Rochester in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Masonic Block

By Joel Seewald, October 4, 2016

1. Masonic Block Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Built in 1899-1900, the Masonic Block was designed by Edward R. Prall. The Rochester Building Association raised funds for the project. Among its leaders were William Clark Chapman, general manager of Western Knitting Mills and twentieth village president; Enos R. Mathews, ninth village president and former Avon Township Supervisor; and Harvey J. Taylor, a local hardware dealer and farmer. The building's earliest tenants included the Rochester Savings Bank, the U.S. Post Office and the Free and Accepted Masons.

Erected 1988 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1442.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list.

Location. 42° 40.848′ N, 83° 8.011′ W. Marker is in Rochester, Michigan, in Oakland County. Marker is at the intersection of East 4th Street and South Main Street (Michigan Highway 150), on the left when traveling east on East 4th Street.

Masonic Block and Marker image. Click for full size.

By Joel Seewald, October 4, 2016

2. Masonic Block and Marker

Marker is above the fire hydrant.

Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 South Main Street, Rochester MI 48307, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rochester Opera House (a few steps from this marker); Three-faced Clock (within shouting distance of this marker); Rollin Sprague Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); City of Rochester, Michigan (about 600 feet away); Western Knitting Mills (about 600 feet away); Township Hall (about 800 feet away); The Hammer (approx. 0.2 miles away); George Vandeventer House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.

Also see . . .
1. Main Street Stories: Masonic Block. Article on the Remembering Rochester blog about the Masonic Block. (Submitted on October 5, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

2. Preliminary Historic District Study Committee Report: Masonic Block Local Historic District. The "History of the District" section contains more information about tenants of the Masonic Block. (Submitted on October 5, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 289 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 5, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.