Details for Flora Lodge No. 119, A.F. & A.M.

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5499008960

Data

Marker Number 8960
Atlas Number 5499008960
Marker Title Flora Lodge No. 119, A.F. & A.M.
Index Entry Flora Lodge No. 119, A.F. & A.M.
Address 214 E. Goode Street
City Quitman
County Wood
UTM Zone 15
UTM Easting 270071
UTM Northing 3632556
Subject Codes fraternal organizations
Marker Year 1972
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location 214 E. Goode Street, Quitman
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42"
Marker Text Founded before the Civil War, as Quitman Masonic Lodge. Petition for charter was made on Jan. 5, 1852. First officers: James N. Brown, Worshipful Master; A. Gunter, Senior Warden; Francis C. McKnight, Junior Warden. Petitioners (other than the officers) included George Birdwell, W. L. Brown, S. M. Flournoy, I. D. Goes, E. H. McRee, I. H. McRee, M. W. Matthews, and Joshua Smith. Without any recorded explanation, the lodge was given its present name on Christmas Day of 1852. Original furniture was made by illustrious Wood County pioneer Peter Gunstream at cost of $10.75. In 1854 fire destroyed lodge charter, jewels, and furniture. Combination Presbyterian church and lodge hall was built on this site and occupied in 1855. Members voted to prohibit smoking on the premises. Ending of Civil War found the lodge penniless and hard pressed to pay 30 cents a pound for candles bought in 50 pound lots. In 1917 electric lighting closed a 65-year time span of candles and kerosene lamps. The early lodge worked diligently, often meeting on Saturday mornings, dismissing to attend preaching services downstairs, and afterward resuming work. Flora Lodge built new two-story structure at this historic location in 1949. (1972)
ATLAS_NUM=5499008960

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