Near Quitman in Wood County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Flora Lodge No. 119, A.F. & A.M.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

1. Flora Lodge No. 119, A.F. & A.M. Marker

Inscription. Founded before the Civil War, as Quitman Masonic Lodge. Petition for charter was made on Jan. 5, 1852. First officers: James N. Brown, Worshipful Master; A. Gunter, Senior Warden; Francis C. McKnight, Junior Warden. Petitioners (other than the officers) included George Birdwell, W. L. Brown, S. M. Flournoy, I. D. Goes, E. H. McRee, I. H. McRee, M. W. Matthews, and Joshua Smith.

Without any recorded explanation, the lodge was given its present name on Christmas Day of 1852.

Original furniture was made by illustrious Wood County pioneer Peter Gunstream at cost of $10.75.

In 1854 fire destroyed lodge charter, jewels, and furniture. Combination Presbyterian church and lodge hall was built on this site and occupied in 1855. Members voted to prohibit smoking on the premises.

Ending of Civil War found the lodge penniless and hard pressed to pay 30 cents a pound for candles bought in 50 pound lots. In 1917 electric lighting closed a 65-year time span of candles and kerosene lamps.

The early lodge worked diligently, often meeting on Saturday mornings, dismissing to attend preaching services downstairs, and afterward resuming work.

Flora Lodge built new two-story structure at this historic location in 1949.

Erected 1972 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker

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Number 8960.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is January 5, 1852.

Location. 32° 46.715′ N, 95° 27.405′ W. Marker is near Quitman, Texas, in Wood County. Marker is on Texas Route 37, 0.1 miles north of Clear Lake Road, on the right when traveling north. Mounted to front of building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 915 TX-37, Quitman TX 75783, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. James A. Stinson Home (approx. 0.8 miles away); James Stephen Hogg's Early Home (approx. 0.9 miles away); J. H. Jones and the Old Settlers Reunion Grounds (approx. 0.9 miles away); Wood County (approx. one mile away); County Divided into School Districts (approx. 1.2 miles away); Ambrose Fitzgerald (approx. 1.2 miles away); James Stephen Hogg (approx. 1.2 miles away); Wood County Courthouse (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Quitman.

Marker is on far right of photo, mounted to building. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

2. Marker is on far right of photo, mounted to building.

View from lodge north towards Quitman. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

3. View from lodge north towards Quitman.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 178 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 8, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.