website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Masonic Lodge
Masonic Temple
Original Temple Building
2-6 East Main
Watertown Steam Laundry
previously occupied 2 E Main
Masonic Temple was built on
this site in 1906 [2-6 E Main]
Lodge rooms on the third
floor, banquet rooms on second floor
First floor of this
location later became the site of Fischer’s
___ 1850s __________________
LOCATION OF ARTESIAN WELL
Watertown became known for her
artesian wells early in the ‘50s. The
first one was drilled where the Masonic Temple now stands. Jefferson County Wisconsin and its People.
___ 1864 __________________
01 21 DEATH OF THOMAS SMITH /
Masonic Funeral
The remains of the late
Thomas W. Smith are expected to reach this city
on Thursday, the 28th. On their arrival
they will be placed in the Lodge Room of Watertown Lodge No. 49, of which the
deceased was a member, there to remain until Saturday, when the funeral will
take place, under the direction of the Lodge.
Mr. Smith was about 32 years of age. Orphaned in infancy by the death of his
parents, he was adopted by Mr. Van Alstine of this
city and by him brought up.
___ 1895 __________________
04 17 CARD PARTY FOR MEN
Last Thursday evening
the Masons gave another of their pleasant card parties for gentlemen at the
Masonic temple, there being fifty-two players engaged in a cinch. J. W. Kintzinger secured the first prize and
Wm. Buthorn the "booby" prize.
An excellent luncheon was provided for the guests. WR
05 15 PUMPING HAND-CAR
A contingent of local
Masonic enthusiasts "pumped" their way to Jefferson on a hand-car
last Thursday evening to participate in some exercises with their brethren in
that city. They had a very hot time of it,
but are positive that they enjoyed the trip
nevertheless. WR
___ 1899 __________________
-- -- PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION, 2-6 East Main
___ 1800s, late __________________
W. J. Lee
conducted a barber shop and bath rooms on the site of the Masonic Temple.
___ 1901 __________________
02 27 MASONIC
HOME PROPOSED FOR
WATERTOWN
It is reported to be among the possibilities
that Watertown may be selected as the place for the location of the new
Wisconsin Masonic home, steps for the institution of which have already been
taken. The matter has been placed in the
hands of the Order of Eastern Star and it is expected that the proposed home
will be either purchased of built the coming
season. The Eastern Star has selected a
committee to look up the suitable location, the chairman being Mrs. Towner, of
Viroqua. In a few weeks, as soon as the
weather becomes milder, this committee will go on a tour of investigation
and it is announced that Watertown is to be one of the places visited. In fact it is given
out that this city is being very favorably considered, as its natural
advantages, excellent railway accommodations, material improvements and other
qualifications are such as to highly commend it. We understand that Watertown’s chief rival in
the matter is Racine, but our superior location alone should be sufficient to
grant us the decision of the committee.
___ 1902 __________________
12 24 BLDG SOLD – SITE PREPARED FOR MASONIC
TEMPLE BLDG
The Mrs. M. E. Parker building on the east end
of Main Street bridge [north side] was sold last Saturday under foreclosure
sale to Robert E. Dent for $1100, who bid it in
for the Masonic Lodge of this city. Previous to this the Masonic Lodge purchased the Chappie
property, consisting of two stores just east of the Parker place [6 E Main?],
the consideration being $2800. A
frontage of 60 feet has been secured. It
is the intention of the Masons to build a fine three story
block on the site with a frontage of 70 feet, the building to extend 10
feet further into the river than the Parker building.
Plans will be prepared during the winter
months, and work will begin on the building early in the spring. The third story of the building will be used
for the Masonic Hall, the second floor for offices and the first floor for
stores. All modern improvements will be
put in, and nothing will be spared to make it one of the finest business blocks
in the state.
___ 1905 __________________
POURING THE FOUNDATION
08 11 LAYING
OF CORNER STONE
Tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon, at 2 o’clock
the impressive and imposing ceremonies of laying the corner-stone
of the new Masonic Temple will occur and will be a marked event in experience
of the Masonic body in the city. The
stone will be of red Wisconsin granite, highly polished, upon one face of which
will be a sunk panel in which will be engraved the letters and figures A. L.
5905. Within the stone will be a recess,
in which will be placed a copper box containing a copy of the charter of the
city, copies of the charters of the several Masonic organizations in the city,
a roster of the members of such societies, the names of the directors and
building committee and a late copy of the newspapers published in Watertown and
other data which will be interesting a hundred or so years hence, should the
box be opened.
