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| The enflamed passions of Civil War days that nearly tore our young nation apart reached all the way West to heat the emotions of our own brethren. That harmony might truly prevail and Masonry not suffer because of private opinions, the Lodge split in two, and Arcturus Lodge No. 180 received its charter in 1866. It was known for the Confederate sympathies of its members. Curiously, the two lodges existed together with a harmony quite unexpected. Apparently, our early brethren were indeed striving to live by those enduring principles of Masonic brotherhood, in spite of their political feelings.
Now, back to the story of our Temple. Shares of ownership for the Hall Association were apportioned as follows: Arcturus No. 180,394; Petaluma No. 77,394; Royal Arch Masons, 194. Each of the nine Directors held two shares. Now, back to the story of our Temple. Shares of ownership for the Hall Association were apportioned as follows: Arcturus No. 180,394; Petaluma No. 77,394; Royal Arch Masons, 194. Each of the nine Directors held two shares. On February 28, 1878, John A. McNear deeded to the Association Lot 226, fronting 85.7 feet on Main Street, by 100 feet on English Street. Due to street widening, fifteen feet of the 85.7 feet became a part of English Street (now Western Avenue). Price of the lot: $6,750. The property, however, was not vacant. On it rested the Union Hotel. |
This structure was maintained until June 1881 when it was sold for $800 to Mr. Wickersham, who moved it to the corner of B and Third Streets and completed extensive remodeling. It reopened in August as one of Petaluma's finest stopping places.
The Hall Association had earlier voted to accept plans submitted by J. S. Tebbals of Oakland for the new Masonic Temple. Just prior to the sale of the Union Hotel building, the Association's building committee was empowered to determine costs and to proceed with the building plans. Petaluma's two weekly newspapers, the Argus and the Courier, enthusiastically reported each event, from the decision to build, the details of the building's erection, the celebrations observing its cornerstone-laying, and the final dedication of the completed structure. These were bold and exciting times. 1881 was a year filled with great events as the city grew, worked, endured its share of hardships, enjoyed its social events and watched the new Temple rising. The city's population swelled to over 3,300. The week the cornerstone was laid for the new Temple, the Argus reported that nine schooners and eight steamers had headed down river, variously loaded with wood, hay, wheat, onions, potatoes, eggs, butter, dried fruit and cheese. It was reported that a thighbone of a mastodon was plowed up on a nearby ranch. |
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