Monticello Lodge No. 532

DAVID G. STARR

The first master of Monticello Lodge served through the trying years of the Civil War, became District Deputy Grand Master for the Seventh District during the years 1866 and 1867 and again was Master of Monticello Lodge during the years 1868 and 1869.

                                                               

It is unlikely that any fraternal organization in Monticello has enjoyed a more respected and noteworthy existence than that which Monticello Lodge No. 532 has experienced since the Civil War days when it was, formed.

The lodge received dispensation empowering it to work during the most critical times Americans had endured since the days of Valley Forge. In the formative days of the lodge the nation was engaged in the second year of a civil war and the more serious problems of the day were requiring the attention of the average citizen. The birth of Monticello Lodge was contemporaneous with the forfeiture of the charter of Lodge No. 460, which had been organized three years before only to fail because of conditions I brought on by the war. The organizers fully realized how seemingly impossible it would be to attempt organization of another lodge but nevertheless refused to resign themselves to believing that it would be impossible to successfully organize and continue a new lodge.

The failure of Monticello Lodge No. 460 was a severe blow to those who had diligently practiced Masonry. An attempt to revive the old lodge was unsuccessful 80 the next best move was to ask another lodge to recommend the formation of a new lodge, in Monticello. The only other active lodge in the county at that time was Callicoon Lodge No. 521, which was located at Thumansville.

            A recommendation outlining the request of the Monticello brethren was favorably received by Grand Master John J. Crane and on December 27, 1862, dispensation was granted. Serving then as Grand Secretary was James M. Austin.

            The first meeting under dispensation was conducted on January 10, 1863, with David G. Starr, Master; James Matthews, Senior Warden; Elias Pelton, Junior Warden; John A. Thompson, Senior Deacon; Solomon Royce, Junior Deacon; Bradley Hall, Secretary, and Lewis Dickinson, Tiler. Hall, Thompson and Matthews were appointed by the Master to draft by-laws.

            Business included the passing of a resolution “to meet every Wednesday at 7:30 p. m. till further ordered.”

 

Charter Members Lodge 532

 

Listed as charter members were:

David G. Starr, lawyer, Monticello; James Matthews, lawyer, Monticello; Eli S. Pelton, farmer, Monticello; Solomon W. Royce, hotelkeeper, Monticello; John A. Thompson, lawyer, Monticello; Lewis Dickinson, carpenter, Monticello; F.M. St. John, gentleman, Monticello; Stephen W. Royce, merchant, Monticello; A.J. Bush, lawyer, Parksvllle; A.J. Wood, hotel, Woodbourne; Charles R. Kelton, painter, Monticello; Stephen Sweet, hotel, Bethel; David J. Knapp, mechanic, Fallsburgh; Isaac C. Knapp, farmer, Fallsburgh; Melvin S. Wells, lawyer, Liberty; William Roper, farmer, Cochecton; Jesse L. Towner, merchant, Monticello; Reuben K. Scudder, teacher, Monticello; O.E. Crandall, merchant, Monticello; P. F. Perry, inn-keeper, Mongaup Valley; Charles Meyers, dealer, Monticello; John M. Seeley, farmer, Fallsburgh; James E. Quinlan, printer, Monticello; John B. Nixon, teacher, Monticello; F.W. Johnston, merchant, Barryville; A. B. LeRoy, farmer, Parksville; William A. Rice, farmer, Glen Wild; James C. Curtis, assessor, Cochecton; John Miliken, blacksmith, Woodbourne; N.L. Stern, dealer, Monticello; F. Wheeler, farmer, Thompson; N. W. Rumsey, farmer, Monticello; C. S. Starr, farmer, Monticello; Edwin Bowen, merchant, Monticello; O.A. Carroll, surgeon, U.S. Army; George W. Jones, blacksmith, Woodbourne; G.O. Canfield, physician, Barryville; Jacob Depuy, farmer, Woodbourne, and Martin F. Merritt, farmer, Woodbourne.

All of the charter members, except six, were Master Masons. Of the latter four were still Entered Apprentices. Charter members were those who had associated with the new lodge before June 11, 1863.

            Bro. Starr was a lawyer of exceptional ability and attainments. He served from the lodge's beginning through 1865, served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 7th Masonic District through 1866 and served again as Master in 1868 and 1869.

He was raised in Monticello Lodge No. 460 on April 1, 1861, with Bradley Hail, the latter having served as the first secretary of Monticello Lodge No. 532. Others raised the same evening were William Hill and Fred Field.

Brother Starr was Senior Warden of Monticello Lodge No. 460 when its last meeting was conducted on September 14, 1861, and E.C. Howard was in the East. Howard had bean called to arms and the duties of Master were then assumed by Starr, who served in the Oriental Chair until inactivity and failure to make returns to Grand Lodge resulted in forfeiture of the charter.

            Again he found himself Master in 1862. He now headed a new lodge. Conditions then, as we find them today with a country at war, caused a loss in attendance of both officers and members who were called to give their attention to the urgent problems of the day.

            As the turning point of the war came in the early days of July 1863, with the victories of Vicksburg and Gettysburg, several stars already had been sewed in the lodge's flag, but by 1865, just before the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to General U. S. Grant at Appomattox, Va., on April 9th, when the Union had more than a million In its army there were few officers or members to continue lodge work. Many of the sideliners who were not in the service found it impossible to keep up their financial responsibilities respecting the lodge.

            Brother Starr worked hard and long to continue under the original charter No. 460 but despite his organizing ability and wise counsel he failed.

After the war Bro. Howard settled in Alleganey, N. Y., and affiliated with Olean Lodge No. 252 there.

The letter he wrote requesting information "in regard to his record" mentions the fact that he was Master of Lodge No. 460. The letter, therefore, is interesting.

            The letter is directed to J.M. Austin, Grand Secretary, and reads as follows:

 

Allegany, March 23, 1867.

J. M. Austin, Grand Secretary.

Dear Sir-

In the year 1862 I was W. M. of Monticello Lodge 460 and entering the U. S. service left the charter with the Senior Warden. I wish now to affiliate with Olean Lodge 252. They wish information in regard to my record. Please give me this information over your signature and oblige,

Respt. yours,

E. C. HOWARD,

Allegany, N. Y.

 

The first men to be initiated, passed and raised in Monticello Lodge No. 532 were F.M. St. John and Stephen Royce. Both signed the by-laws and book of constitution on February 25, 1863. The first affiliates were A.J. Bush, who later distinguished himself as County Judge; A.J. Wood, Charles R. Kelton, who was to serve as Master in 1871, and Stephen Sweet. All four affiliated on February 5, 1863.

At the January 21, 1863, meeting a committee consisting of Brothers Hass, Thompson and Matthews recommended that Lodge No. 532 adopt the same by-laws as Lodge No. 460 insofar as they could be made applicable to the new lodge.

