Hayrick Lodge 696, A.F. & A.M
N 31° 53.604 W 100° 29.172
14R E 359451 N 3529583
The state historic marker on the side of the old Hayrick Masonic Lodge #696 in downtown Robert Lee TX.
Waymark Code: WMJNM0
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 12/09/2013
Views: 3
The old Hayrick Masonic Lodge #696 building is interesting not only because it housed the oldest fraternal organization in Coke County, but also for its hand-mixed bricks. The marker is located on the side of this historic building which sits on the northwest corner of the courthouse square in downtown Robert Lee TX.
The Hayrick Lodge No. 696 meets every second Tuesday at another location now, but met here for many decades. (
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More history of this lodge can be found here: (
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"The Hayrick Masonic Lodge No. 696. Thy Hayrick Masonic Lodge No. 606, the oldest fraternal organization in Coke County, was organized at Hayrick, Texas, on December 11, 1890. When the County Seat was moved to Robert Lee in 1891, the lodge was moved, but by vote of the membership, the name “Hayrick” Lodge was retained, and it is still known by this title. The two-story building in downtown Robert Lee was built in 1906 by the Masons. They met upstairs and rented downstairs to many businesses including the US Post Office. The two-story building was sold to West Texas Utilities in 1986. A new building, ground level, was built in 1986 on the corner of Commerce and 9th Street in Robert Lee. On September 29, 1892, early settlers, L.B. Harris and Eugene Cartledge as officers of Austin & Northern Land and Cattle Company sold for $1.00 the 11.7 acre burial ground, Hayrick Lodge Cemetery Association. It was deeded to Hayrick Masonic Lodge No. 696 for “Sole use as cemetery grounds for the members, relatives and friends.” "