Several years ago, I posted some menus from the Order of the Eastern Star, from meetings held in Connecticut in 1950, simply because I’m interested in what people eat in different times and places. Here are two more. The first is from the Official Visitation of Mrs. Clara C. Huntley, Worthy Grand Matron, and Associate […]

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The new pope, Francis, has enjoyed extensive press coverage, but it must be pointed out that he is not the only one in the game.  This flyer was handed to me today, presumably by the other pope herself.  I wish her well; it’s not an easy job, and Francis has a head start.  (Please click […]

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As the cardinals convene in the Vatican to elect a new boss, let’s consider for a moment the once flourishing art of cardinal paintings. In the late 19th century, particularly in France, several artists specialized in painting pictures of the red-robed religious. There’s a fine article on the subject by John Fleming, in the 13th […]

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The following pictures are taken from the Fretted Instrument News, 1945-1949.  It was the “Official Organ of the American Guild of Banjoists, Mandolinists, and Guitarists,” “An Independent Bi-Monthly Devoted to the Advancement and Culture of the Romantic Instruments.”  It was particularly devoted to promoting “Fret Clubs,” amateur or school groups that played light classical selections […]

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The Ullage Group has long been fascinated by changing customs in diet. Foods go in and out of fashion; what we eat is telling. I have here two menus from meetings of the Order of the Eastern Star, both from September 1950, both from Connecticut. The Eastern Star was founded as an order for wives […]

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While thumbing through a scrapbook of lodge emblems, I found this anthropomorphic frog, who apparently represents some of the activities of the Knights Templar — that is, the Masonic order, not the original 12th century group.  Frogs can symbolize many things; I can’t say what he means here.  But I like the Templar Frog; and […]

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The Ullage Group proudly, but earnestly, announces its ninth presentation, “Marching to Utopia.”  We will acquaint you with a few schemes for the betterment of mankind. Step out of your cold, mechanistic, and meaningless universe, and go back to school with Lisa Hirschfield, your tour guide at the University of Science and Philosophy.  Far more […]

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On Sunday, May 16th, hardcore fans of the suggestive braved suspended subway service and a glorious sunny afternoon to take in some harmless smut at the Ullage Group’s “Not Dirty, Just Spicy” event at Jalopy. Doug Skinner started things off by reviewing the rhetoric of extended double-entendre. To drive the point home, he performed the […]

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Ancient coral or ancient ladies’ swimming cap? On the first day of spring, which in New York City was particularly welcome and unseasonably warm, I took a long walk on the sands of Dead Horse Bay, a quiet inlet tucked away not far from Floyd Bennett Field (the City’s very first airport), now abandoned to […]

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The Ullage Group’s sixth public outing attracted our largest turnout yet.  We ran out of chairs and pews; some had to stand, fidgeting. After an introductory sermonette, Lisa uncorked the ullage, and poured out the traditional offering to our hosts at the Jalopy Theater, Geoff and Lynette Wiley.  She then discussed the cultural history of […]

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