Receipts for the evening amounted to $42. On February 25, 1863, Bro. James D. Decker of Port Jervis Lodge No. 328, A. Sander, Callicoon Lodge No. 521; Isaac Anderson, James C. Curtis and E. Burnham, "Ancient" Masons of Sullivan Lodge No: 272, "now extinct"; F. Wheeler, Chas. Meyers, F.W. Johnston and A.B. LeRoy were recorded as visitors.

            It is interesting to, note that Bros. Anderson, Curtis and Burnham were listed as Ancient Masons.

            This title is believed to have been bestowed upon the brethren because of their membership with Sullivan Lodge No. 272, which had received its dispensation in 1811 from an Ancient Grand Lodge.

            There are no records available which would indicate that Brothers Curtis, Burnham and Anderson were then members of an active lodge but nevertheless it must be remembered that they must have satisfied Masons as to their eligibility to attend meetings.

            Before a reconciliation of the Ancient and Modern lodges in 1813 Ancient lodges appear to have worked on an independent system claiming the original right which every body of Masons had to assemble and work without a warrant. Although it doesn't seem possible it nevertheless could have been this belief which prompted Brother Curtis and other members of Sullivan Lodge to refuse to surrender the charter of Sullivan Lodge No. 272 when declared forfeited in 1835 and they probably produced their charter to prove their membership.

At the completion of this third year as Master of Monticello Lodge No. 532 Bro. Starr proudly reported a membership of 77 Master Masons and six Entered Apprentices. Thirty-five were farmers, others were mechanics, lawyers, blacksmiths, hotelmen and workers who earned their livelihoods in tanneries, of which there were then 41 in the county.

            Brother Starr found it difficult to foster the new lodge from infancy to a more mature condition and frequently found it difficult to find substitutes for the elected officers who had gone to war.

            Despite these conditions, however, the lodge purchased its share of the 730 Government bonds and took care of its Masonic obligations.

            At a meeting on July 2, 1864, it was resolved that the lodge recommend the establishment and organization of a lodge at Cochecton, "agreeably to a request of several Master Masons from that town". Bro. Alfred J. Baldwin, the Senior Warden, and as Master during this meeting. The result of the recommendation was the establishment of a new lodge which convened for the first time on Saturday evening, September 3, 1864, with Tobias R. VanGelder as Master.

            Dedication of the new lodge, which took place on July 7, 1864, was attended by both brethren and officers of the mother lodge.

            On November 16 of the same year, it was resolved that Monticello Lodge "recommend approval o~ an application from our brethren at Ellenville asking for dispensation to organize a lodge of F. & A. M. at that place." Many are of the opinion that the Ellenville lodge instituted in 1865 and now known as Wawarsing Lodge was mothered by Kingston Lodge No. 10, but there is no foundation for such a belief either in Grand Lodge records or in the old minute book of Monticello Lodge No. 532.

            Although two lodges saw their beginning when Bro. D.G. Starr was Master in 1864 he was not present at either of the meetings when requests were presented. A.J. Baldwin acted as Master at the first meeting and Fred Field was acting as Master when the second petition was presented.

            Although President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated during the last year of Brother Starr's three-year interim as Master and uncertainty existed through the country he enjoyed an eventful and most successful lodge year. A score of new members were added to the lodge roster and an unusually great number of meetings were both interesting and successful.

            At the lodge's 123rd regular communication, held on December 21, 1866, Fred A. Field, a twenty-eight-year-old civil engineer, was elected to succeed Starr as Master.

            Bro. Field had been elected to membership in Monticello Lodge No. 460 on November 28, 1860. He immediately became well versed with the ritual in that lodge and served as Senior Warden "pro tem" in place of J.W. Hammond, who joined the army at the opening of the Civil War.

            Field affiliated with Monticello Lodge on April 30, 1864, and had been a member less than a year when elevated to the Oriental East.

            Present during the installation ceremonies on January 10, 1866, was R.W. D.G. Starr, who had retired as Master to take over the duties of the first Deputy Grand Master for the 7th Masonic District. Also present was M.S. Wells, Acting Grand Marshall.

            Field had spent his youth and early manhood at his father's hotel (the Rosalie Hotel site on East Broadway): Although he served only a year and a half as Master the record of his accomplishments indicate that he worked tirelessly and earnestly for the good of the lodge, securing its future and building a lodge reputation to be enjoyed throughout the years.

            One of his first acts as Master was the planning of a Masonic festival which was held on February 15, 1866, for the purpose of creating a fund for the Masonic; Hall and Asylum."

            Brother Field was a loyal Mason and was determined that he and the brethren adhere to the principles it propounded. When' a brother strayed he would first attempt to return him to the fold with kind advice but when this failed he would not hesitate to use sterner measures.

            Under his leadership steps were taken which resulted in the expulsion of those who were found guilty of un-Masonic conduct. Two were the Gumaeur brothers, George and Hiram. Hiram submitted an answer to the charges at a regular communication on April 11th, 1866. He denied the second of two charges (neither of which were recorded) against himself and pleaded his brother George guilty of both charges. The lodge then considered the first charge against Hiram and voted to reprimand him. The lodge voted to expel George Gumaeur. R.W. D.G. Starr did the reprimanding.

            On September 15, 1866, Hiram was formally charged with having become "beastly intoxicated on the 30th day of May, 1866, and conducting himself in a disorderly and un-Masonic manner to the great discredit of himself and disgrace of the honorable fraternity to which he belongs."

            Hiram appeared to answer these charges on October 6, 1866, by asking for a demit, which was denied. He was expelled on March 3rd, 1867. Albert Wyckoff, the third Mason against whom similar charges were made, was expelled on June 19, 186" after trial.

            A large Masonic funeral was held on November 25th, 1866, for Bro. Alfred Baldwin, one of the organizers of Monticello Lodge No. 460 and a member of Lodge 532. He died on November 22, 1866, of ureamic convulsions.

            Baldwin, a native of New York City, he was only 32 years old and was one of the most promising lawyers then in the county.

            He was educated at New Brunswick, N.J., and graduated at Rutger’s College in that place in 1855, while Theodore Frelinghuyson was president of the institution. In the fall of the same year he removed to Monticello and commenced the study of law in the office of Hon. A.C. Niven. In 1857 he was admitted to the bar and immediately formed a law partnership with George W. Lord and Hon, James Matthews, a brother Mason. This relation continued until about 1859. In 1859 he was nominated by the Democratic party, with which he was ever consistently identified, for, the office of District Attorney but was beaten by Hon. Isaac Anderson by about 80 majority. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. B of the 143rd Regiment, NYSV, and was chosen captain of the company, in which capacity he served for about one year. In 1865 he received the Democratic nomination for Member of Assembly and was elected by between six and seven hundred majority. So acceptably did he perform his legislative duties that he was re-nominated by acclamation of the convention and had but a few days before his death been triumphantly re-elected. His funeral took place on Sunday, November 25th, 1866, at the Episcopal Church, where a large and sad assembly convened. He was buried at the Rock Ridge cemetery with Masonic rites, a full attendance of the members of Monticello Lodge being present.

