Mill Valley Lodge History

Mill Valley Lodge’s First Decade

Minutes July 2nd A.L. 5903 [1903]

"The committee appointed to procure a room for the meetings of the proposed Lodge, reported that they had obtained one in the new Masonic Hall which would satisfy the requirements of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge: and that the rent thereof had been agreed upon at Twenty-five dollars per month, which would provide two meetings per week, the Lodge to pay the light bills; which report was concurred in and the action of the committee approved.

A ‘Safe and Suitable’ Lodge room having been secured, on motion of Bro. Samuel M. Burt, it was Ordered that the chairman be requested to present the petition and accompanying demits to Marin Lodge, No. 191, at San Rafael, in the County of Marin, with the fraternal desire of the petitioners that it recommend to the Grand Master, in proper form, the issue of a Dispensation for the establishment of the proposed new Lodge."

First Meeting Under Dispensation – Minutes, Monday, July 20, 1903

The Lodge adopted by laws, a complete hand written copy of which is included in the hand written minutes. In addition, inter alia, "On behalf of the officers of Mill Valley Lodge, U.D., Bro. Harvey A. Klyce, W.M., presented to Bro. George F. Rodden, Master of Marin Lodge, No. 191, a silver loving cup as a token of respect and esteem and in appreciation of his assistance in forming this Lodge and teaching the officers their duties."

The ferry boats played an important role in the advancement of Marin County Freemasonry. Bro. George Harlan, Jr., noted that commuters were not individuals, but members of a closely knit group which had traveled to an fro on the ferryboats for may years. "The die-hard not only had his own group with which to ride but he also had his own seat aboard the boat. …Close to the paddle box was a particular area where the noise of the paddles drowned out the voices of the groups that met there. These distinctive assemblages were the "Paddle Wheel Masons," lodge members who were learning Masonic ritual as they were taking the various degrees of Freemasonry. The learners were passengers on the ferry, but the instructors often had to refer difficult points to more proficient brethren in the ferry crew, for the preponderance of ferrymen were entitled to wear the square and compass." San Francisco Bay Ferryboats, [Bro.] George H. Harlan, Jr., p. 51, (Howell-North Books, Berkeley, CA 1967).

Minutes of September 21, A.L., 5903

"The following resolution was on motion of Bro. Janes, duly seconded, adopted: ‘Whereas, at certain informal meetings held by the Directors of the Mill Valley Masonic Hall Association, and the Directors founding this Lodge, when the plans for the new Hall and Lodge room were under discussion; it was agreed and understood that the Lodge should bear the cost of certain improvements in the Lodge room suggested by the Directors in the matter of officers stations, wainscoting, organ loft, etc. And in consideration of the fact, that the Association in renting the Lodge room to the organizations, would use the furniture of the Lodge, it was understood and agreed that the Association should, as an offset to such use, contribute $500.00 towards the cost of the said improvements. Now, Therefore, Be it

‘Resolved that Mill Valley Lodge, U.D., F. & A.M. confirms and approves the agreement made by the said Directors and agrees to pay the cost of the said improvements, (less the above $500.00), as soon as the cost of the same shall be ascertained.’…

‘A communication was read from Arrin Staples Henderson, Grand Master of Masons of the State of California to the effect that it is proposed to duly constitute some one of the Lodges under Dispensation on the night of one of the days during the Grand Lodge session and going on to say that it would please the writer if it could be Mill Valley Lodge, which it could be provided that the books and papers, etc., were in readiness and complete so that the Committee on Charters could pass this Lodge in advance of said night.

‘A communication was read from Roland E. Hartley, Inspector 31st District to the effect that the Grand Master had set Thursday evening, October 15, as the date for constituting this Lodge provided that the books, papers and reports were in readiness by the 1st prox.

‘The Secretary was directed to write the Grand Master, accepting with pleasure the proposition to constitute the Lodge during the session of the Grand Lodge as stated by him and to address the Inspector and state that the books, papers and reports would be in readiness by the first prox."

