Franklin in Johnson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Indiana Masonic Home

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 23, 2019

1. Indiana Masonic Home Marker

Inscription. Established 1909 as a haven for the aged Freemason, the widow and orphan. Site chosen 1914; construction begun 1915, and on Oct. 21, 1916 the Home's doors opened to “Aunt Betty” Reynolds, its first guest.

Erected 1966 by Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Indiana.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical date for this entry is October 21, 1916.

Location. 39° 28.55′ N, 86° 2.828′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Indiana, in Johnson County. It is at the intersection of East South Street and State Street, on the right when traveling east on East South Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 474 E South St, Franklin IN 46131, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana

and specifically in Greater Indianapolis.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in 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

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Holloway Hall (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Franklin Wonder Five (approx. 0.2 miles away); Home of Columbus Horatio Hall (approx. ¼ mile away); Kittie Palmer School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Johnson County Court Houses (approx. half a mile away); Johnson County War Memorial Honor Rolls (approx. half a mile away); Johnson County Revolutionary War Memorial

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(approx. half a mile away); Johnson County Spanish American War Honor Roll (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Regarding Indiana Masonic Home. It has evolved into today's Compass Park, a community with housing and care for seniors – some of whom lived in the home when they were children.

Also see . . . Museum highlights childrens’ lives in home. In the small museum space, the memories of a different but enjoyable childhood washed over the small group. A group of former residents of the Indiana Masonic Home, gathered together for their 66th class reunion, walked between display cases and memorabilia. They peered at the relics preserved from their time growing up at the Franklin-based home. (Ryan Trares, The Daily Journal, July 9, 2016) (Submitted on December 7, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 2, 2025

2. Indiana Masonic Home Marker

Indiana Masonic Home Memorial Arch image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 2, 2025

3. Indiana Masonic Home Memorial Arch

Indiana Masonic Home Memorial Arch plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 23, 2019

4. Indiana Masonic Home Memorial Arch plaque

Indiana Masonic Home Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 23, 2019

5. Indiana Masonic Home Entrance

Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 67 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 24, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 25, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.