            Resolutions on his death were adopted by the Monticello Lodge, the Monticello Cornet Band and the Sullivan County Bar Association.

            For the quarters the lodge occupied the old Mansion House of Colonel John C. Holley an annual rental of $90 was charged. A bill for $90 for rent from May 1, 1866, to May I, 1867, submitted by Bro. Holley was read and ordered paid a meeting on March 15th, 1867.

            At the same meeting "Ancient Brother A.C. Niven of Sullivan Lodge No. 272 presented the certificate of Mark Master Mason and Master Mason of his father, the Worthy Brother Daniel Niven," who died the preceding January. On motion the thanks of the lodge was returned to Bro. A.C. Niven and the certificates were ordered to be placed in the archives of the Lodge. (These certificates and other valuable able lodge papers are believed to have been lost in the great fire of April, 1872.)

            Daniel Niven died in Monticello on January 5th, 1867, at the age of 101, and inasmuch as he was among the very first Masons to settle in the' county a brief sketch of his life may be considered appropriate as well as interesting to the readers of this history.

            Brother Niven was a native of the island of Islay in the Highlands of Scotland. His family there wrote their name MacNiven. His mother was of the Campbells of Argylshire. He was born June 12, 1766 and after arriving at manhood he came to the conclusion that he would emigrate to the United States, to try his fortune with the thousands who were leaving Europe to make their homes in America.

            Having been in connection with the Presbyterian Church in his native land, he brought his certificate of church membership, and soon after arriving in New York in April, 1791, he united with the Scott Presbyterian church there, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. John Mason. He engaged in business there, and in 1798 married. Shortly thereafter he removed from New York to Newburgh, owing to the prevalence of yellow fever in the city which caused a general derangement of business. Here he engaged very diligently in business until 1810 when, having been quite successful, he removed to New York City and embarked in mercantile pursuits with a partner who had no capital but professed to have experience as a merchant. The result was unfortunate and Mr. Niven retired with an undamaged reputation.

            He came to Mamakating in 1811 or 1812 and after remaining there for three or four years he came to Monticello with his family, and after residing here seven or eight years went to Bloomingburgh. After the construction of the Delaware and Hudson Canal he took up his residence at Wurtsboro and remained there several years when he became again a resident of Newburgh. He continued to reside in Newburgh until his infirmities of old age induced him and his aged wife to accept an invitation to make their home in Monticello, where they continued to reside until his death.

            His church membership continued for more than eighty years and his connection with the Ancient Order of Free Masonry was for about the same length of time.

            His certificate showed him to have been a Master Mason and also a Royal Arch Companion. He resided for more than a half a century in Sullivan county with the exception of the few years of his last years of residence in Newburgh. Mr. anti Mrs. Niven had ten children, all of whom grew up to maturity under paternal care.

            It is a remarkable fact that although this aged couple lived together nearly seventy; years, rearing a large family and having persons under their roof, no death ever occurred in any house where they were residing. It is very doubtful whether any parallel case could then be found in the whole country.

            On April 3, 1866, Brother Field and several brothers of Monticello Lodge attended funeral services of Nathan Moulthrop, county superintendent of the poor, who died at his residence in Callicoon on March 31, 1867.

            A special communication was called by Delaware Lodge at the house of John W. Barwig on Wednesday, April 3rd, 1867. Present were M.D. Wheeler, District Deputy Grand Lecturer and Master of Hancock Lodge, who acted as Master during the meeting, which was called for the purpose of making arrangements for the burial of Brother Moulthrop. The lodge repaired to the Methodist church at Pike Pond (Kenoza Lake), where the religious services were conducted and an impressive and eloquent sermon was preached by the Rev. N.S. Reynolds of Delaware Lodge. After services burial rites were conducted by Bro. Wheeler.

On Friday, June 27, 1867, this community was painfully shocked by the report of the death of Fred A. Fields at Shin Creek in the Town of Rockland, of accidental drowning.

            Bro. Fields had gone fishing at the lower falls of Shin Creek with E.C. Howard and a party of about twenty men and women.

            His body was recovered from the water by Bro. Howard but every effort to resuscitate him failed.

            His body was brought to Monticello the following Friday afternoon, the remains followed by his friends who had left with him in anticipation of a week's unalloyed enjoyment and the delegation of his brethren. Every church bell was tolling as the solemn cortege passed slowly through the village to the house of his sorrowing parents. From the minutes of a special communication of Monticello Lodge No. 532, of which Fields was Master at the time we have the following:

            A special communication of Monticello Lodge No. 532, held at the lodge room in Monticello on the 29th day of June, A.D. 1867, A.L. 5867, Bro. W.H. McLean, acting Master, announced the death of W. Bro. Fred A. Fields, Master of said lodge.

            On motion of Bro. Wells, the following resolution was adopted:

            Resolved, that a committee of three be appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sorrow of the lodge on the death of Bro. Fields.

            Brothers M.S. Wells, James E. Quinlan and George M. Beebe were appointed such committee.

            The concourse assembled at the funeral, which took place from the house last Sunday, far exceeded in number any assemblage ever convened in this place on any similar occasion. After services by Rev. E.K. Fowler, the remains were conveyed to the cemetery under the escort of nearly two hundred Masons composed of the officers and members of the lodge with which deceased was recently identified, and delegations from Hoffman Lodge 412, W. Bro. Alexander Wilson; Hancock Lodge 552, W. Bro. John Lyon; W. Bro. G.S. Peters, P. M. of Hiram Lodge No. 449, New York City."

            Brother Fields, with his thorough knowledge of the ritual and organizing ability, had set out in his second year with a well planned program and had he lived the year would have ended with a record of accomplishments. The willingness of Dr. William McLean and R.W. Bro. D.G. Starr to guide the destiny of the lodge in absence of an elected leader prevented inactivity, however, and under their guidance reports, asked for by Fields were heard and even Masonic trials of Wyckoff was continued and brought to a conclusion.

            At the annual election of Monticello Lodge No. 532, held in December 1867, R.W. D.G. Starr was elected Master; George M. Beebe, Senior Warden; Fred Wheeler, Junior Warden; Seth B. Allyn, Treasurer; Thomas Neil, Secretary; R.B. Cooper, Senior Deacon; George Swan, Junior Deacon; Jackson Case; Tiler; James E. Quinlan, Daniel Pelton and M.S. Wells, Trustees.

            Installation ceremonies took place at the lodge room in the old Mansion House on the 31st of December 1867, under the direction of R.W. M.D. Wheeler, Deputy Grand Master of Hancock.

            It was a public ceremony and a large number of Masons and others were present. The address by Hon. A.C. Niven was universally regarded as one of the finest efforts of the kind, and elicited very marked attention. The festivities at the Mansion House after the exercises at the lodge were shared by perhaps a larger number than ever before participated in an occasion of the kind in this village. Every provision had been made by the Mansion House to insure the fullest enjoyment and the zest with which all mingled in the "order of exercise" attested the general appreciation felt for the efforts forts of "mine host" in that direction. The music was furnished by Mark Nutling and his band.