08 15 CORNERSTONE LAID
Thursday
afternoon the cornerstone of the new Masonic Temple was laid with imposing and
impressive ceremonies as is usual on such occasions. Soon after 2 o’clock, a procession was formed
on Second Street right, resting on Main Street in the following order:
Thacker’s Band
Knights Templars
Master Masons
Grand Lodge officers
It was estimated that there were at least 300 in
line and marched on Main Street to Sixth and counter-marched to Washington
Street and then returned to the Masonic building now in course of erection
where preparations had been made for the ceremonies, everything being in
readiness. The speakers and members of
the Grand Lodge were provided with seats upon a raised platform, a large flag
as a canopy, about the platform being grouped on two sides the Knights Templars
and Master Masons, A. F. Solliday acting as
grand marshal.
08 23 BUILDING
BEING ERECTED FOR A. E. MEACHAM
Work
on the Masonic Temple, the apartment building being erected on First street by
the Merchants Bank and the business building being erected for [by?] A. E.
Meacham on Main Street is being pushed by the contractors with all possible
dispatch. It is expected that the
buildings will be ready for occupation early in December. WR
`
-- -- GIRDERS
IN PLACE
09 13 WINDOW
FRAMES FOR THE TEMPLE
The
Fernholz Manufacturing company of Jefferson has the contract for making the
window frames for the Masonic Temple now in course of erection and the same are
being delivered and are a good advertisement for the company.
11 04 NOW
ENCLOSED, AWAITING FLAG POLE
The
Masonic Temple is now enclosed and
the work of finishing the inside will be pushed vigorously by the contractor
and it is expected that it will be ready for occupancy early in the new year.
A flag
pole is to be placed upon the Masonic Temple.
It will be of iron, 27 feet above the battlement and carry a sixteen
foot “Old Glory.” Frank Eaton happened
to think of it in time and his patriotic impulses made it possible.
___ 1906 __________________
1906 MASONIC TEMPLE DEDICATED 06 01 1906 [fire in
1916]
06 01 APPROPRIATE
AND INTERESTING CEREMONIES
Grand Master Bradley of Milwaukee, Officiating
A notable occasion and one long to be remembered was
the dedication of the new Masonic Temple and the banquet which followed. All of our citizens
have watched with interest the erection of the Temple and feel, now that it is
completed, that it is an ornament to our city; there is not attempt at
architectural display, but there is an air of quiet elegance and simplicity
about the building that at once impresses you.
The hour appointed for the dedication services was
3:30 p.m., but it was nearly 4 o’clock when Worshipful Master Arthur Mulburger
announced that the hall was ready for dedication and the members of the Grand
Lodge of Wisconsin took charge of the exercises, and according to their ritual,
dedicated the Temple to Masonic uses.
Grand Master Jesse C. Bradley of Milwaukee spoke with
much feeling of the beauties of the order, how it cemented friendship and
brotherly love, and made truer men of its members. The principal address was delivered by
Senator C. Rogers of Milwaukee, past grand master. During the services a quartette composed by Messrs. Edward L. Schempf, William Sproesser, O. E. Meyer
and Max Rohr rendered several musical selections in their usual pleasing and
artistic manner.
The members of the Grand Lodge in attendance and who
conducted the dedicatory services were:
Jesse C. Bradley, Grand Master; C. H. Moore, Deputy Grand Master; N. C.
Giffin, Senior Grand Warden; W. J. Cochrane, Junior Grand Warden; James M.
Pereles, Grand Treasurer; George Burroughs, Grand Secretary; C. W. Perry, Grand
Chaplain; G. B. Sweet, Grand Marshal, S. E. Tate, Grand Lecturer; John Corseot,
Senior Grand Deacon; James E. Durgin, Junior Grand Deacon, N. C. Daniels,
Purserivant; W. S. Dibble, Sword Bearer, John Foley, Senior Steward; Dudley F.
Fitzgerald, Junior Steward; John B. Cromwell, Grand Tyler; C. C. Rogers,
Orator; Robert Dent, Architect.
At the close of Mr. Rogers’ address, W. W. Perry, in behalf of A. Herro of Oconomowoc, presented to the lodge
two beautiful gavels made from the wood of the famous Cedar of Lebanon. Arthur Mulberger, master of the local blue
lodge, made a neat little speech of acceptance.
