Lewis Cass Legacy Society Ambassador Delves Into the History of the Real Lewis Cass

It’s probably no surprise that Daniel L. Pelak, a former history teacher, would someday become a professional collector and dealer of coins and other treasures from the past. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dan owns his own jewelry store and coin shop on 28^th Street in Wyoming. When asked what attracted him to collecting, Dan was quick to answer, “Television! Movies…and Ancient Egypt”. Having travelled the world with his wife, Linda, and daughter, Kasandra, Dan has made collecting not just his life’s work, but a hobby as well. An avid collector of antique Masonic memorabilia, he’s been adding to his private and business collections since 1960.

Dan, an active Mason for the past 12 years, has a particular interest in collecting Lewis Cass memorabilia from the 1848 era. Cass, an accomplished military man, politician, and Mason, was named Grand Master of the Michigan Grand Lodge not once, but twice. Though an Ohio native, Cass’s achievements include being the territorial Governor of Michigan for nearly 20 years, during which time he signed 22 treaties with the Native Americans living on the land. Cass’s life makes for interesting study to say the least, and Dan has had the fortune of finding several Lewis Cass Relics. Among his collection is a unique clay pipe with Lewis Cass’s head forming the bowl, political posters and campaign tokens, and a picture of the Great Seal of Michigan (which was designed by Cass along with Alpheus Felch, the third governor of Michigan).

During his own years as a Mason, Dan has achieved a great deal himself. He’s a life member and Past Master of York Lodge No. 410 and a life member of Grand Rapids Lodge No. 34. Dan is also involved in the Scottish Rite  (he is a lifetime member), York Rite (he is King in Royal Arch and Past Thrice Illustrious Master in Council), and the Knight’s Templar. He is active in several other Masonic bodies including the Shiners. One particular membership that brings Dan much enjoyment is his membership in the Lewis Cass Legacy Society.  Alongside his good friend and fellow LCLS Ambassador, Charlie Kramsvogel, Dan co-chaired the initial effort to recruit additional members for the LCLS in West Michigan until Kramsvogel’s sad death in April of 2009. Since then, Dan has continued his work as an Ambassador working alongside Right Worshipful Deputy Master Ted Praira and 33^rd Degree Mason Ken Chandler.  The endeavor is a family affair as Dan’s wife, Linda, is also an Ambassador in the Society.

When asked how he became a member in the Lewis Cass Legacy Society, Dan says with a laugh, “This was the easiest Masonic organization to join; I was a member and didn’t even know it!”. Dan had made the important decision to remember the Michigan Masonic Home in his will and, as such, had unwittingly become a member of the LCLS society, joining other generous individuals who had also bequeathed a part of their estate to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation.

Dan enjoys the many benefits that his membership in LCLS brings him, such as the annual black tie dinner held every year in April. The dinner gives Dan an opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner with friends and hear updates about the programs he and his fellow LCLS members support. And, as he did last year, Dan is looking forward to donating some of his baubles and treasures to the LCLS silent auction to benefit MMCF (and he encourages others to do so as well!).  In addition to his yearly invitations to the  annual LCLS dinners, Dan received a membership certificate and a commemorative lapel pin (ladies receive a charm) and each year he receives a birthday card signed by the Grand Master. But most importantly, Dan has the great pleasure of knowing that he is helping the charitable legacy of Michigan’s Masons live on.