            One of the first purchases made by the lodge after the election of Bro. Starr was a stove, which was furnished by Bro. J.L. Evans for $22.15. This bill and a bill of James Kennedy for $2 for cleaning the chimney were read at the same meeting. Wood was furnished by the brethren and a goodly supply was always kept on hand, On cold nights the sideliners would form

a circle around one of the two pot-bellied stoves which were in the lodge room.

            In November 1867, members of Monticello Lodge, headed by R.W. Bro. D.G. : Starr, attended a reunion of members of Callicoon Lodge No. 521 when a valuable and beautiful gold past Master's jewel was presented to Brother Fred Thuman, Past Master of the lodge. The jewel was presented by Brother A.E. Wenzel, who was then Master.

            On January 31, it was reported that Brother J.C. Holley had died on January 29th, 1868, and preparations were made for funeral services. Besides being landlord of Monticello Lodge for several years, I Brother Holley was instrumental during the Civil War in raising and organizing the 143rd volunteers. He was not permitted to command it when it took to the field but nevertheless had sacrificed considerably in time and money.

            Soon after the 143rd was organized Brother Holley was made by Governor Horatio Seymour, Colone1 of the 92nd Regiment of National Guards of New York and also received the appointment of Commissioner of the Draft by the Federal Government, both of which positions were unsought by him.

            Brother Holley was born in Amenia, Dutchess county, in the year 1821. He came to Monticello with his father in 1833 or 1834. Brother Holley served as Supervisor of the Town of Thompson and Sheriff of the county. Upon his father's death he inherited the old Mansion House where the lodge conducted its meetings or several years. Masonic funeral services conducted by E.N.W. Borden were largely attended by Masons.

            In October of the same year Dr. William H. McLean died. He was only 25 years old. Born in Schiawassa county, Michigan, he studied medicine under the tutorship of Drs. G.M. and G.P. Cady of Nichols, N.Y., and was graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1864 with the highest honors of the institution.

            Immediately upon his graduation he located in Monticello and entered into partnership with Dr. B.G. McCabe.

            He was married to Miss Nellie Dill, daughter of Coe Dill of Monticello, on September 18th, 1867. He was a member of the Presbyterian church.

            George M. Beebe, the third Master of Monticello Lodge No. 532 was probably one of the most noted men ever produced by Sullivan County. When he took over the duties of Master he was only thirty-two years old but already had a record in public life which few have measured up to. At the age of only twenty-three he had served as Governor of Kansas.

            He was the able editor of the Republican Watchman but as an orator he excelled. He was educated in the common schools and at the Wallkill Academy, Middletown, from which town his honorable father sent forth the Signs of the Times, the Old School Baptist paper, which had a large circulation in the late fifties, and especially in the Southern states.

            Following his graduation he came to Monticello and studied law with George W. Lord, one of the well known lawyers of Sullivan County. He graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the Albany Law School and was admitted to practice in 1857, just as he had reached his majority.

            He went west shortly after he was admitted to the bar and edited the Central Illinois Democrat, a daily paper published in the city of Peoria. After the Douglas-Lincoln election campaign he removed to Troy, Kansas, and hung out his shingle on which the public read., George M. Beebe, attorney at law. A year later - 1859 - when he was twenty-three years old, he was elected to the territorial council - which is the same as the State Senate in New York State.

            In 1860 he was appointed Secretary of Kansas by President Buchanan and a few months later became Governor of the Territory of Kansas, Governor Medary having resigned. This position he held until 1861 when Kansas became a State.

            One day when the boy Governor was sitting in his executive mansion communing with his thoughts a party of United States and territorial officers called to see the new Governor. He showed them about his mansion; delighted them with their apostrophies on Kansas and they praised his hospitality. “Well, Governor,” said one of the Washington visitors, “you seem to be nicely situated here, but where is your library?” “Right this way,” replied Governor Beebe. They passed through one room into another and the Governor closed the door softly, much to the mystification of his visitors. “There!” said the Governor, pointing to a farm almanac, “There is my library!”

            In 1861 he was a delegate to the "Arm-in-Arm" convention at Philadelphia presided over by United States Senator Doolittle, of Wisconsin. This was a peace convention between the North and South. In that same year he formed a law partnership with Albert H. Horton, who was for many years Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kansas. Again he broke his fetters and moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he opened a law office "all by his lonesome." In 1863 he enlisted in the United States Militia. It was at the time when Northwestern Missouri was raided by the Confederate General Price and the notorious Quantrall, and saw service for his State and nation. Again discontented and possessed to travel he went to Virginia City, Nevada, and opened a law office there and took gold for his pay. That was in 1864.

            A year later he was nominated by the Democrats of Nevada for Supreme Court Judge and was defeated by 300 votes a strong Republican district. In 1866 he was appointed Internal Revenue Collector for Nevada by President Johnson. He resigned the appointment and in August of that year returned to Monticello, having had quite enough of the new West. Two months later he bought the Republican Watchman of James E. Quinlan and became its editor and publisher on October 19, 1866.

            He continued ownership of the newspaper until 1895 when he sold it to A.M. Scriber and Charles Barnum.

            In 1871 he was the Democratic nominee for State Senator but was defeated by E.M. Madden of Middletown. A year later he was elected to the State Assembly and succeeded himself the following year.

            Mr. Beebe was elected at a time when the salary was $3,000 a year and, of course, the living in Albany was not as costly.

            He was quickly recognized as the orator of the Assembly and his common sense, social qualities and oratory made him a commanding figure among his legislative associates. It was during his last year that honor and disaster both came. He was then serving for the second time as Master of Monticello Lodge. He declined to serve in 1870, because of his Assembly duties but after becoming acquainted with the office during the year 1871 he was ready to serve in 1872.

            He was selected to deliver the eulogy of Charles Sumner and the Republicans as well as the Democrats were liberal in their praise of the address. Col. Spencer, a Repub1ican member, presented him with a beautifully bound copy of Shakespeare with which were his hearty thanks. Beebe believed that contention should not exist among Masons even though their political beliefs were different. His tact and illustrative way of explaining an issue enabled him to get cooperation rather than opposition both in the field of politics and in the management of a lodge.

            During the closing days of the Assembly session fire swept Monticello and destroyed his newspaper plant. When his friends at Albany learned of his loss they raised $7,500 and presented it to their associate.

            Bro. Beebe protested and stormed, but the Assembly Speaker presented it to him as a gift from his fellow members. His great heart was touched and his eyes filled with tears. His eloquent tongue was stilled for the moment and his active mind refused to work.

            His public life was not to end with his service in the Assembly. In 1873 he was commissioned Chief of Artillery by Governor Dix, with the rank of Colonel of the Fifth Division, National Guards of New York. He resigned the commission in 1873 to enter Congress and was re-elected in 1876. In 1878 he was again nominated but the Greenback party had broken the Democratic party in two and Beebe went down to defeat.

