August 22, 2011
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Meeting House?
I had passed this old house many times and one day finally screeched to a halt and turned off the highway onto the gravel road for a Kodak moment. It had been stirring my curiosity for quite some time. The absence of any outbuildings, no driveway and electrical lines to the poles sparked my interest even more.
Drawing closer I could see this emblem sign
I peeked into a lower window and several rows of folding chairs were in place as if a meeting was about to begin. The yard was mowed and the roof looked in good shape, but the several broken windows and dangling electrical wires spoke of neglect and disuse. I was surprised the emblem remained, Is this the Mason's emblem?
Comments (23)
Yup....and old Masonic Temple.
Interesting that there are old electrical connections, but no wires out to the poles. These are lovely photos!
I wonder why it was just abandoned like that.
very interesting place ... love the weathered wood!! great Kodak moment indeed!
@slmret - Thank you,I like the "beautiful ugly".
@GrannyHummingbird - Thought so.
@LoBornlytesThoughtPalace - who can know?
@windupherskirt - Thank you I am glad I got these pictures before this building is torn down.
I wouldn't know anything about the symbol -- (Seems like I'm writing that an awful lot on your postings!) but I do think the building has an eeriness about it that would make me want to stay away. Especially the rows of folding chairs. Good pics of a building that just might be better left alone.
Kind of creepy!
Amazing the comments here, I think it is beautiful and if buildings could talk I think this one would not only have plenty to say I think I would find it very interesting indeed. Good, bad, or indifferent, non the less an earful no doubt. I can imagine children trying to peek out the windows as adults are passing by maybe even dropping a few what knots on unexpected heads. That stair way in the window now that would be my hide out, Up or down you would surely have lots to see. LOL
Blessings, Christie
yes and I wonder what they are up to if they are still using the building:)
that is a great old building
Great shots of this old building. It still has a lot of character. I bet in it's time it was a grand old hall.
@Buckeyegirlie - Interesting comment,yes I also thought it very odd and mysterious.@Bumblypick - Usually the yards of old abandoned buildings are not kept mowed nor signs and emblems are not usually left in such disrepair.@Shepherdsfold - the stairway seen from the window looked stable and in good shape.@Grannys_Place - since any evidence of a drive way had long ago grassed over I do not think any meetings or gatherings had used it recently.@buddy71 - My couriousity drove me to it and now I have even more questions. Thanks for your comment.@Grannys_Place - The mystery remains.
My favorite photo here is the first one with the road going past it and into the distance. I like that you're taking the time to 'record' these old places. Peace
@shellisland - Thank you for your comment. From the highway this building stands out plainly and has drawn my attention often.
Thank you for taking the detour, I so enjoy these out of the way places.
Very fortunate that some 'group' hasn't found it and it is still unburned. That would be an interesting history to find out why a Masonic Temple with no other buildings around it. Nice pictures. Look it up on Google?
If you do, post what you find in future, please
I took my own advice and looked up Masonic lodges in Iowa. There are lists with the day of meetings in each. I have always looked at Masonic Temples with awe. One of the largest is in Guthrie, Okla where my grandparents lived down the street. A very impressive temple, there ever since I was born. It always seemed very mysterious. When I was little, a member took me in with his family. It was so quiet with huge rooms. Always at the end of the street, looks like a small Washington DC temple. (Guthrie was the first capital of OK, then moved to OK city)
@peaceinyourheart - Interesting, I know very little about the Masons.I did know they are in all areas of the country. What surprised me was the emblems remaining on this building while it is in such disrepair.
Absolutely a masonic emblem!! Too bad that it has been abandoned. We have had several fraternal organizations downsize - they just don't attract new members.
my sister's hubby is a Mason.
those are cool photos
@Babyboomerjill - Thanks!