The Order of United Artisans was founded by Francis I. McKenna in Portland, Oregon, in 1894. Its place of origin is notable, as many fraternal organizations were established in the eastern United States and later expanded westward. Far fewer began in the West, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

According to Preuss’ seminal work, A Dictionary of Secret and Other Societies, the organization was best known for issuing twenty year life insurance certificates. When the book was published in 1923, it reported that the Artisans had more than 17,000 members meeting in 267 lodges, along with a Junior Department for the children of members. Membership in this division must have been highly valued. It has been reported that upon turning eighteen and graduating from high school, Junior Department members were eligible to receive $200 per year for up to four years to attend any state university. A remarkably progressive benefit for its time.

Local units were called Assemblies and were presided over by a Master Artisan. Lodges were grouped into Districts under the supervision of a District Manager. The national body was known as the Supreme Assembly, led by a Supreme Master Artisan.

For a time, the Artisans were headquartered in a prominent six story downtown office building in Portland at the corner of Broadway and Oak Streets. The building still stands, though there is no visible reference to its fraternal past. The United Artisans later merged with the Order of the Maccabees, bringing their independent existence to an end.

So what about the fez?

The 1920s were a lively era for fraternal pageantry and celebration, especially in Portland. The city was home to several fez wearing organizations. The Improved Order of Muscovites met in the Odd Fellows Hall, and Al Kader Shriners had been active in the city since 1888. One event in particular stood out. In 1920, the Shriners held their Imperial Session, or national convention, in Portland. It was during this session that they voted to establish the Shriners hospital system. In the years that followed, enthusiasm for fez wearing organizations swept the city. The United Artisans likely sought to join in that spirit by establishing a fun loving auxiliary of their own.

Known variously as Al Azar Pyramid No. 1 and Al Azar Temple No. 1, this appears to have been the only unit of its kind within the organization, though it is possible that others were chartered and have simply not yet been documented. Al Azar seems to have served as the social and ceremonial outlet for the Artisans, hosting parades and patrols in much the same way the Shrine did within Freemasonry.

The fez of the Pyramid or Temple is blue with a red tassel, and the name is embroidered in red. Its emblem features a silver crescent moon with a setting sun and a pyramid at the center. The pyramid is also silver and contains the number 5 in red. Next to the 5 is an additional red marking, possibly a small zero or a degree symbol. The tassel is short. Based on the organization’s timeline, this fez likely dates to the 1910s or 1920s.