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Eureka - Humboldt Lodge #79
One of the pleasures, while on a trip, is stopping to see other Lodges. Even better is being able to attend a Stated Meeting or, if not possible, tour the lodge and learn a bit of the history behind it. Eureka is a magnificent lodge! Such a beautiful building! We were so honored to be given a tour even in the midst of some remodeling/restoration work. They've made a lot of efforts to bring out the beauty of this lodge building. As is common with most older buildings, all activity takes place on the upper floors. In this building that would be the second floor. The first floor, as is common, is rented out to a business. The third floor, unused except for storage, is a full size ballroom that was used in the 'Big Band Era'. Our tour took place on the second floor. My pictures do not do the rooms justice! Follow the link to Humbolt Lodge 79 They have a wonderful web site. Perhaps you will want to attend their Grand Lodge Cornerstone on May 19th.... "Grand Lodge will open at 9am, Master Masons only. The cornerstone at 11am and lunch at 12:30 open to all."
Crescent City's Crescent Lodge #45 and Weaverville's Trinity Lodge #27
Friday was a "play it by ear" day when we left Eureka. Highway 101 is a lovely drive and we enjoyed it immensely. As we drove, we determined that Crescent City and the Battery Point Lighthouse would be our destination. We would attempt to locate a Lodge in Crescent City, if there was one. After touring the Lighthouse, we found the Visitor's center. They were helpful in finding an address for Crescent Lodge #45. Before leaving, we found the Lodge closed, which was not unexpected. So, we took our outside photos and said goodbye to Crescent City and headed back down 101 and homeward.
We arrived in Weaverville in the evening and found a hotel. In the morning, we loaded up and asked the desk clerk if she knew where the local Trinity Lodge #27 was. She thought she might and gave a possible street. No such luck.... we drove around the old section of Weaverville a bit, we thought possibly one of the old buildings would be 'the' building. About to give up, we saw a tow truck driver and inquired of him. He wasn't sure and gave us another possible road... another false lead. We gave up and headed down Main Street and home.... we passed "Masonic Lane". It's one of THOSE moments! Really? We came past this street several times and didn't see the sign.... Sure enough, there it was. It's a newer building, not an old one like we expected. No one there and the gate locked. We, once again, took our outside photos and headed down the road towards home...
We arrived in Weaverville in the evening and found a hotel. In the morning, we loaded up and asked the desk clerk if she knew where the local Trinity Lodge #27 was. She thought she might and gave a possible street. No such luck.... we drove around the old section of Weaverville a bit, we thought possibly one of the old buildings would be 'the' building. About to give up, we saw a tow truck driver and inquired of him. He wasn't sure and gave us another possible road... another false lead. We gave up and headed down Main Street and home.... we passed "Masonic Lane". It's one of THOSE moments! Really? We came past this street several times and didn't see the sign.... Sure enough, there it was. It's a newer building, not an old one like we expected. No one there and the gate locked. We, once again, took our outside photos and headed down the road towards home...
Shasta - Western Star Lodge #2
We had passed by this charming building on our way up 299 heading to Eureka and made a note that we should stop and take pictures on the way home. Imagine how exciting it was to see the building open and serving breakfast! It's their monthly fund raiser. What a wonderful crew of people! Breakfast was great and on top of a good meal an impromptu tour was given! So much history tucked away into this small lodge (which is actually bigger than our Forbestown Lodge). Once again we were awed by the charm and beauty of another lodge. A souvenir was obtained. One Western Star Lodge #2 t-shirt.