Mr. Herro has made similar gifts to the lodges in Oconomowoc and
Milwaukee. Short informal talks were
given by John Corscot, Madison, Judge Giffin, Fond du Lac; Judge Pereles,
Milwaukee; William Porter, Jefferson; William Jones and Fred Brown, Oconomowoc,
and N. C. Daniels of Milwaukee, formerly of Watertown, always an enthusiastic
worker in Masonic circles and several times Master of Lodge No. 49 F.&A.M.
The dedication services ended, a time was devoted to
social converse, the renewal of old time friendships
and the formation of new ones. Rev. T.
C. Eglin of Momence, Ills., former rector of St.
Paul’s Church, was present and received a most cordial greeting. Cyrus Washburn, of Portage, for fifty two years an engineer on the C.M.&St.P. Ry., was
also present and found a few old-time brother Masons who were here when he was
a resident of Watertown.
However much we enjoy the literary and social part of
an entertainment we are usually ready to respond to the call to supper and this
was not exception to the rule. Shortly after six o’clock the doors leading
to the banquet hall on the second floor were thrown open and the feast of good
things was served. The grand officers,
the past officers, and the officers of the local lodge, and several guests were
seated first, and then the guests filed in until all the tables were
filled. To Mr. James Fleming, of the
Junction House, had been given the preparation of the banquet and he fully
demonstrated that the trust had not been misplaced. Eight tables, each capable of seating sixteen
people, were disposed about the hall.
Ferns and pink roses were scattered about the tables, mingling
artistically with the most substantial viands, while great branches of the same
sweet blossoms nodded gracefully from tall vases in the center of each table.
Following is the menu
served and everything was of the best; certainly if we can be served like this
we have no need to send out of town for caterers . . . .
Adjourning to the lodge room, a short program was
given with Senator C. C. Rogers presiding; C. H. Moore of Oakland read a very
interesting paper on “The Dedication;” the quartette followed with a musical
selection and the Rev. T. B. Thompson, pastor of the Congregational Church, made a few
appropriate remarks. It was ten o’clock
before the last guests were served and immediately afterward the tables were
removed from the banquet hall and the room was made ready for dancing. Music was furnished by Gerber’s Orchestra, of
Milwaukee, and was so inspiring that the dancing was kept up until the
“wee’smal’ hours.”
Too much credit cannot be given to the members of the
committee on arrangements for the able manner in which
everything was conducted. The committee
consisted of Hon. W. F. Voss, W. H. Woodard, W. C. Stone, W. H. Beurhaus, Max
Rohr, Emil Creuz and F. M. Eaton.
The Watertown Masonic home has been completed at a
cost of $40,000. Work was begun May 1,
1905, and the corner stone was laid by the grand lodge on August 10, 1905. The building is of brick, three stories high,
with basement.
La Salla pressed brick and Bedford stone were used. The foundations are of
concrete. The dimensions are 84 by 70
feet, the building fronting on Main Street. The first floor is leased to business firms
and for post office purposes and the office of The
Watertown Daily Times is in the basement. The second floor is finished for offices and
there are already nearly all taken. Dr.
W. E. Lyons, Kading
& Kading and Mrs. H. Kuehn being already located there.
Modern and complete lodge quarters are on the third
floor, where Watertown Lodge No. 49, Watertown Chapter No. 11, R.A.M., Olivet
Commandery No. 18, Knights Templer and Watertown Chapter No. 44, have elaborate
and handsome quarters. The Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks also occupy lodge quarters here. The dimensions of the lodge room are 35 by 46
feet, with anterooms, property rooms, etc.
The building is equipped with a steam heating plant
and both electric light and gas are used.
The building was erected by Watertown Lodge No. 49, upon plans made by
Architect H. C. Kock & Son, Milwaukee.
It is said to be one of the handsomest and most conveniently arranged
Masonic temples in the state.
The trustees of the lodge which built it are Robert
Dent, F. M. Eaton and A. Solliday, and John Schatz, contractor. WGazzette, 06
06 1906
___ 1906 __________________
Watertown Daily Times, 06 23 1906
It was
the work of an imaginative mind and the prank of a practical joker that the
rumor soon spread through the city yesterday morning that the Masonic Temple
had been sold by a smooth fakir to a couple of farmers residing near the city.