San Francisco Call, page 2, column 1, October 16, 1903: "GRAND MASTER OF MASONS LISTENS TO WISE WORDS OF GRAND ORATOR: Leading Citizens of Mill Valley Are Admitted Into the Great Fraternity as the Baby Organization, Impressive Ceremony Being Carried Out in the Temple ··· Grand Masters Who Passed Away This Year Are Eulogized [Photo section of the interior of Masonic Temple in Mill Valley Lodge, F.F. Runyon, S.N. Burt, F.F.Bostwick, Harry [sic] Klyce] –

OFFICERS OF MILL VALLEY LODGE OF MASONS INSTALLED LAST NIGHT – The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons resumed business yesterday in the Masonic Temple. The morning session was taken up with the disposition of many matters that relate to the good of the order exclusively. At the afternoon session, Grand Orator, E.H. Hart delivered a lengthy address. This was followed by eulogies of the two past grand masters, the late E.M. Preston and N.W. Spaulding. ¶In the evening there was the constituting of Mill Valley Lodge under dispensation of Marin Lodge of San Rafael. ¶The Mill Valley Lodge is the "baby" lodge of the year and out of eight new lodges during the last year, it is the last one to be constituted. The first step taken was in July. Within four weeks from that time the necessary number of charter members had been selected and a dispensation petitioned for. Before the dispensation was allowed sufficient funds had been collected and a building was under course of construction. Today the Masonic Temple is one of the most imposing structures in Mill Valley. The building and lodge furnishings cost nearly $12,000. ¶Harry [sic] A. Klyce, worshipful master of the lodge, personally supervised the construction of the temple and it is complete in all its appointments. The inside furnishings are especially elaborate and costly, while the electric illuminating paraphernalia is not surpassed by that of any Masonic lodgeroom in the State. All the emblems of the order are brought in relief by a concentration of incandescent lamps. ¶The lodge consists of the most prominent residents of Mill Valley as well as some of San Francisco’s foremost business men, whose domiciles are under the shadow of Mount Tamalpais. ¶The temple is located on Corte Madera Avenue. The lower floor has been leased to the City of Mill Valley for municipal offices. ¶The officers of the lodge who were installed by the Grand Lodge are: Harry [sic] A. Klyce, worshipful master; Louis L. Janes, senior warden; Samuel N. Burt, senior deacon; A.H. Pritchard, junior deacon; F.F. Bostwick, treasurer; F.F. Bunyon, secretary; Thomas T. Greaves and W. Gordon Selwood, stewards; N.P. Yost, tyler. ¶Marin Lodge exemplified the work in the first or apprentice degree before the Grand Lodge last night in a very impressive manner. ¶To-day the [Grand Lodge] officers for the ensuing Masonic year will be chosen and the file will be cleared and on the following day the new officers will be installed." [Nb. The entire S.F. Call article was reprinted in the Marin County Enterprise, v.5, No. 3, on October 17, 1903 and the Enterprise carried an additional paragraph as follows:]

"On Thursday night, October 15th, the Mill Valley Lodge No. 356 of Free and Accepted Masons was formally constituted by the Grand Lodge of California at Masonic Temple, Post Street, San Francisco. The permanent charter was presented and the final completion effected. It speaks well for the work of the organizers and the diligent labor of the officers of the local lodge. They presented a fine appearance and everything considered, No. 356 Mill Valley, seems to have a very auspicious beginning." Marin County Enterprise, v.5, No. 3, October 17, 1903.

The dedication of Mill Valley Lodge No. 356, F & AM was held at the Masonic Hall in Mill Valley on Saturday, January 2d, 1904, at 7:30 p.m., followed by the installation of officers. All Masons, with their immediate families, were invited to be present. (From invitation post card signed by Harvey A. Klyce, Worshipful Master and Frederick F. Runyon, Secretary)

During September 4 to September 10, 1904, the 29th Triennial Conclave of Knights Templars was held in San Francisco. Knight Templary in the United States: Twenty-Ninth Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment, Elmer White (Phillips, Smyth & Van Orden and George Spaulding & Co., San Francisco); See also, The History of California Bodies, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry - 1902-1962, Gordon F. Black, 32°, K.C.C.H. (San Francisco, 1962). It was noted in the official history of the Triennial that California Commandery spent $50,000 as a Commandery and another $25,000 from individual members on this event [Approximately $1.3 million in 2000 dollars].