            In 1883 he was made Judge of the Court of Claims by the grace of Governor Cleveland; reappointed by Governor Hill and again appointed by Governor Flower, in which position he served for seventeen years most acceptably.

            During his years as Master the lodge enjoyed largely attended meetings and interesting programs.

            Bro. Beebe was gifted with a remarkable memory and knew lodge work to perfection. His Senior Warden was Seth M. Mitchell, and other officers were W.B. Niven, Junior Warden; E.F. Quinlan, Treasurer; Seth S. Royce, Secretary; C. W. Boland, Senior Deacon; A.B. Potter, Junior Deacon; J.H. Millspaugh, Tiler. The Trustees were F.M. St. John, C.S. Starr, R.B. Cooper, and the Masters of Ceremonies were A. Rainbour and D. Downs.

            One of the first acts of Bro. Beebe was to order a report from the Treasurer. The report showed that the lodge had $1,172.25, which was distributed as follows:

A note of W. Bro. D. G. Starr, amounting to

$ 130.35

A joint note of Bros. Royce and Starr, amounting to

269.69

A note of Bro. Solomon Royce, which notes were then in thein the hands of Bro. R.D. Cooper, Trustee amounting to,

338.50

In the hands of M. S. Wells, Trustee

32.87

In the hands of S.B. Allyn, Treasurer

65.83

In the hands of R.B. Cooper, Trustee

210.00

In the hands of W.B. Niven, Acting Secretary

40.83

In the hands of F.M. St. John, Trustee

50.00

In the hands of E.F. Quinlan, Treasurer

34.18

 

$1,172.25

At the same meeting the death of Bradley Hall, first Secretary of the lodge, was reported.

            Under Bro. Beebe the lodge saw the beginning of plans for the erection of a Masonic temple. At a meeting held on March 18, 1870, Bro. D.G. Starr moved that the Committee on Masonic Hall be authorized to consult with capitalists of the village and ascertain so far as possible what amount can be raised towards the erection of a building for Masonic or other purposes. Wor. Bro. Beebe was added to the committee.

            The committee to procure a lot suitable for the erection of a: Masonic Hall report as follows:

 

"To the Worshipful Master, Wardens of Monticello Lodge No. 532, F. & A. M.

            "Brethren, your committee charged with the duty of inquiring into the matter of a site for a Masonic Hall respectfully report that they can purchase a lot of Bro. S.W. Royce in back of the Mansion House 40x70 feet for $1,500. One of Benjamin Low immediately adjoining the village school lot on the south for $300. One of A.J. Bush on Mill street' between the lot of J. H. Foster and F. M. St. John's barn, 80x200, for $1,500. Your committee reports the facts without recommendation."

 

            The lodge was then meeting in rooms located in a building owned by Billings and Hatch. A bill for rent due and the matter of renting the lodge rooms for the coming year was laid over for the next meeting when Bro. C.R. Kelton moved that the lodge rent the rooms of Billings and Hatch for a year from the 10th day of May, 1870, at seventy-five dollars a year, the owners agreeing to make the necessary repairs.

Masters of Monticello Lodge


Masters of Monticello Lodge

 

Erection of a temple was laid over with the expectation of making definite plans upon expiration of the lease. Beebe was called to the Assembly, however, and George R. Kelton was elected. Kelton was a wagon maker and painter and while he was a good ritualist he nevertheless did not have the organizing ability of Beebe. The lodge had planned to complete plans for the building of the temple during the following year when Beebe said he would serve. Plans were well under way on February 23, 1872, when a disastrous fire struck Monticello. This fire took place only six months after the serious fire of August 1871, and was succeeded by another in April, 1872, which destroyed the newspaper office of Bro. Beebe.

 

            Serving the longest number of years as Master was William B. Niven, a Monticello lawyer, who succeeded George M. Beebe in 1873. After completing that year he served in 1874, 1-875, 1882, 1883, 1885, 1889, 1890, 1891; 1892 and 1893. He served through the lodge's most trying years which lead up to the panic of 1893, when agricultural depression, farm mortgages, reckless railway financing and unsound banking in the United States contributed to the crisis. The panic began in the spring of 1893 with the failure of the Reading Railway and the collapse of the National Cordage Company, one of the numerous examples of reckless trust financiering into which large banks had also been drawn. It was during one of these many years he served (1875) when the new Masonic Temple in New York City was dedicated. Records available do not indicate that any of the members of Monticello Lodge attended.

Robert J. Brome, 1886, ‘87, ‘88, ‘94, ‘95, ‘96

         Robert J. Brome, the tenth Master of Monticello Lodge, served for six years. He conducted a boarding house (the Branlip Hotel near South Fallsburg) for a number of years.

            There were no automobiles when he was Master and lodge attendance was not great. This, however, was not due to any fault of Bro. Brome. While he was Master and for many years after that he would drive his horses and buckboard from his home, picking up brethren along the way.

            Both he and his successor, Robert McNickle, are remembered by our older members as the brothers mostly responsible for keeping the lodge from going into inactivity.

         He enjoyed participation in lodge work and was especially fond of his role in the third degree, which required little or no make-up.

 

            He was Master on October 31, 1885, when the Most Worshipful Grand, Master of the State of New York sent out a circular letter to the craft calling their attention to the fact that the sum of $485,000 was still due and if permitted to run to maturity would incur an expenditure of $165,000 for interest. Bro. Niven addressed the lodge on matters pertaining to the Hall and Asylum fund and proposed that the lodge should proceed to take action toward paying its portion of the debt. He pointed out that if the lodge paid its full assessment at that time it would result in a reduction in Grand Lodge dues and eventually result in a saving to the lodge. It is known that collections were made for this fund but as to the amount no record is available.

 

Evans, Snook, Starr and Pelton

 

            During the years from January 1, 1873, to December 31, 1893, when William B. Niven did not serve as Master, John L. Evans, F.G. Snook, C.G. Starr, D.C. Pelton, Robert Brome and Melvin Couch served.

            John L. Evans, a merchant who conducted a hardware store at the corner of Oakley Avenue and Broadway, served during the year 1876 and in 1881.

            On July 4, 1876, the lodge, under his direction, celebrated the centennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The lodge room was appropriately decorated for the occasion and special exercises were conducted. A page in the minute book was dedicated to the meeting. We have been unable to determine the exact order of the program because the lodge's records were all destroyed in the fire which destroyed the temple in 1909.

            Bro. Evans was friendly, very accommodating and generally liked in this community. After many successful years in the hardware business here he sold his business, demitted from Monticello Lodge and moved to Ellenville.

 

1877-78-79

 

            F.G. Snook (Sevenoak) was, a man of unusual intellect as well as an earnest and enthusiastic Mason. Monticello Lodge was under his leadership for three years (1877-78-79), and during these three years lodge ritualists who had been careless with pronunciation and delivery were schooled in their work as never before.

            Snook was considered one of the best a speakers of the day and, in keeping with the style of the day, used no notes. Once while addressing the brethren he failed miserably In pronouncing a word. Instead of "skipping it" as our great speakers of today would, he paused In embarrassment and explained that while concentrating his speech his memory had lapsed into his boyhood idiosyncrasies.