The
rumors started when a couple of tillers of the soil were sitting in a
dilapidated carriage in front of the new “Pride of Watertown.” The general appearance of the farmers would
lead one to believe that such a story, which was in the effect that they were
visited Sunday by the smooth individual who made them easy victims and sold (?)
the temple getting $100 down as an evidence of good faith, with the
understanding that they were to come to the city yesterday morning and make a
payment of $400, which would close the deal and transfer the property.
The
facts were that the two farmers came to the city and remained in front of the
Masonic Temple for about an hour. They
were waiting for the appearance of Attorney Kading on other matters of
business, however, and were not waiting to free themselves of their hard earned cash and sitting
admiring the new prize as the story ran.
The
unsuspecting gentlemen from the rural district must have felt somewhat curious
as they sat in their rig the object of curious eyes as they stopped and glanced
at the claimed victims who had been victimized into buying a $50,000 building
for the trifling sum above mentioned.
It was
a story easily believed, essentially in view of the fact that
it was not long ago that the Chicago Masonic Temple was sold by a fakir to a
couple of unsuspecting farmers for the paltry sum of $2,000, the fakirs
securing a snug little sum down.
While
the Leader enjoys a good piece of
news next to a square meal, it is nevertheless glad that the thing is a
fabrication of an imaginative mind and that the $500 of the alleged victims still remains intact.
___ 1906 __________________
09 08 POST OFFICE LOCATION, Cross Reference
A
statement issued today [Sept. 8, 1964]
on behalf of the Watertown Masonic fraternity, in connection with the Masonic
Temple and the rights involved in the alley that runs west from North First
Street to Rock River, between the Bank of Watertown and the old city hall the
Masons said they wanted to make it clear that they are only interested in
preserving this rear access to the Masonic Temple building. Back
in 1906, the Masonic Lodge, by its trustees, the late S. M. Eaton, William
H. Woodard and Robert Dent, leased a
part of the temple building, including the use of the alley, to the federal
government for post office use. The
post office then was located in the Masonic
Temple. The lease was renewed in
1911. No dispute or question as to it
being a public alley or right of way arose, the statement points out.
___ 1907 __________________
02 22 In 1902 the local Elks Lodge occupied
quarters on the third floor of the Daub Building, 10 E. Main St., and moved in
1907 to the third floor of the Masonic Temple, which was inhabited by the
Fischer's Department Store for many decades.
WDT
09 10 The Knights of King Arthur have given up
their room in the Masonic Temple used as a gymnasium and returned to their
rooms in the annex to the Congregational
Church and will be under the supervision and instruction of Rev. H. C.
Rehm, who will continue the work inaugurated by the Rev. T. B. Thompson, his
predecessor as pastor of the church. The
room in the Temple will be occupied by Dr. H. V. Pitschmann, who will fit it up
for a gymnasium with all of the latest apparatus and
appliances usually found in those in the large cities and make it an ideal
place for the young men of our city, who can go there for recreation and
exercise that which will be helpful and healthful. WDT
12 27 Liederkranz Society,
dancing party given by WDT
12 10 Masonic Temple steam also heats area
buildings
___ 1909 __________________
-- -- Peoples'
Cash Meat Market located within, 1909
01 08 New Year ball at Masonic Temple
hall, given by the Elks WG
03 19 Masonic Hall enlarged by adding a
kitchen. WG
Temple on left, c.1909, pre 1916 fire
During
the time that Emil Doerr was with the paper [Daily Times] it occupied various locations. It was first located where the Mullen Dairy is now operated. From there the paper moved to the basement
quarters in the Masonic Temple, up to time of 1916
temple fire.
___ c.1910 __________________
-- -- LAW OFFICES OF KADING & KADING,
third floor
___ 1913 __________________
PAUL THOM'S DANCING ACADEMY located in Masonic
Temple, 6 E Main, 1913-14
Watertown City Directory
01 02 CHRISTMAS DANCING SOCIAL
Thursday
evening of last week Masonic Temple Hall was crowded with a merry throng of
dancers, over one hundred couples being present, the occasion being the
Christmas dancing social given by Watertown Council No. 1478 Knights of
Columbus. The Weber-Stuebe orchestra
furnished the music. The decorations
were some of the finest ever undertaken here on a like occasion and a K. of C.
hand-painted leather banner presented at Christmas time to the Grand Knight of
the Council, James W. Moore, by Henry C. Doherty, proprietor of the St. Charles
hotel, Hot Springs, Arkansas, occupied a conspicuous place in the decoration
scheme. Mr. Doherty is an old Watertown
boy and a former schoolmate of the editor.
