Masonic Temple - Lewistown, MT
Posted by: T0SHEA
N 47° 03.929 W 109° 25.661
12T E 619389 N 5213640
A beautiful old sandstone building, the Lewistown Masonic Temple has been home to Friendship Lodge #37 for well over a century.
Waymark Code: WMWRNH
Location: Montana, United States
Date Posted: 10/08/2017
Views: 1
The "Then" photo here appears to be from the mid 1920s, possibly a bit later. Both "now" and "then" photos were taken from across the intersection of Broadway Street and Fourth Avenue North, looking straight north.
An abundance of good quality local sandstone led to the construction of a host of sandstone buildings in Lewistown's early years. The stonemasons, for the most part, were Croatian stonemasons who immigrated from Bribir. On hearing of the “boom” and the availability of good stone, a few “Bribirci” set out for Lewistown as early as 1897 and quickly found work. Other Croatian stonemasons, hearing of their success, began coming to Lewistown in increasing numbers. By 1915, the Croatian population had swelled to an estimated 100 in Lewistown and 373 in Fergus County (1910 census).The population of Lewistown more than tripled between 1900 and 1908 and the streets were rapidly lined with stone buildings to meet the needs of the fast growing community.
As would be expected, the contractor for the Lewistown Masonic Temple was a Croatian, one Peter Tuss. His contract, in the amount of $13,450.00, stipulated that he was to "furnish the material and do all work, whatever necessary pursuant to plans". In addition to the stonework, there was carpenter work in the amount of, $2,929.00, electrical, $1,000, mill work at $2,500, plumbing &
heating at $4,527.93 and, finally, plastering at $2,600.
Begun in 1908 and dedicated on July 20, 1909, the cornerstone for the Lewistown Masonic Temple was laid on August 26, 1908. Following is an apt description of the architecture of the temple, which was, incidentally, designed by a Freemason, Otto F. Wasmandorff, and George D. Eastman.
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Lewistown Masonic Temple - circa 1925 |
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Lewistown Masonic Temple - 2017 |
Year photo was taken: 1920
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