Riverfront in Wilmington in New Hanover County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Masonic Hall
1841-42; 1907
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023
1. Masonic Hall Marker
Third building to house St. John's Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M. Until 1899 third floor used by several Masonic lodges. Receptions held here for Henry Clay (1844), Daniel Webster (1847), and President James K. Polk (1849). Public hall on second floor, Center for Cultural Events, later housed the Wilmington Library Association (1874-1895). First floor occupied by grocery stores, including the Grocerteria (1926-1962). Troutmans Beauty School of Wilmington (1963-1986) located here. Original Gothic Revival style faηade replaced in 1907.
Preservation Leadership since 1966
Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #11 James K. Polk, and the North Carolina, Historic Wilmington Foundation series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.
Location. 34° 14.132′ N, 77° 56.873′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in Riverfront. It is on Market Street just west of North 2nd
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and on the Cape Fear Coast. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bradley-Green Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Ahrens Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Court House of New Hanover County (within shouting distance of this marker); Warren Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Here Stood the Residence of William Hooper (about 300 feet away); Betts-Haar Building (about 300 feet away); D. R. Foster Building (about 300 feet away); DeStrac House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Regarding Masonic Hall. Contributing property, Wilmington Historic District, National Register of Historic Places #74001364.
From the National Register Nomination:
Three-story commercial building with blind arches around third floor windows.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. St. John's Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M.
Also see . . .
1. St. John's Lodge.
The 1841 Lodge building on Market was used by the lodge for over 100 years.(Submitted on June 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)It was here that the Masons hosted prominent politicians such as President James K. Polk and Henry Clay in the upstairs hall.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 20232. Masonic Hall Marker(marker is mounted on left/southwest corner • cornerstone is below the historical marker, at ground-level)
2. St. Johns Masonic Hall.
The 1841 masonic hall was thoroughly remodeled in 1907 with a simple tan brick faηade, but it retains a cornerstone inscribed St. Johns Building/1841.(Submitted on June 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023
3. 1841 Masonic Hall (south/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 406 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