The social was one of the finest given here in 1912 and is another
reminder that the Watertown K. of C. Council knows how to entertain. Present from . . . WG
09 25 FESTIVE GATHERING
Masonic
Temple was the scene of a festive gathering Friday
evening, the occasion being the opening of the season of instruction in the new
dances for ladies and gents. All present
thoroughly enjoyed the event. WG
___ 1914 __________________
01 22 TWO
ORCHESTRAS HIRED
New
Dances in One Hall and Old Style in Another [held at Masonic Temple]. The Knights Templar ball takes place next
Monday. This will be the third annual
event of this kind and everything points to a very
successful affair. Arrangements have
been made for dancing and two orchestras have been engaged for the
evening. Bach’s will furnish the inspiration
on the second floor for the new dances and Wheeler’s will perform like service in the [other] lodge room for devotees of the waltz,
two step and quadrille. WG
01 29 THIRD ANNUAL RECEPTION AND BALL
The
third annual reception and ball given last Monday evening at Masonic Temple by
Olivet Commandery, Knight Templars, was one of the finest social affairs ever given in Watertown.
Bach's orchestra of Milwaukee opened the evening's program with very
select concert numbers on the third floor.
At 10 o'clock the 200 guests present entered the ball room on the third
floor and joined in the grand march under direction of
Paul Thom and wife, and led by Eminent Commander and Mrs. A. F. Solliday,
followed by the Knights in full regalia.
The decorations in the ball room were smilax and red roses, and red
incandescent lights. Supper was served
on the first floor by the ladies of the Order of Eastern Star. Here too the room was beautifully
decorated. Dancing continued till 3
o'clock, and with such excellent orchestras as Bach's of Milwaukee and
Wheeler's of Watertown, it is unnecessary to add that a charming dancing
program was given. Large numbers were
present from nearby towns and all highly praised the
third annual ball of this popular local organization. WG
May GRAND BALL
At
Masonic Temple hall on Saturday evening, May 2d, the printers of Watertown
Typographical Union will give a social dance, to which the public is
invited. Tickets 50
cents. Wheeler's orchestra will furnish
the inspiration. A good time is assured for all who attend.
04 20 TEMPORARY BANK QUARTERS IN THE MASONIC
TEMPLE
The Bank
of Watertown will occupy temporary quarters in the Masonic temple building
while the construction of the front part of the bank’s new building is in
progress. When completed, Watertown will
have one of the most handsome and commodious bank buildings in the state and
one of which the citizens of the city may justly feel proud. The Watertown News
___ 1916 __________________
1916
/ FIRE OF 02 18 1916
Click to enlarge
___ 1916 __________________
1916 FIRE
“This
is the way the Masonic Temple looks now, since the fire from Friday night. The 3rd floor is in ruins and so is Ryans, Kadings and the Elks rooms;
also the hair dressing rooms (1). The
candy shop and dance hall (2) seem to be all right; most of the fire was in the
northeast corner to all of the 3rd floor. It began in the basement near Ryans
place. Sure was
some fire. Did not know there was a fire
until Sat. Elsa” (3)
(1)
Might be the Masonic Temple Hair Dressing Parlors, Masonic Temple, as noted in 1913-14 Watertown City Directory
(2)
Most likely the Paul Thom Dancing Academy, Masonic Temple, as noted in 1913-14 Watertown
City Directory
(3) Postcard in the archives of St. Paul’s
Church, postmarked 02 21 1916, two days after the inferno
___ 1917 __________________
REBUILDING AFTER
THE FIRE
Masonic Temple & Store Bldg.
rebldg:
$30,000. 3 sty. & bas.,
60x84
Main St. near 1st St., Watertown Wis.
Architect A. C. Clas Colby, Abbott
bldg, Milwaukee
Owner Watertown Lodge 49 F.& A.M.,
Wm. W. Beurhaus Watertown.
Bids by archt. on sep. contrs. The American Contractor, 1917.
Fischer’s relocated in 1917 to 2 E. Main St. after the
Masonic Temple building was renovated following a fire.
