Deer Lodge in Powell County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Masonic Lodge

This Property Contributes to Deer Lodge Central Business Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

1. Masonic Lodge Marker

Inscription. The Ancient Free and Accepted Masons offered its members support, camaraderie, connections, and community. To the geographically mobile men of the Montana frontier, nothing was more valuable. In 1870, Deer Lodge became home to the fourteenth Masonic lodge chartered in the territory, and on February 22, 1870, some fifty Masons came together to dedicate its new hall. Lauded by the Deer Lodge newspaper as “the second best building on the west side of Montana,” the two-story frame structure cost approximately $6,000 to complete. Fifty years later, Masons replaced that early hall with this brick edifice. The three-story business block incorporates Renaissance Revival features, including an ornate cornice and recessed arched brickwork above the third-floor windows. A variety store, barbershop, telephone company, and other offices rented space on this prime downtown corner. To assure privacy during secret Masonic rituals, no windows look into the lodge’s third-floor ceremonial rooms. Nearly 175 members attended the first meeting held here on March 16, 1920; weather and bad roads caused the Masons to delay the for

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 23.864′ N, 112° 44.107′ W. Marker is in Deer Lodge, Montana, in Powell County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Milwaukee Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501-503 Main Street, Deer Lodge MT 59722, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically outhwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Safeway (a few steps from this

Masonic Lodge and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

2. Masonic Lodge and Marker

The marker is to the right of the corner, below the U in "New to You" sign.

marker); Deer Lodge Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); National Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Rialto Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Mitchell Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Larabie Brothers Bank (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thompson Photo Shop (about 400 feet away); U.S. Post Office (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deer Lodge.

Masonic Lodge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

3. Masonic Lodge

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 244 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 4, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.