Masonic Temple (Ferndale, California) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Masonic Temple (Ferndale, California)
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
Location	212 Francis Ferndale, California
Built	1891
Architectural style	Eastlake-Stick
Part of	Ferndale Main Street Historic District (ID93001461)

The Masonic Temple in Ferndale, California is a historic building at 212 Francis Street. It was built in 1891 in a special style called Eastlake-Stick. This building is an important part of the Ferndale Main Street Historic District. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 10, 1994. Today, the Ferndale Masonic Lodge F & A. M. #193 still uses the building for their meetings.

History of the Ferndale Masonic Lodge

The Ferndale Masonic Lodge was officially started on October 14, 1869. Its first meetings were held above a store. This store was located at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Francis Street.

Early Leaders

Seth Louis Shaw was a very important member of the Ferndale Lodge. He was a Mason his whole life. He was the first leader, called a "worshipful master," for two terms. This was in 1869 and 1870. Mr. Shaw had been a leader in other Masonic lodges before coming to Ferndale. He even traveled to California during the California Gold Rush. His son, Joseph Armitage Shaw, also became a worshipful master in 1872.

Building a New Hall

In 1874 and 1875, the Lodge started building a new meeting hall. This building is now known as the I.O.O.F. Hall on Main Street.

The Great Fire of 1875

A big fire hit Ferndale on September 6 and 7, 1875. It was the worst fire the town had ever seen. The fire burned down the store where the Masons first met. It also destroyed their first meeting hall. Only a ledger (a record book) and one minute book from 1874 survived. The new hall they were building was saved from the flames. However, in 1876, the Masons found the new building too expensive. So, they sold half of it to another group called the Odd Fellows.

The New Masonic Temple

The current Masonic Temple was built in 1891. Ira Russ and other lodge members helped build it. People described it as a "magnificent" and "modern" building. The Masons used the top floor for their meetings. The ground floor was rented out for different uses. In 1891, the Ferndale Lodge sold their remaining half of the old hall to the Odd Fellows.

What Was Inside?

The Masonic Temple's ground floor was used for many things over the years.

• In March 1895, a kindergarten for young children opened there.
• In 1896, a side part was added to the building.
• In 1898, the Ferndale Commercial School opened in the building. It was sometimes called the Town Hall back then.
• In August 1899, Ferndale's first high school started in the Masonic Building's council rooms.
• In 1901, the Ferndale Business College opened on the Eugene Street side of the hall.

Earthquakes and Repairs

On April 24, 1906, a big earthquake, known as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, shook the building. It twisted the structure and caused the plaster on the lower floor to fall off. Repairs started right away. In September 1907, all the rooms on the first floor were combined into one large space. A kitchen was also added. The building was remodeled again in early 1928. It was repaired once more in 1992 after more earthquakes.

• National Register of Historic Places digitized photos, January 10, 1994
• National Register of Historic Places digitized text, January 10, 1994