From October 1903 until 1908 the city council of Mill Valley met in the Masonic Temple. The city acquired its first permanent home in 1908, which served until being torn down in 1935 and the present City Hall dedicated in 1936 during the term of Mayor Thomas Frederick Bagshaw. Mill Valley Record, July 31, 1936, Special City Hall Dedication Supplement. Nb. The picture of Mayor Bagshaw that was published in this issue was Tho. Bagshaw's formal Past Master's portrait from Mill Valley Lodge. Other Lodge members are also pictured: Heinrick Walter Johnson is also pictured, having served as councilman and former Mayor of Mill Valley who presided over the council which brought the question of a new city hall to the vote of the people in November 1935; and William A. Hamilton who was a new member of the City Council that brought the erection of the building to a successful conclusion.

On June 16, 1903, Masonic Brother Henry Ford exhibited some courage when he started manufacturing automobiles. On December 17, 1903, Brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright, Freemasons, made the first successful airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina: A granite memorial to their accomplishment states, "Conceived by genius, achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith." This flight lasted for twelve seconds. Six years later Brother Teddy Roosevelt, President of the United States, paid twenty five thousand dollars for an airplane, thus beginning the United States Air Force.

February 4, 5904 Minutes

The Lodge was specially convened at the Hall of Marin Lodge No. 191, F. & A.M. at Stan Rafael, at 2 O’clock p.m. …The Master stated that this special meeting was held for the purpose of conducting the funeral service over the body of our late Brother Charles Peck Woolworth. The services were held according to our Ancient Custom and there being no further business the Lodge was Closed." [Nb. This was the first death of a member of the Lodge.]

On February 18, 1904 the Marin Independent reported, "The Masons of Mill Valley, aided by their lady friends, are quite ambitious. They organized a new lodge and erected a new Masonic Hall last fall. Now, before the lodge is six months old, they have organized a chapter of Eastern Star. A petition was prepared and presented to the San Rafael chapter asking permission to form a chapter, and the petition was granted. On Tuesday evening of this week the new chapter was instituted by the grand officers, a number of the members of San Rafael chapter responding to an invitation to be present. ¶The officers of the new chapter are Mrs. K.J. Seymour, matron; Mrs. Melvin Stables, associate matron; T.T. Greaves, patron; Mrs. H.A. Klyce, conductress. ¶The Chapter was instituted by the Grand Worthy Matron, the Grand Worthy Patron, and a few other Grand Officers assisted by several of the officers of the San Rafael Chapter. Past Grand Matron, Mrs. Seymore, of Sacramento, acted as Grand Marshall. A banquet followed and was enjoyed by all. ¶The following members of San Rafael Chapter were in attendance: Mrs. W. L. Canfield, Mrs. G.G. Vanderlip, Dr. G.G. Vanderlip, Dr. C.H. DuBois, Mrs. W.W. Brown, Mrs. W.A. Rice, Miss M. Rice, Miss P. Murray, Mrs. G. Kendrick, Mrs. C.H. DuBois, Miss E. Saunders, Mrs. M. J. Lindsay, Miss Phoebe Mackenzie, Mrs. F. F. Mackenzie, Mrs. S. Porcella, Mrs. G. Millen, Mrs. Klye, Geor. F. Kendrick, W.E. Mackenzie, R.H. Warden, and George Murray. ¶The Grand Officers spoke in the highest praise of the manner in which the officers of San Rafael Chapter did their work, and complimented their instructor, who happened to be Fred H. Carrol, the Worthy Patron."