            During his mastership Snook was owner and principal of the Monticello Academy. He affiliated with Monticello Lodge in 1865. Prior to coming to Monticello he had been principal of the Liberty Normal School Institute.

            His private Monticello Academy was continued under a special act of Legislature and was subject to the visitation of the Board of Regents and the control of a Board of Trustees. Boarders were required to study from six until eight in the evening and from seven until eight in the morning.

            He was stern in the school room and his austerity was actually as great in the lodge room.

            He allowed no idle talk, and carefully guarded the interest of the lodge.

            Upon discontinuing the Monticello Academy he moved to Hoboken, N.J. The old academy was then transformed into what was known as the Feiner House. The property was later purchased by the County of Sullivan for $16,000 and the buildings were dismantled.

 

1880

 

C.S. Starr was a brother of the first Master of Monticello Lodge. He was raised in a lodge in Illinois in the early 50's and affiliated with Monticello Lodge in 1863. Before his death on November 30, 1917, he was the oldest living member of Monticello Lodge. Bro. Starr served not only as Master in 1880 but was also trustee for a number of years.

Although no important Masonic events and not even a funeral service was necessary, during the year 1880, Bro. 8tarr served with credit to the fraternity and won respect for himself in the minds of the brethren whom he loyally served in the capacity of trustee in later years. He was trustee when the present temple was erected and Masons who knew him say that it was perhaps due to him more than any other one man that the lodge had a home in the latter part of the nineteenth century and has a home today.

            As he served his lodge well so did he served the community. As one of the proprietors of the Monticello tannery, he was considered by his employees as exacting but nevertheless human and understanding.

            His organizing ability was recognized by the Sullivan County Board of Supervisors when the present Election Commissioner's office was created in 1911. He served as president of the Board until his death.

            Although Daniel Comfort Pelton was not the first of his family to make worthy contributions to the fraternity he nevertheless was the first Pelton in Monticello to wear the purple of the craft.

            He served as Master in 1884 and for years was owner of the building in which Monticello Lodge convened.

            Bro. Pelton was born at Sackett Lake on March 12, 1839, attended the district school until fourteen years old and then finished his schooling at the Monticello Academy. He followed his teaching vocation for a number of years, having schools at Barryville, Rock Hill, Mongaup Valley, and other places.

            About twelve years before he was Master he purchased property which is where Bogner's meat market is now located, and opened a boot and shoe store. It was over the store where the lodge held its meetings.

            His service as teacher, school trustee under the old system, and a member of the newer Board of Education gave him a Master's requisites and so nobly did he perform his duties that recognition soon came from Grand Lodge.

            He was a man who firmly held to his own convictions and these he asserted with such force and vigor as to sometimes shock the more timid of his associates.

            During his funeral services all business places in Monticello were closed.

Robert J. Broome ended his sixth year as Master in 1896 and was succeeded by Robert McNickle, superintendent of the Monticello tannery. Bro. McNickle had been a frequent visitor of neighboring lodges throughout the county and had a thorough knowledge of the ritual. In addition to a good memory and accuracy in his lodge, work he was a good planner. The clamor for a new temple had been heard for years but no Master had taken the initiative to build. The lodge was then meeting in rooms located over the Daniel C. Pelton shoe store. It was in these rooms that Reinzi Stratton, our fifty-year member; John Brown, our oldest living Past Master; Andrew J. Hammond and Arch Rosenstraus received their three degrees.

The Pelton building was a frame structure with a French roof. The lodge-room windows, of which there were few, were cut through the hip-shaped roof. In the winter the brethren found it difficult to keep warm and in the summer the nearness to the roof provided little opportunity for ventilation and heat penetrated almost to a degree of suffocation.

Two old-fashion chunk stoves provided heat and consumed large quantities of wood, which was usually provided by the brethren.

 

ROBERT McNICKLE

for years the leading spirit of Monticello Lodge, served while the first temple was being built. He had a thorough knowledge of the ritual and was devoted to Masonry. On many occasions in the absence of officers, he is said to have gone from one lodge station to another ably performing the work of the absentees.

 

The new temple was completed in the early fall of 1898 and it was dedicated with an imposing ceremony on October 29, 1898.

William A. Sutherland, Grand Master, and his staff met in the lodge's magnificent reception room at 8 p.m. and the lodge was opened in due form. Assisting the Grand Master during the ceremonies were Grand Treasurer George W. White, Grand Marshal Isaac Frome, Grand Sword Bearer Jacob Heidt, Grand Tiler Andrew Ferguson, Acting Grand Chaplain the Rev. P.C. Creveling, Acting Grand Senior Warden Charles T. Curtis, District Deputy Grand Master of the 16th District.

Also assisting were S.E. Wenzel, Master of Delaware Lodge; Acting Grand Junior Warden Justice Arthur S. Tompkins, District Deputy Grand Master 13th District; Charles Smith, District Deputy Grand Master 18th District; N.B. Wood, District Deputy Grand Master of the Sixth District; Walter M. Hand, District Deputy Grand Master of the 28th District; Jesse T. Durland, District Deputy Grand Master of the 27th District, and Henry C. Gillespie, District Deputy Grand Master of the District.

The brethren were seated in the main lodge room and the Grand Marshall announced the entrance of the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge officers. The brethren rose and the officers of the Grand Lodge entered. They were received with Grand Honors.

After prayer and symbolic ceremonies the Grand Junior Warden presented a vessel of corn as an emblem of nourishment.

The Grand Master said, "In the name of the great Jehovah, to whom be all honor and glory and praise, I do solemnly dedicate this temple to Freemasonry".

Then followed the same ceremony in the pouring of oil and wine which was followed by a benediction by the Acting Grand Chaplain.

Grand Master Sutherland then delivered an address replete with learning and eloquence. He set forth the high purposed of the order.

The exercises closed with a benediction, after which a banquet was served in the spacious parlor which adjoined the lodge room. This room was in the front part of the building.

Visitors were present from Livingston Manor, Mongaup Lodge of Liberty, Delaware Lodge of Callicoon, Jeffersonville Lodge and several other lodges, including Wawarsing Lodge of Ellenville.

Bro. McNickle's officers were John E. Brown, Senior Warden; Blake H. Bates, Junior Warden; Walter G. Prince, Secretary; William B. McMillan, Treasurer; K.M. Reynolds, Tiler; Derwood B. Tuttle, Senior Deacon; George Hill, Junior Deacon; John C. Taylor, Senior Master of Ceremonies; Silas Demerest, Junior Master of Ceremonies; John Selleck, Chaplain, and Blake H. Bates, Organist, and Seth G. Carpenter and John C. Taylor, Trustees.

A special communication for installation of officers was held Tuesday, January 8, 1901.

