Masonic Temple Building (Cadillac, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Masonic Temple Building
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 122--126 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac, Michigan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1889 |
| Built by | John Mosser and Charles Dutton |
| Architect | Sidney Osgood |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 94000747 |
| Added to NRHP | July 22, 1994 |
The Masonic Temple in Cadillac, Michigan is a special old building. It was built way back in 1899! This building is important because it's the oldest one still standing that was designed by a famous architect named Sidney Osgood for a group called the Masons. In 1994, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a really important historical site.
Contents
What is the History of the Masonic Temple?
How the Masons Started in Cadillac
The Clam Lake Masonic Lodge #331 began in 1876. At that time, the town was called Clam Lake, but it later became Cadillac. The Masons met in different buildings for a while.
In the late 1880s, they decided it was time to build their own special place. They wanted a building just for their lodge meetings and activities.
Building the Temple
In 1889, the Masons gathered the money needed for their new building. They got funds by promising to rent out parts of the building. They also sold $20,000 worth of bonds to help pay for it.
They hired Sidney Osgood, a well-known architect from Grand Rapids, to design the building. Local builders Charles W. Dutton and John G. Mosser were chosen to construct it. Work on the foundation started in August 1889. The outside of the building was finished by November, and the first renters moved in by February 1890.
Who Used the Building?
The second floor of the building was first rented by Wexford County. It became the first "permanent" office space for the county in Cadillac. The county offices stayed there from 1890 until 1912. Other businesses have used these offices since then.
The Masons moved into the third floor of the building in 1890. They have used this space continuously ever since. Other groups have also met on the third floor. These include the Order of Eastern Star Ladies Auxiliary, Chapter 103 of the Royal Arch Masons, and Council 70 of the Royal and Select Masters. These groups joined around 1890 and 1910.
What Does the Masonic Temple Look Like?
The Cadillac Masonic Temple is a three-story building made of brick and stone. It measures about 75 feet by 100 feet. It has a style called Romanesque, which looks a bit like old Roman buildings.
Outside the Building
The front of the building has three sections for shops and an entrance to the upper floors. The first floor has a strong stone arch and stone pillars. There are also stone bands between each floor on three sides of the building.
The three storefronts originally had entrances set back from the street. They also had windows above the doors and panels below the display windows. These parts have been changed a little over time. The windows on the upper floors have decorative stone tops. Fancy brickwork highlights the windows on the third floor. A brick trim sits at the very top of the building. However, the original rounded top part of the roof has been removed.
Inside the Building
The first floor inside is still divided into three retail shops. Their layout is the same as when the building was first built. The second floor is split into offices and service areas. The way these rooms are arranged has changed over the years.
The third floor is used by the Masonic Lodge. This floor is very special because it has been used by the Masons since 1889. It has changed very little since then.
The main Temple room and the entry room next to it on the third floor look almost exactly as they did when built. They have original maple wood floors and a decorative tin ceiling. The walls have pebbled tin, and there are oak wood moldings. Even the furniture, like chairs, display cases, and spittoons, are original to the lodge. Other rooms on this floor, like the kitchen, dining room, and lounge, have been updated a bit. But they still have their original maple wood floors.
