Veale & Roach, grocers, occupied the corner store, and Bankrupt Sales, mercantilers, rented both of the other store spaces - making it the largest store in Sonoma County. Other early renters included Dr. McTaggart, Dr. Fowler, Poehlman Bros., Shriek & Co., City of Petaluma Trustees and the U.S. Post Office.

An early picture reveals that the structure originally had a porch or canopy extending along each street side, covering a wooden sidewalk.

At its March 7 1882, meeting, the Hall Association directors learned that the total itemized expenses for the structure came to $30,295.81 - and this included $3,397.09 in unforeseen expenses.

The Royal Arch Masons and the new Eastern Star Chapter soon moved into the new building, along with Arcturus No. 180 with its 68 Master Masons and Petaluma No. 77 with its 86 Master Masons.

For nearly two months, newspaper advertisements announcing the dedication ceremonies and the Grand Ball added fuel to the rapidly growing excitement over what promised to be Petaluma's greatest and grandest celebration ever.

Social columns in local papers reported a frequent plea from the ladies, "What ever shall I do?

I have nothing to wear to the Masonic party" (obviously, this problem has never been adequately addressed, because 150 years later it is still with us.)

April 20, 1882, Dedication Day, finally arrived, bright and beautiful. Flags were raised, and the city took on a holiday atmosphere. Special trains arrived, and together with a constant flow of carriages, the downtown streets were soon filled with spectators, eagerly anticipating the day's events.

Shortly after noon, the great parade commenced. The Grand Marshall and his aides, all on horseback, led off, followed by the Second Regiment Artillery Band and the Knights Templars from San Francisco, Santa Rosa and Petaluma in full regalia and uniforms. Next came the Royal Arch Masons and then the Grand Lodge Officers and large delegations of Master Masons from many nearby lodges, wearing their aprons and jewels of their stations. The splendid, colorful procession marched and countermarched through Petaluma's streets until finally it arrived at the Temple. In no time, the hall filled to capacity and many had to wait without. The impressive dedication ceremonies were then conducted by Grand Master Clay W. Taylor. The procession re-formed and marched to the Theatre. A large crowd was already on hand to hear an inspiring address by Marcus D. Boruck, Grand Orator.