune” included the article “Hamilton Praised.” It reported that Hamilton was again the director for the Oakland Shrine Circus. He was working on the project with stage managers Captain E. J. Parish and Clarence E. Head; chairman of the entertainment committee Lawrence E. Lund; and Potentate Thomas W. Norris (28 April 1922, page 15). The article reported, “W. F. Hamilton, the director, is given credit for his achievement by members of the Shrine.” In 1923 Hamilton was still the director for the Shrine Circus, and once again in charge of the “special preparations” (Oakland Tribune 13 April 1923, page).
I have often been asked to explain the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. I typically respond that after a Mason is introduced to Freemasonry in a Blue Lodge, he continues his education in either the Scottish Rite or York Rite, thus making him eligible to join the Shrine. The Shrine was a place to “relax” after all of the “hard labor” of learning the “Craft.” Today, Masons can skip the step of “learning” in the Scottish Rite and York Rite, immediately jettisoning into the Shrine. I have very mixed feelings about this; understanding the need to retain membership numbers, yet abandoning the “work” aspect before the reward of “play.”
As I was looking at Shrine circus programs, I came across a very concise history of the organization in a 1950 issue. It supplied the usual historical background pertaining to the origin of the Shrine. It explained that the Shrine “has for its allegorical background an order instituted by Kalif Alee, a Mohammedan. The order was to further civilization and law and also to promote religious tolerance among cultured men of all beliefs and nations.” The article further explained that William “Billy” J. Florence, a well-traveled actor, was initiated into an Order on one of his tours and the ceremony prompted him to establish an order in America. He wanted to establish “a place where a select group of men could commune and relax and enjoy good fellowship.” Dr. Walter M. Fleming wrote the ritual in collaboration with Florence for this new Masonic organization. Initially membership was limited to Scottish Rite Masons and Knights Templar, with the first meeting being held on June 16, 1871 in a the Masonic Hall, located on East Twenty-third Street in New York City. They formally organized a “Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine” which they named their “Mecca Temple, the Mother Temple of the Mystic Shrine.” An Imperial Council was later created in 1876, with Fleming becoming the first Imperial Potentate from 1876 to 1886.
The 1950 Shrine Circus program also included a section on “The Purpose of the Shrine.” This may help others understand the organization a bit more. Here it is in its entirety:
“The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine has for its mission the union of the York and Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Here Masons from both Rites meet on a common level or playground; but it is not a playground merely – it teaches by its tenets and obligations some of the highest ideals of life.
It’s teachings carry a dignified mien that lifts the Masons above the sordid transitory things of life. It transports the mental and spiritual Mason away from the turmoil and strife of earthly things and atunes his spiritual being in harmony with the universe and the music of the spheres. It gives him a glimpse of the great white light of life and Masonry here and hereafter. It teaches some the grandest lessons given for the guidance of a man along life’s journey that he who has listening ears and seeing eyes may learn the great truths taught by speculative Masonry. It does not teach, and in fact, it frowns upon any and all things that should not characterize a gentleman, a man or a Mason. No rough or uncouth act has a place on its program, and any overt act not in keeping with the teachings and spirit of Masonry does violence to its obligation and reflects discredit upon the spirit of the Order, but more directly upon the doer thereof.
The Mystic Shrine embraces all creeds that recognize and acknowledge Deity as supreme. It has for its prime mission unfoldment and evolution. It works begin in the human heart and mind in the morning of creation. It gives a new impetus at the altar, giving the individual a higher concept of life and its duties toward self, home, country, and last but not least toward the higher part or principle in the human heart that elevates man above the beast of the field and makes him a little lower than the angels.”
It can be a wonderful organization with fun-loving men, but there have always been those few members who took it a step too far; the fun and games turned malicious. In certain areas the initiations, as well as the running of the organization, fell under the shadow of a dark cloud. Once, while restoring a drop in Virginia, a few Masons explained that part of their Shrine initiation involved being chased through the streets of Richmond with cattle prods. In Oklahoma, another Mason showed me an early “Shrine Strength-testing Machine.” The device was used for “playful harm.” Each initiate was told they were going to measure his physical strength. When they squeezed the handles of the machine, it triggered a board to raise up and hit the Mason square between his legs. There are many more stories that have been shared with me over the years that I am choosing not to include, as they all cast an unkind light on the organization as a whole.
However, when we ponder why some high school and fraternity hazing ceremonies result in harm, or even death, we just need to look at our own past. A fun initiation can suddenly take a wrong turn, resulting in injury; much depends on the leadership. Sometimes a bully dominates the playground.
To be continued…
