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Housed in a building originally called The Tyrell Block, the Masonic Temple would hold meetings and other social gatherings on the second and third floors of this building at 310 Chicago Street. Dr. Pierce Tyrell, from County Tipperary, Ireland, had a medical practice in the building from 1868 to 1914. The three story compressed brick building would cost about $15,000 to build. The building is 33,000 square feet with room enough for 1,400 auditorium seats or 500 banquet seats. The Masons would move out in 1903 and The Elgin City Club, a bicycle club, would take their place. After the bicycle craze died down, it was turned into a social and athletic club, with tubs and showers added to accommodate the trade. In 1914, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles would occupy portions of the building, and billiards, a kitchen and a library would be added. In 1991, the building was bought by Wonderland Communications, a Christian communications company. They would use it as a recording, graphic arts facility and direct marketing company. In 1995, the business would be augmented to include a ballroom.
As occasionally happens, information on this site is erroneous, or incomplete. It seems like the information above describes a different building, which was pointed out through an e-mail from Cathy Newby, based on information provided to her from her husband James Newby, who is a member of Monitor Lounsbury Lodge 522. The information below is contained in that e-mail: For many
years (Masonic) meetings were held in the old Bosworth Hall on Fountain
Square. In 1887 John Lee Borden fitted up elaborate quarters on the fourth floor
of the Home National Bank building. In 1901 quarters were taken up in the
Masonic Temple on Spring Street, The
following Brethren were elected to supervise this great and Thank you to Cathy Newby, for that comprehensive report. |
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