___ 1952 __________________
FISCHERS COMPLETE REMODELING
PROGRAM
Store Presents New Appearance On First Floor
Chas. Fischer and Sons Co. yesterday
completed work on a vast remodeling program at its Main Street store which has
become the “At the Bridge” landmark in Watertown.
The store is observing its 57th anniversary
this month and the work of remodeling the entire main floor has been underway
since Jan. 7. The Jaeger Manufacturing
Co. of this city had the general contract for the work.
The entire main floor has been, rearranged, complete
new fixtures and display cases have been built and installed, all according to
individual specifications and the result is a store that offers the latest in
merchandising displays, with wide aisles and so attractively and suitably
arranged that it gives the store a completely new look.
New indirect lighting has also been provided and the store has been
newly redecorated, all of this adding to its new
beauty. There is an inviting air about
the remodeled store and shoppers will find it arranged for greater convenience
and comfort.
DEPARTMENTS EXPANDED
A new separate men’s department has been installed on the main floor and
the infants’ wear department has been moved from the second floor to the main
floor. The piece goods department has
been greatly expanded and provided with a new full view display system. A new linen department is another feature and
the 1adies accessories department has been greatly enlarged.
The radio and television department has also been given new quarters on
the main floor.
In addition to the new display cases, there are various wall display
areas which lend distinction to articles exhibited. Goods is now in full
view of shoppers.
The new fixtures and other wood parts are made of limed oak, with a
medium blond shade. It makes a most
attractive setting.
A new overhead wire cash system has been installed and will eventually
be changed to a pneumatic tube system for greater speed and convenience.
BEGAN IN 1895
The Fischer store, which is headed by Eli E. Fischer, for many years its
president, takes pride in this latest step forward in its 57
year history as a shopping center in Watertown.
The store, which is home owned, home managed and home staffed, has, in
its more than half century of service to the community, become a shopping
center of people from far and near.
The original store was opened in March of 1895 and was
located in West Main Street, in the building which,
is now the Savoy theatre.
The present store, which is located in the
Masonic Temple building, occupies three floors and has 17,250 square feet of
floor space.
ENJOYED STEADY GROWTH
Eli E. Fischer
Under the leadership of its president, Eli E. Fischer, it has grown steadily
and has been a vigorous factor in the progress of this community. Over the years it has kept pace with progress
and has undergone many changes and improvements. Under Mr. Fischer’s leadership it has never
been content to stand still, but has introduced many
innovations and has undergone numerous alterations and remodelings and has
expanded on various occasions. The
latest change is one of the most complete and most unique in its long history,
another step forward in the field of merchandising.
Not many business places which were in operation in Watertown before the
turn of this century are still in the hands of the same family and people, but the Chas. Fischer and Sons Co. is one of these
exceptions. In many instances it has
enjoyed the loyal patronage of three and four generations of Watertown families
and families outside the city.
Eli E. Fischer is still active in the business and is at the store
daily, greeting customers and waiting on the public.
INCORPORATED IN 1902
The business was incorporated on Jan. 3. 1902 with the late Charles
Fischer as its president, Julius Fischer as vice president, Eli E. Fischer as
secretary and Otto Fischer as the other incorporator.
In 1902 a branch of the store was opened in Lake Mills
and this is still in operation under the direction of Otto Fischer.
Eli E. Fischer, one of the original officers, has been president for
many years. His brother, George M.
Fischer, is secretary; Otto Fischer, Lake Mills, is vice' president; and Karl
Fischer is treasurer. Joseph Donahue, for many years a member of the store
staff, is director.
The management invites the public to drop in at the store
during tomorrow and Saturday and see the changes that have been carried
out during the past two months.
