Reuben Myles Papers

The Reuben Myles papers mainly consists of materials related to Myles' Masonic activities, specifically his work as the Grand Master of Trinity Lodge #175 in Monroe, Louisiana of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Louisiana.

The Trinity Lodge records are not complete; however they include resolutions, occasional correspondence and lodge reports, mortgage information, and minutes. The records also include publications such as by-laws, constitutions, and rules for new members. There are speeches and ephemera related to cornerstone ceremonies in which the Trinity Lodge was involved throughout Monroe, Louisiana. This collection also contains materials related to the Members Mason Liberia Africa Tour in 1972, such as travel records, maps, itineraries, photographs, and ephemera.

Other Masonic orders are represented throughout, including Most Excellent Prince Hall Chapter of Holy Royal Arch Masons; Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order, Nobles Mystic Shrine (A.E.A.O.N.M.S.); the Prince Hall Affiliated; and Order of the Eastern Star. Items of note include the constitution and by-laws of the Desert Conferences of Temples in North Carolina along with the minutes of the November 1960 meeting.

This collection also contains a number of Masonic fez (hats), gloves, cups, aprons, and neck chains used by Myles. Of note are his neck chain for the order for the A.E.A.O.N.M.S. of North and South America and Its Jurisdiction and his neck chain and apron from his tenure as Worshipful Master of Trinity Lodge.

In addition to the Masonic materials, there is a small amount of personal records, such as correspondence, awards, financial records, speeches, and family photographs. Other materials include obituaries, collected ephemera, such as church anniversary programs, newsletters, and newspaper clippings.