Walnut Valley Times
September 12, 1904
In May 1903, the Towanda Masonic Lodge #30 purchased a lot on the southeast corner of Third and Main street in Towanda, Butler County, Kansas. It was purchased from Mr. A. Lancer for the sum of $50.00 plus $6.00 for an abstract and a $1.15 fee for recording of the deed. In June, a committee consisting of Andrew J. Ralston, chairman, William R Green, Micheal Orban, Jr., Peter Poorbaugh, and Daniel H. Cupp was appointed to prepare plans for the new building to house the Masonic Lodge and submit this plans to a contractor.
In the spring of 1904, bonds were sold to the members to raise money to pay for the construction of a new building. The cost of which was not to exceed $3,000.00.
The cornerstone laying ceremony was held on June 2, 1904, with Thomas G Fitch, Grand Master in charge. The lodge officers taking part were, Andrew J Ralston, Master; John C Straw, Senior Warden: Samuel Gl Huddleson, Junior Warden; Michael Orban, Jr., Treasurer; Charles Davis, Secretary; Daniel Cupp, Senior Deacon; S.E. Cornelius, Junor Deacon; John Cappas, Senior Steward; Claude Green, Junior Steward; and James N. Robinson, Tyler. The Methodist Church, The Christian Church, a band, and a choir all took part in the ceremony. A number of articles were deposited in the cornerstone, some of which are viewable at the Museum today.
In the spring of 1904, bonds were sold to the members to raise money to pay for the construction of a new building. The cost of which was not to exceed $3,000.00.
The cornerstone laying ceremony was held on June 2, 1904, with Thomas G Fitch, Grand Master in charge. The lodge officers taking part were, Andrew J Ralston, Master; John C Straw, Senior Warden: Samuel Gl Huddleson, Junior Warden; Michael Orban, Jr., Treasurer; Charles Davis, Secretary; Daniel Cupp, Senior Deacon; S.E. Cornelius, Junor Deacon; John Cappas, Senior Steward; Claude Green, Junior Steward; and James N. Robinson, Tyler. The Methodist Church, The Christian Church, a band, and a choir all took part in the ceremony. A number of articles were deposited in the cornerstone, some of which are viewable at the Museum today.
During 1909 and 1910, lamps were suspended by ropes from the ceiling and in 1911, electric lights were installed throughout the building. The average monthly bill being about $2.00. In 1913, two trees were planted in the back lot. In May 1917, a cement floor was installed in the basement. Natural gas and a phone were installed in 1919, as well as running water and a sink. During the early 1920's, several improvements were made and the basement was fixed up for a banquet room.
During 1946 a new altar Bible was purchased, donations given to the Red Cross and permission was given to locate a library in the back of the post office, which had occupied the front part of the first floor for a number of years. In 1947, C.N. McCarter donated the marble pedestal tops with the Masonic emblem inscribed on top.
In 1947, a room behind the Post Office was petitioned off for the Towanda Library. On May 22, the Library Board first met to perfect its organization and on Saturday, July 12, the Library opened. The Post Office stayed in this building until they moved into their new building in 1961. At which time, the Library expanded and used the large area that later became the dining area on the first floor. In 1966, the Library moved out and a partition was removed from the first floor. An indoor stairway was built giving inside access to the second floor - after using the outdoor fire escape for all those years, in all kind of weather. It was a real joy to have indoor access!
In 1975, central air conditioning was installed, but in May the concrete slab for the air conditioner was vandalized so a fence was installed to protect it. And later in 1983, a fire escape was installed to the southeast corner of the building.
In September of 1980, the back lot was leased to Brother Tom Pyle and a new roof was put on the building.
During 1946 a new altar Bible was purchased, donations given to the Red Cross and permission was given to locate a library in the back of the post office, which had occupied the front part of the first floor for a number of years. In 1947, C.N. McCarter donated the marble pedestal tops with the Masonic emblem inscribed on top.
In 1947, a room behind the Post Office was petitioned off for the Towanda Library. On May 22, the Library Board first met to perfect its organization and on Saturday, July 12, the Library opened. The Post Office stayed in this building until they moved into their new building in 1961. At which time, the Library expanded and used the large area that later became the dining area on the first floor. In 1966, the Library moved out and a partition was removed from the first floor. An indoor stairway was built giving inside access to the second floor - after using the outdoor fire escape for all those years, in all kind of weather. It was a real joy to have indoor access!
In 1975, central air conditioning was installed, but in May the concrete slab for the air conditioner was vandalized so a fence was installed to protect it. And later in 1983, a fire escape was installed to the southeast corner of the building.
In September of 1980, the back lot was leased to Brother Tom Pyle and a new roof was put on the building.
PHOTOS FROM THE REMODEL:
The Masons were very proud of their Lodge and their building. Over the years they added many improvements and was sure that regular maintenance was done in a timely manner. Due to the "times", membership declined and it became apparent that consolidation with another lodge was imminent. In December 1995, the Lodge consolidated with Mystic Tie Lodge #97 of Augusta. Over time, the windows were bricked up because of loss of heat and cooling, as well as glass breakage. In January 1996, the Towanda Lodge gave the building to the City of Towanda to be used as a Historical Museum. The deed was signed February 8, 1996 and recorded February 9, 1996. This historic building now houses the history, artifacts and other memorabilia of the area. Hank Burchard Margaret Wilson and Gene Thomas, among many other community members created the original museum which opened in 1996. In the fall of 2017, a new board of volunteers formed to bring new life and style to the existing Museum. The decision was made to dismantle the existing museum to update the then 113 year old building which is listed on the Historical Register of Deeds. Tricia Lee, Valla Hind and Andy Newbry volunteered many hours boxing up all the contents and the process of uncover-rediscover began. Three years later, this band of visioneers is proud to share this incredible gift with the community of Towanda and the surrounding towns in which we pay tribute to.
“This museum isn’t just a gift to our community, but a tribute to our heritage. A place we can continue education, and build a stronger sense of community together.” - Tricia Lee, president
A huge thank you to our team of incredible volunteers, Andy and Michelle Newbrey, Val Hind, Tricia Lee, and Marilyn Luszczak for the countless hours they volunteered and invested in research and building. For the thoughtful contributions from Brian Albert, Spencer Lee, and the late Maurice Hind, and Sam Schwemmer. A special thank you to our young museum ambassadors for helping out when we needed them the most, Jenna Moore, Kyndal Lee, Leah Moore, Madison Nace and Drew Allen.
“This museum isn’t just a gift to our community, but a tribute to our heritage. A place we can continue education, and build a stronger sense of community together.” - Tricia Lee, president
A huge thank you to our team of incredible volunteers, Andy and Michelle Newbrey, Val Hind, Tricia Lee, and Marilyn Luszczak for the countless hours they volunteered and invested in research and building. For the thoughtful contributions from Brian Albert, Spencer Lee, and the late Maurice Hind, and Sam Schwemmer. A special thank you to our young museum ambassadors for helping out when we needed them the most, Jenna Moore, Kyndal Lee, Leah Moore, Madison Nace and Drew Allen.