___ 1956 __________________
___ 1964 __________________
09 02 Now that city offices
and departments have moved into the new Watertown Municipal Building in
Memorial Park, the future use of the old city
hall remains to be resolved, Mayor Robert P. White has informed members of
the common council. The mayor has
announced to them that at the present time a stalemate exists on the previously
announced plans by the Bank of Watertown to acquire the building for its long contemplated expansion plans, chiefly of the Masonic
fraternity, owners of the Masonic Temple, which houses, in addition to numerous
offices, the department store of the Charles Fischer and Sons Co., have been
unable to reach a definite agreement. WDT
___ 1966 __________________
01 06 The announcement in
the Daily Times on Dec. 9 that the Fischer and Sons Co. department store was purchasing
the Masonic Temple has now been confirmed and the deal has been finalized. The Masonic Temple was sold by the trustees
of the Masonic Lodge in Watertown and the awaited confirmation and approval by
the Grand Lodge has been obtained. Under
terms of the sale the Masons will have the privilege to continue occupying
their quarters on the third floor of the building for two years. Meanwhile, the Masons are due to name a
special committee empowered to seek or locate a new Masonic
headquarters in the city. WDT
09 26 NEW MASONIC TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION
Construction
of a new Masonic Temple, plans for which were announced months ago, is due to
get underway shortly. It will be
constructed on a site in Madison Street, just east of Otto’s Inn. The Masons purchased the site at the time the
Daily Times announced the plans for
the new building. It was disclosed today
that a building permit has been issued for the new temple. The estimated cost of construction, as listed
in the permit, is $77,790. Furnishings
and equipment will be extra. Sale of the
present Masonic Temple to the Chas. Fischer and Sons Co. department store,
which has for many years occupied the major portion of the building, was
announced earlier.
___ 1967 __________________
08 17 NEW MASONIC TEMPLE DEDICATION
The
new Masonic Temple located on Madison Street will be dedicated on Nov. 11,
according to present plans which were announced today. Work on the new building is nearing
completion, with some interior work, including painting and decorating, still
to be finished. The new structure
replaces the old Masonic Temple in Main Street which Watertown Lodge 49,
A.&F.M. and other Masonic groups have occupied for many years. The old building has been sold to the Chas.
Fischer & Son Co. department store which has occupied the major portion of
the building “at the bridge” for a great many years.
___ 2021 __________________
10 15 BLUE BUTTERFLY TO OCCUPY MASONIC BLDG
Blue Butterfly Thrift Store - Watertown will be opening later this
fall.
This will be their second location.
Their first was opened in Oconomowoc in February 2021.
“With the success of growing sales and the many wonderful volunteers
supporting us in Oconomowoc, this ministry has been blessed to now offer its
services by adding a second location to the Watertown area.”
Blue Butterfly Thrift Store first opened in Oconomowoc at 1225 Robruck
Drive in February 2021 to support the ministries that primarily consist of
Alpha Resource Center, Christian Family Solutions and Tomorrow’s Choice.
These ministries are dedicated to
supporting life, Christian mental health counseling and senior care.
“We have a ton of fun with all of our volunteers where we spend time
working together, sharing the gospel and building efforts to increase the
uniqueness of a quality thrift store.”
___ 2022 __________________
03 19 FLAG RAISED ATOP THE
MASONIC BUILDING
< scroll through portfolio
For
the first time in many, many years the U.S. flag is once being flown above this
historic location (formerly Masonic Temple, Fischers, numerous offices,
etc). Made possible by Bill Lindborg,
developer and building owner. Nelson
Fischer proudly hoisted the flag this morning.
Old Glory is properly illuminated at night and can be seen from many
vantage points along and off of Main.
___ 2023 __________________
10 25 MASONIC TEMPLE STABILIZATION PROJECT
SCOPE OF PROJECT <>
The project includes, but is not limited to, stabilizing an existing
beam and masonry wall in the basement of the existing Masonic Temple. Jet grouting soil stabilization below the
basement floor of the Masonic Temple, installation of interior drain tile,
weeps, and sump pit, removal of a portion of the existing Hollow Sidewalk, and
installation of waterproofing on the south basement wall of the Masonic Temple,
or contractor's approved alternative means and methods to complete the above
scope of work. - Jaynellen
J. Holloway, P.E., Director of Public Works
___ 2024 __________________
05 09 LOCALLY
DESIGNATED LANDMARK RESOLUTION
Resolution
passed to approve the nomination of the Masonic Temple, located at 2 East Main
Street, as a locally designated landmark. The resolution passed unanimously. From
the Historic Preservation and Downtown Design Commission and sponsored by Mayor
Emily McFarland, the resolution states the building meets designated landmark
criteria because of its architecture, its contributions to the city’s heritage
and its relationship with other historical-distinctive buildings in the city. Link
to online article
_________________
Cross Reference:
Today’s Masonic Temple, different building.
In 1876 the first telephone in service in
Watertown was installed at the Globe Milling Co. by the late John B. May,
prominent photographer of Watertown, who conducted his business on the site of
the present Masonic temple. WG, 12 29 1932
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin