First Masonic Home in California
N 37° 35.810 W 122° 00.586
10S E 587414 N 4161545
Fremont Then and Now ... California's First Masonic Home
Waymark Code: WMFBY
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 06/20/2006
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In the mid 1860's, the Central Pacific (the western arm of the
transcontinental railroad) wound its way across the state, connecting the small
towns between Sacramento and the bay. Noticing the railroad's activity,
and realizing the railroad would need the land, the Decoto brothers (Ezra, John
and Adolphus) bought 334 acres of land between Niles and Oakland. The
railroad, just three years later, purchased 284 acres of the land from the
brothers, who made a nice profit on the deal. The railroad developed a
station there and a town was built around it. The town, named Decoto in
honor of the brothers, became an important shipping center for the local wheat
farmers.
In 1893, California's early Masonic chapters purchased 268 acres of the land
and built the state's first Masonic home. The Home for Widows and Orphans
opened in 1898. The north and south wings were added after 1915. The
home was originally built to house the widows and orphans of pioneering
families. After the 1906 earthquake the children were moved to a facility
in southern California, and this building officially became the Masonic Home for
Adults.
The home houses many historical artifacts and antiques, including teak
furniture once owned by Master Mason General Douglas MacArthur.
The picture on the left depicts The Masonic Home for Widows and Children
during the dedication ceremony in 1898.
The picture on the right shows The Masonic Home for Adults in 2006.
The home is not open to the public.