A delegation including George Waller, George Armstrong, K. M. Reyno1ds, John Brown, J.C. Taylor, S.W. Demerest, Blake H. Bates, George O. Fraser, A.J. Hammond, W.G. Prince and D.B. Tuttle attended the convention of the Tenth Masonic District which was held that year at Walton on January 11 and 12. Fifteen lodges were then in the district and the membership of all of the lodges in the, district totaled 1,382, of which 104 attended the convention.

 

1899

 

It was only a short time after the temple dedication when Charles H. Royce was elected Master, Bro. Royce was then 56 years old and had been a member of Monticello Lodge since September 9th, 1894. At that time he was one of the most popular and influential men in Sullivan County. He had already served as clerk of the Sullivan County Board for eleven years. He had served with the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington and as Consul to Prague in Austria. The latter position he held for five years. He served during the Civil War, entering the army as a private, and he was several times wounded and received various promotions in recognition of his gallantry. At the end of hostilities he held the rank of captain. In 1867 he was promoted to the rank of Major by brevet.

Bro. Royce was a lawyer by profession and was graduated from the Liberty Institute, Eastman Business College and the Columbia Law College at Washington.

He had a very successful Masonic year, adding to the lodge roster as well as to its treasury.

He died on July 19, 1903.

In August of the same year a highly successful Masonic fair was held. The fair's success was evidenced by one of the largest crowds ever brought to Monticello up to that time. The spacious Music Hall was artistically decorated for the occasion and the dozen or more booths were managed by more than thirty men and women.

Attracting crowds from the far ends of Sullivan County were souvenirs of all descriptions and booths displaying candy, sportsmen's equipment and game, household equipment and supplies as well as a variety of novelties, including a fish pond, Japanese bazaar, Egyptian bazaar and a gypsy camp. Receipts for the first day were $131.57.

 

Royce - 1899

 

In August, 1899, Monticello Lodge conducted another highly successful fair at the Central Music Hall in Monticello. The fair opened on Tuesday, August 8, 1899, and continued through August 11.

Many valuable articles including a kitchen range, lamp, set of dishes, table covers, table, chairs and other items were donated by businessmen of Monticello.

The Citizens' Band of Monticello was employed for the second night of the fair and on Thursday evening an excursion was run from Port Jervis. Accompanying the trainload of people was the Erie Band.

Friday was White Lake day and Saturday marked the ending of one of the most successful fairs held up to that time.

Bro. Royce reported receipts of $1,125 for the week. This amount was $50 more than receipts the year before.

 

1900

 

At the turn of the century Monticello Lodge elected George Eldridge Waller its Master. He was then thirty-one years old. He had a very successful year as Master despite his personal business reverses which resulted in his dissolving a partnership with his brother, J. Hammond Waller, and discontinuance of his work as publisher and editor of the Sullivan County Republican.

The brothers had leased the newspaper business from their father, Major John Waller, who founded the Sullivan County Republican in May 1856.

W. Bro. Waller had spent his boyhood in Monticello and with the exception of a short period when he attended, Susquehanna Collegiate Institute he also spent his early days of manhood here. He was well acquainted through the county and the fact that he had made many friends in Masonic and other fraternal and business organizations was demonstrated at his funeral, which was conducted by Masons on the Sunday following his death, which occurred on September 25, 1901.

He and his wife, the former Miss Lenora Pitcher, daughter of Captain H.A. Pitcher, whom he married in May 1892, were living in New York City at the time of his death.

Wor. Bro. Waller's body was brought to Monticello for services at the Episcopal church, which were in charge of the Masons. Sixty-eight Masons appeared in the line of march to the cemetery. Other organizations were lodges from Ellenville, Liberty, New York City and Mt. Vernon. The Neptune Hose Company, of which he was once foreman, and the Mountain Hose Company appeared with members in full uniform. Masons included among the pall-bearers were Andrew J. Hammond and John Armstrong. Wor. Brothers William Carpenter, Walter Smith and S.G. Osborn were among the flower carriers.

 

1901

 

The year 1901 again presented a perplexing problem for those who were planning the future and welfare of the lodge. The lodge had new members who were young and enthusiastic but nevertheless their experience with ritualistic work, which at that time was taught from mouth to ear, was insufficient to qualify them as Master. Wor. Bro. Waller had moved to the city. Wor. Bro. Robert T. Broome, one of the pillars of the lodge, who had already served six years guiding the lodge through years when the effects of the Cleveland panic were still in evidence and years before that when lodges were finding it very difficult to operate, could no longer serve.

The only choice was between choosing an inexperienced brother to head the lodge or to fill the vacant chair with a Past Master. Wor. Bro. Robert McNickle was the only one to volunteer. He had distinguished himself as Supervisor of the Thompson Township and was foreman of Monticello tannery, which was then employing about sixty men. Many of the brethren were employed there. Wor. Bro. McNickle was determined to have the degree and other work of the lodge property executed and on many occasions occupied his own chair for the Master's work and, when completed with his part, would go to the chairs of other officers to execute their work when they were absent. He occupies a place of honor in our lodge and those who knew him do not hesitate to say that he was a Mason, worthy and well qualified - a Mason who laid down his working tools to hear the welcome words, "Well done my good and faithful servant."

Aside from routine lodge work, Wor. Bro. McNickle reported a successful year in charitable work. His only funeral that year was conducted in December, 1901, for George O. Fraser, a former County Clerk, who died on December 3, 1901.

He served ably as Deputy Sheriff for three years under George D. Pelton, who was a Past Master of Monticello Lodge and, District Deputy. Among his contributions in public life was a vote in the Board of Supervisors which blocked a move to designating Liberty as the county seat. He was trustee of the village of Monticello in 1895 when the water supply system we now have was under construction and was a vestryman of the Episcopal church.

He had been a Mason only three years when he became Master. He was a Patron of the Kiamesha Chapter of Eastern Star and one of the charter members.

His funeral was attended by a large number of Masons who marched in a body from the lodge rooms to his house where services were held by Masons.

He was born in Roosky, County Tyrone, Ireland, on January 3, 1853, and came to America when 19 years old. He had been connected with the tannery for 30 years.

 

1902

 

In 1902, with the election. of Bro. John H. Brown, a young and energetic Master, who was ably assisted by a staff of officers with unusual ability, the lodge saw the fulfillment of many things for which Masons had been wishing for years.

H. Lynden Hatch was the new Senior Warden; D.B. Tuttle, Junior Warden; Benjamin McMillan, Senior Deacon; Hiram Harding, Junior Deacon; John C. Taylor, Senior Master of Ceremonies, and Silas Demerest, Junior Master of Ceremonies. Tuttle, Taylor and Demerest were much older than their superior officers but nevertheless were not wanting in the requisites of officers.

The officers were prompt and attentive and the old story of “no officers and poor work” was past history.

New ideas and new plans were now being laid before the brethren. These ideas and plans in contrast to the discussions and concern about lodge inactivity which had featured the meetings of preceding years, brought new interest and a better attendance.