August 1, A.L., 5905 Minutes

"The Light Committee reported progress. The Window-seat committee reported progress and on motion being made, seconded and carried, was granted further time. ¶A motion was made, seconded and carried that a resolution be drawn, of condolence of the death of Brother H.W. Bingham and that the Master appoint a committee of three and that a copy of the resolution be sent to the family of the deceased brother and that a copy be spread on the minutes. The Master then appointed Bros. S.W. Newlands, J.W. Burt, and S.D. Greaves as that committee. ¶A motion was made, seconded and carried that the wands of the deacons and the stewards and the Charter be draped with crepe for thirty days in memory of our departed brother, Henry W. Bingham, the motion to take effect immediately. ¶The following bills were presented and ordered paid after being duly audited: [inter alia] J.M. Litchfield, gloves & crepe, $7.50"

On December 12, 1905, the Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots was organized in San Francisco as an organization to boost the brethren and lodges of Freemasons. It was an instant success.

The Masonic Lodges in San Francisco held no meetings in the latter part of April of that year. On April 18, 1906 the great earthquake and fire had devastated San Francisco, and caused severe damage in other communities of the Bay Area, including Oakland and Santa Rosa.

There was one Mason, however, who had plenty of zeal. Brother Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States, broke a precedent when he was the first president to leave the shores of the United States. He went to Panama in June 1906 as the construction of the Panama Canal was started. This was a period of minor economic depression.

In 1908 it was announced that a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons would be organized in San Rafael.

December 7, 5908

The minutes of this date demonstrate that besides being utilized as the meeting place for the local government, Mill Valley Lodge’s meeting hall became the hub of much of Mill Valley’s early social life. Mill Valley Chapter No. 219, Order of Eastern Star was organized in 1904 and is still an active organization. Mill Valley Chapter No. 108, (Royal Arch Masons, was organized in April 19, 1911, and remained active until c.1977 when it merged with the still active Chapter in San Rafael). An example of the community’s utilization of the Masonic Lodge is the period between October 4, 1907 and December 6, 1908 for which it is recorded that in addition to use by the Town of Mill Valley and other fraternal groups, eleven meetings, "political and otherwise" were held t the Masonic Lodge. With regard to non-Masonic fraternal use, when other organizations were formed, they rented the Masonic Hall. Hence, when Mt. Tamalpais Lodge No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows was organized in September 1907, the organizational meetings and initial degrees took place at the Masonic Hall: Mt. Tamalpais Lodge No. 399, and its auxiliary, Blythedale Rebekah Lodge No. 305, met at the Mill Valley Masonic Hall until their own hall was built at the corner of Millwood Street and East Blythedale in 1909. As late as 1915, some Odd Fellows Rebekah activities, such as their Installation of Officers, were still being held at the Masonic Hall. Similarly, when Lamonte Tribe No. 209, Improved Order of Red Men, was organized in Mill Valley in c. 1908, the Red Men’s Tribe rented the Masonic Hall: Lamonte Tribe did not survive past its third year of existence. It is evident that the Masonic Hall was in use practically every night of the week. Undoubtedly, the extent of the activities in the Masonic Hall, and the storage requirements of the various fraternal groups provided some of the early impetus for expanding the Hall that was expressed as early as 1907.

March 5, 1909 Brother William Howard Taft was inaugurated President of the United States. He was the tenth Mason elected to that high office, and the third in succession, following William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. Fortunately, Bros. Roosevelt and Taft would not suffer the same fate that had befallen the two prior Masonic Presidents: On September 6, 1901, Bro. William McKinley was shot by an assassin while he attended the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, dying on September 14, 1901; ten years before, Bro. Garfield had met a similar fate.

Another Mason was about to make history at this time. Brother Robert E. Peary, Admiral in the United State Navy, was making his way to the North Pole. His life's ambition was realized on April 6, 1909, when he reached the Pole. Bro. Peary's companion on this expedition and at the pole was Bro. Matthew Henson, was a member of Celestial Lodge No. 3, PHA of New York City. Now all Masons could literally say they had Brothers sitting on top of the world.

On December 17, 5910 (1910), Bro. George Maxwell presented the Lodge, through W.M. Seymour, with a similar gavel made of stone and olive wood, brought from the Holy Land. On the same occasion, Brother George H. Cook, P.M., on behalf of Brother Eugene Gold, presented the Worshipful Master with a gavel of walrus ivory carved by Bro. Gold.

