From the Archives — July 20, 2023

In April 1923, plans were being made to build a one-story addition adjoining the First National Bank on the north. With the addition, members of the Bonners Ferry Masonic Lodge were interested in the plan to construct a second story for lodge quarters. It was estimated a 60-by-120 feet space could be built for about $9,000, and another $3,000 would be needed for furnishings.

In an effort to raise the funds needed, in July 1923, the Masonic Temple Association of Bonners Ferry, Idaho (a Corporation) sold 300 First Mortgage Bonds at $50 each.

The dedication of the new Masonic Temple was held on Feb. 12, 1924. The Grand Lodge officers of the Masonic Lodge, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Royal Arch Masons, and the Knights Templar Masons were all invited to the dedication. Masons from neighboring towns in Idaho and Montana were invited as well.

Within the new lodge, the front part was “divided into a large lodge room and dance hall with oak floor.” The lodge room was “carpeted and had new leather furnishings.” The ladies rest room was “furnished with the finest reed furniture with velour cushions.” The kitchen was “finished in white enamel and was equipped with an electric range.” The men’s smoking room was “in the rear of the building and equipped with leather chairs and lounges.”

The building and furnishings cost the Masons $20,000.

These First Mortgage Bonds were recently donated to your Museum (bonds No. 38 and No. 116). Printed on the bonds — “This bond is one of a series of three hundred” sold in the amount of $50. The Masons raised $15,000 from the bonds for the construction of the temple. Short of the money needed, they must have taken more in donations. These two bonds came from Dr. R.M. Bowell’s estate. They were not redeemed; maybe because the bond also reads: “this bond shall be payable as soon as there are sufficient monies in the bond redemption fund of said corporation.” We know the Mason work on a shoe-string and donate more money than they keep. Thus, there may not have been any of the three hundred bonds redeemed.

The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, sponsors this column.

Visit the museum Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and you can visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum also can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or by telephone at 208-267-7720.