History

As history is being made with the Centennial Rennovations of the Lodge, here's a bit of information about the 1903 construction of the Lodge and 1925 addition to the Lodge:

Purchased Property to Build a Lodge

"The lot on which at present stands the meat-market of Mr. Sumner has been acquired by the Masonic Hall Association. A more modern building, with hall above for lodge purposes, will be erected. A Masonic Lodge it is hoped will be organized and in full working order before many months. The following officers have been elected by the Club Building Association: President, Mr. F.F. Bostwick; treasurer, Mr. John Finn; secretary, Mr. J.B. McChesney. Mr. James Newlands, Jr., has returned from a flying trip to his ranch in the State of Nevada." Marin County Enterprise, v. 4, No. 34, Saturday, May 23, 1903.

[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.

Remodeling

Mill Valley Record, Sept. 19, 1925: "Work Begun on New Equipment for Mill Valley Lodges: Work is being rushed on a new two story brick addition to the Mill Valley Masonic Temple and it is expected that the completed building will be opened with appropriate ceremonies about December 1. 'The addition, which is about 35 by 44 feet,' said Charles H. Huntoon, worshipful master of Mill Valley Lodge No. 356, F. and A.M., today, 'has been needed for a long time and will permit several changes on both floors of the building. 'The kitchen of the present hall will be removed into the new section and this will give considerable additional space to the banquet and social hall. In the new kitchen will be installed the latest conveniences in the line of gas and electric stoves and appliances and room here will also be arranged for a large boiler room. 'On the second floor an important change will be in moving the organ loft several feet back, thereby giving place for a new tyler's room; additional space for paraphernalia, for lockers, and also a new clubroom. 'Throughout the entire building many new furnishings will be necessary and it has been planned by the Temple authorities to complete the furnishing as soon as possible after the building is completed.' Construction of the addition is under direction of A.H. Pritchard, of this city."

Mill Valley Record, December 5, 1925: "Masonic Temple Occupied: The remodeled Masonic Temple on Corte Madera Avenue will be occupied for the first time Monday evening, when the first stated meeting of the Blue Lodge will be held. Installation of the officers will be held December 19 and Past Masters' night on the 12th. Special mention is made of Worthy [sic] Master C.H. Huntoon for the committee work he has done during the time of construction. W.J. Aitchison was architect. L.P. VanAtta supplied the heat and R.R. Reed supervised procuring of carpets. A.H. Pritchard is contractor. The new equipment is very complete and the rooms will lack nothing to make them attractive and provide for the comforts of members and guests." [Note: In the same column it was reported for the Outdoor Art Club that, "Mrs. L.P. VanAtta, chairman of the Christmas party for Letterman Hospital, will receive donations toward that fund."]

Mill Valley Record, December 19, 1925: "The New Masonic Temple: All meetings of the Masonic Lodges and of the Mill Valley Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star are now being held in the remodeled Masonic Temple on Corte Madera Avenue. The rooms have been enlarged and equipped with modern accessories. The spacious entrance hall opens off an attractive, small garden spot, next the street. On one side is the dining hall and entertainment room, on the other a thoroughly equipped kitchen. The dining hall has been enlarged and a double floor laid. A wide stairway leads to commodious corridors and dressing rooms above and to the temple room. Elegance and simplicity combine to make the lodge room an ideal one for its functions. The floor is carpeted in an emblematic pattern of soft blue and gray. The proportions of the room are impressive and the new system of lighting lends to the atmosphere of the place."