Popular in those days were festivals known as "The Kirmess". The Kirmess or church fair derives its name from the old Germanic words Kirch-messe, meaning "Church-ale", referring to that portion of the brew and village given as, a tithe to the churches. A tithe to the Monticello Lodge was considered by the brethren as fitting and necessary. The Masonic Temple, completed and dedicated in November 1898, was a lovely and imposing structure but was still encumbered with debt.

                        Miss Lila Stewart, a former Monticello resident, was then winning fame throughout the country as the promoter of Kirmesses and Carnivals. Her services were sought and arrangements were completed during early summer 1902 for a Kirmess week.

Bro. Hatch devoted a full week doing nothing other than to help execute plans for the festival, which was directed by Miss Stewart.

                        With more than 175 local and out-of-town people participating, the Kirmess opened at the Palatine Music Hall on August 5th, 1902. The festivities, which continued through August 9th, attracted thousands and netted the lodge $2,200. It was considered one of the most brilliant and most successful events of its kind ever given in Monticello.

The attendance of 700 on the opening night surpassed the fondest expectations. Palatine Hall was transformed with beautiful robes and artistic decorations more brilliant than anything seen before in Monticello. Circling the hall were spacious and prettily decorated booths where everything that the most fastidious taste could desire was offered for sale.

The flower booth was completely filled with fragrant cut and potted flowers and palms and was decorated with evergreens, laurels, etc. Women assisted their Mason husbands and friends. Mrs. M.C. Duryea was superintendent of the booths. Her assistants were Mrs. B.S. Johnson, Mrs. J.W. Coates, Mrs. J.P. Roosa, the Misses Harriet Jones, Harriet Rundle, Louise Bush, Mildred Bennett, Agnes Fairchild, Dorothy Diehl, Miss Menner, and Judge George H. Smith, Messrs. H.A. Glennie, Dehial Decker and J.P. Roosa.

 

Masters of Monticello Lodge

Masters of Monticello Lodge

           


 

           

            The country store and post office booth combined was unique and attractive. On sale at this booth was everything from a pair of shoestrings to a barrel of flour. Some of the signs displayed on the "store" were, "Love letters and kisses taken with molasses at reduced rates", "Tooth picks and pick ax", "Shoestrings and string beans", "Shoes and salt", etc. The decorations were of corn, oats and pumpkins. The superintendent was Mrs. William McMillan. Miss Annie Crandall was postmistress. Her assistants were Mrs. J.A. Cauthers, Mrs. K.M. Reynolds and Ben McMillan.

            The smokers' wigwam was for men only. The entrance was through a pine grove which was lighted by subdued colored lights. Inside the decorations were Japanese lanterns and the booth was filled with divans and large comfortable chairs.

            This was the only place where tobaccos were sold and smoking permitted in the hall. Among the articles disposed of by chance at this booth were boxes of excellent cigars, meerschaum pipes, cigar holders and a leather hanger. This resort was very popular with smokers. The superintendent was Mrs. Jean Caldwell, who was assisted by Mrs. B.B. Williams, Miss Mary D. Niven and others.

            A beautifully decorated candy booth was superintended by Mrs. Charles G. Burns, who was assisted by Mrs. D.W. Sherwood, Mrs. N.W. Thompson, Mrs. William Mapes, Mrs. A.P. Bennett, Mrs. H. Harding, Mrs. Sadie Saxton, the Misses Grace O'Neill, Julia Starr, Mary Turner, Louise Armstrong, Jennie Smith and Mrs. E.R. Wright and, Mrs. F.A. Starr.

            The fancy booth was superintended by Mrs. B.H. Lefferts, who was assisted by Mrs. Robert McNickle, Mrs. W.H. Hand, Mrs. G.H. Mitchell, Mrs. W.B. Niven, Mrs. C.S. Thornton, Mrs. M.H. Couch, Mrs. W.H. Melka, Mrs. A.G. Stafford, Mrs. G.H. Bullard, Mrs. J.R. McDonald, Mrs. G.L. McLaughlin, Mrs. Pettit, the Misses Margaret VanNette, Ethel Strong, Helen Strong and Jennie Dann.

            The soft drink booth was superintended by Miss Mabel Royce, who was assisted by Mrs. G.L. Hatch, Mrs. Robert Bradley, the Misses Grace Mitchell, Fannie Stoddard, Isabelle Miller, Beatrice Miller, Lulu Bradley, Catherine Watts, Alice Royce, Lorena Garaghty, Messrs. Blake H. Bates, H. Lynden Hatch, Walter Smith, and Burton Royce.

            The refreshment booth was superintended by Mrs. LeGrand Morris, who was assisted by Mrs. H.F. Holmes, the Misses Jessie Broome, Hatty Garner, Jessie LeRoy, Annie Rundle, Mrs. John Selleck, Mrs. A. Dinn, Mrs. John Yeager, Mrs. Samuel Mearns, and the Misses Hall, Mrs. Joseph Engelmann, Mrs. G.W. Rockwell, Mrs. W.W. Williams, Mrs. E.A. Rockwell, Mrs. George Bush, Mrs. R.E. Bradley, Mrs. Minnie McNeeley, and Mrs. Engham.

            The first Kirmess number was the mirror dance of the troubadours. "Julie", while preparing for the gala day festival, hears the serenade and throws a rose from the window to the supposed favorite one. Then with the aid of a false mirror and in cooperation with "Hortense" rehearses a trick for the amusement of royalty. The trick is discovered by the sudden entrance of the two serenaders. The four join in a dance until by the entrance of numbers of their friends the gayety continues.

            The serenade (Love's Sorrow) was sung by John V. Ennis in a very pleasing manner. The mirror dancers were the Misses Beatrice and Isabelle Miller, who executed the movements with such perfect grace and unison that the mirror effect was complete.

            Other dances included the Hungarian Gypsy dance, the Hornpipe dance, the Dutch Wooden Shoe dance, the Carnival dance, the Serpentine dance, the Scarf dance, the Scotch reel, the Dance of the Summer Girls, the Spanish dance, the Indian dance, the Dance of Fairies, Cinderella Gavotte dance, the Dutch reel and the Flower dance.

            On Friday evening of the carnival week a special train brought over 200 people from Port Jervis. Every night brought an increase in patronage. Saturday night more than" 1,500 people were present.

            One of the interesting events of Saturday night was the final voting for the most popular dance, which was won by the Indians, who received 2,078 votes. Next highest was the Carnival dance, with 1,720 votes. For each vote the voter paid five cents.

            The officers of Monticello Lodge were kept busy with rehearsals for several weeks but they were well satisfied with their reward. Rehearsing took place in the lodge refreshment rooms which were located in the front part of the building.

 

1903

 

            In January 1903, Masons of Monticello Lodge witnessed the installation of a Master who was to serve three years with distinction and credit to the lodge and was later to become Deputy Grand Master for the 10th Masonic District.

            Brother Hatch was only 25 years old when elevated to the Master's station and still holds the record of being the youngest Master ever elected by the lodge.

            His unusual organizing ability and planning won for him a place of respect in the hearts of his brethren which has continued