Minutes November 6, A.L. 5911, inter alia, "A communication was received from the Grand Secretary, wherein it was stated that the findings of Mill Valley Lodge, #356 F. & A.M., in the case of Bro. E.L. Doherty who was suspended for unmasonic conduct, was confirmed by the Grand Lodge at its last Annual Communication held in October, 1911."

In [1912] Muir Woods had been established as a National Monument and a highway was under construction between Sausalito and the northern county line. For a while it was believed that Marin County would become the movie capital as several companies began operations in this area, but this dream vanished when they moved to Hollywood because of the more favorable sunny conditions there. Many wealthy persons lived in this area at that time, including Brother Captain Robert Dollar, the shipping magnate.

Minutes February 5th, A.L. 5912, inter alia, "A motion was made, seconded and carried that a committee of three be appointed by the W.M., to purchase a new organ for the Lodge at a cost not to exceed $550. Payment to be surrendered to the firm from whom the new organ is to be purchased. The W.M. appointed as that committee: Bros F.F. Bostwick, Walter Cox and W.G. Baker."

Minutes April 1, A.L. 5912, inter alia, "There being no further business, the Lodge was closed, after which the brethren listened to a musical program, with Brother F.F. Bostwick a the organ and Brother Walter Cox with the violin."

Minutes June 3, A.L. 5912, inter alia, "A motion was then made, seconded and carried that the resignation of Bro. C.J. Brockhoff as Secretary be accepted. A rising vote of thanks was accorded Bro. Brockhoff for his efficient work as Secretary. Bro. Paul Helmore was appointed Secretary to act for the balance of this Masonic year." An objection was made to the advancement of a particular Entered Apprentice: A committee of investigation was appointed and the Brother eventually advanced and ultimately became an officer of the Lodge, active in its affairs.

Minutes July 1, A.L. 5912, inter alia, "It was regularly move, seconded and carried that the secretary have in readiness and properly inscribed a lambskin apron to be presented to candidates upon being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason."

Minutes November 14, A.L. 5912, inter alia, "On motion of Bro. Klyce seconded by Bro. Cook, the salary of the Secty. was raised to $10.00 per month."

Minutes February 3, A.L. 5913, inter alia, "The following bills were presented and ordered paid after being duly audited. E.S. Merriman …Cigars $11.00…. A communication was received from the Foster Sisters of Sausalito thanking the Lodge for their recent assistance. … A motion was made by Bro. S.W. Cook and seconded by Bro. Brockhoff that the Lodge issue and send to the members the first of every month directly following the stated meeting a Bulletin showing the work to be done by the Lodge at the several meetings during the month. The motion was carried….Bro. P.M. Geo. Harlan was presented with a beautiful Past Masters Jewel from the members of the Lodge, by W.M. Clinton Folger as a token of appreciation of his services to the Lodge during the last eight years."

Minutes April 7, A.L. 5913, inter alia, "A motion was made by Bro. P.M. Janes that the Lodge sanction the action of the W.M. who sent $50.00 to the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Calif. to be added to the relief fund for the Dayton flood sufferers. Motion seconded and carried. A motion was also made by Bro. P.M. Janes and seconded, carried, that the trustees of the Lodge be instructed to request the M.V.M.H.A. to submit a report on any plans that might be feasible which would contribute to the comfort, appearance and stability of our Lodge building and to furnish estimates on the proposed plans."

Minutes September 1, A.L. 5913, inter alia, "An invitation from California Lodge No. 1 F. & A.M., to be present as their guests, at the Scottish Rite Temple, on Oct. 15th, 1913, to witness a play, to be presented by them, representing the work of a Masonic Lodge in England about the time of the Constitutions of 1723, during the reign of King George the first, was received and placed on file."

Minutes November 3, A.L. 5913, inter alia, "The following bills …Lockwoods Pharmacy cigars $11…A motion was made by Bro. Helmore, seconded by Bro. Watters, for the Lodge to purchase ($800.00 Eight hundred dollars worth Mill Valley Masonic Hall Ass'n. Stock and upon balloting the motion carried."