Here is a photo that I took in 2016. My Grandpa, Milo Ross, had this photo in his collection. We do not know if he picked up at a flea market or knew anyone linked with it. I have tried to do some research on it over time. Initially, nobody could read or decipher the signature.

Here is what we could read

“To my Friend

“Bro. Fred P. Robison. P.M.

“[Illegible] – 33

“D.D.G.M. 1915-1940

Bro. is short for Brother, the term used for all masons. P.M. means past master, a former presiding officer of his lodge, indicating rank in service.

The 33 after the signature denotes he received the 33 degree in the Scottish Rite, an optional side group that Masons can join. The 33 is a significant honor within that organization, but doesn’t really denote rank or authority in most cases.

The D.D.G.M. usually refers to District Deputy Grand Master, a regional officer of the Grand Lodge of the state. They usually oversee several lodges in an area on behalf of the governing grand lodge.

Later, Dad uncovered this tag on the back.

This really gave us what we needed to determine who this guy was!

Bellefonte, Central, Pennsylvania is not a large town.

W. Harrison Walker was a lawyer in Bellefonte and served as the town’s Burgess (now known as Mayor) in 1923. He specialized in general law, collections, and estate settlements. An old business directory lists him with the following references: First National Bank of Bellefonte, First National Bank of State College, First National Bank of Howard, The Pennsylvania Match Co, Montgomery & Co, M. Fauble & Son, and Joseph Bros & Co.

Here is more detail about William Harrison Walker. Born 30 August 1874 in Selone, Clinton, Pennsylvania and died 29 October 1951 in Bellafonte, Pennsylvania. Married Caroline E Hoffman (1875 – 1907) 26 March 1891 in Uniontown, Fayette, Pennsylvania. Married Charlotte Robb (1885 – 1971) 30 August 1912 in Greensburg, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania.