2010.007

Lukacs, Claire

Gift

Museum Collections. Gift of a friend of the Museum.

1949 - 1949

Date(s) Created: 1949 Date(s): 1949-1949

Good

Notes: Notes for archives 2010.007.0180, Diamond Jubilee. Seventh-fifth Anniversary Charity Ball. Euclid Lodge No. 136 F. & A.M. [Free & Accepted Masons], Hoboken, New Jersey. 1874 - 1949. Hotel Statler, New York City; Formerly Hotel Pennsylvania, Saturday, November 5th, 1949. 1. Transcription of history as found published on five pages. 2. List of Hoboken business advertisers with addresses (if given) HIGHLIGHTS IN THE HISTORY OF EUCLID LODGE On January 22nd, 1874, several warrants were issued by the Grand Master of Masons for the State of New Jersey, Most Worshipful William Pembrooke. Among those warrants was the one granted to Euclid Lodge No. 136. F. & A. M. of Hoboken, New Jersey; Permitting the founders to meet, transact business and do masonic work. On Saturday, January 22nd, 1949, we celebrated the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of that event. In gathering material for the history of Euclid Lodge, of which this is but a short highlight synopsis, much research work was necessary. The handwritten minutes of many byegone meetings were examined and many interesting comparisons were ob' served and noted. For instance, the names of nine masons are listed on our warrant, as charter members. To this small group of foresighted men must we be grateful for the organization of Euclid Lodge. According to our records, the peak of our membership was reached as of December 2nd, 1929, with an enrollment of nine hundred and sixty- eight masons. As of the time of this journal's "going to press," we are given to understand that our membership is six hundred and forty-eight masons. The exact location of the early meeting place of Euclid Lodge seems to be shrouded in the haze of obscurity. However, due inquiry has prompted us to report the consensus of opinion that, in the "early days," our lodge met at Crane's Hall, the location of which, according to our informants, was on Washington Street, between First and Second Streets, in Hoboken. There seems to be little doubt that most of the so-termed "middle life" of Euclid Lodge was spent at Odd Fellows Hall, on Washington Street, between Fourth and Fifth Streets. No question about that. Just ask anyone. At this famous address many years and many men were joined to preach and to practise Masonic Concept. Here were suffered two severe fires, on December 25th, 1911, and on December 21st, 1914; to which members refer by saying "Euclid was burned-out twice at Odd Fellows Hall." Perhaps because of these fires, and mayhap on account of natural growth it seems that talk about "building or buying our own home" began to gather strength; and in 1916 a Building Committee was appointed to transform words into action. That Committee must have had many interesting and not inactive meetings. As the story goes, various sites were examined. And discussed. And rejected. And re-examined, and re-discussed, and re-rejected. A perusal of the minutes will disclose that one of the members of the Committee resigned therefrom. And went out, and of his own accord, purchased the Columbian Club Building on the North East corner of Bloomfield and Eleventh Streets. And risked his own money for an option thereon. And offered his option to Euclid Lodge. Fortunately, for us, the members saw fit to support him in his courage and alert foresight; and then, and there, was born "Euclid Masonic Club" which was, and is, operated by The Board of Trustees of the Masonic Club Association of Hoboken, New Jersey. The records reveal that they took possession on January 1st, 1917. Yes, it cost a lot of money, even though the building was obtained at a bargain. Popular money subscriptions accounted for a substantial sum. Expensive equipment and furniture were necessary, and, with building renovation costs, presented serious money problems. More subscriptions came forth. They ran a "Bazaar." Everyone helped. All paid. No stocks, or bonds, or shares. Just money subscriptions. And time. And effort. And wit. And will. Yes, of course, there was a mortgage. Both impressive and oppressive was that mortgage. And therefore it also became a challenge. They schemed, and they worked - ' - ' and they paid. Time, Effort, Wit and Will - - - | and Money. There is an interesting and handsomely engrossed copy of a resolution of thanks hanging on the paneled wall of the lower stair well of the Masonic Club. If you haven't noticed it (because you have looked at it so often) we invite your close perusal. That resolution records an account of one method used to "Lift that mortgage." Finally, at a gala occasion, on February 22nd, 1924, the members met at the Astor Hotel in New York City. They were celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of Euclid Lodge. And they burned the mortgage on Euclid Masonic Club. "Operation Mortgage" successfully accomplished. Their beloved Euclid Masonic Club Building was "Free and Clear." The first two years in this building, 1917 and 1918, were eventful years. They were the years of World War I. In that war, the City of Hoboken was a strategic Port of Embarkation. Many soldiers, from all over the Union, went through here, on their way "Over There". A considerable number of these soldiers were Masons. Some of them, due to the national emergency, had not had sufficient time to complete the prescribed ritualistic work of the three degrees of Symbolic Masonry. It is a fact, which bears repeating, that Euclid Lodge never refused proper requests, from such Masons, to help them to finish the necessary work, and send them on their way, as Master Masons, if at all possible. A search of the minutes reveals that there were minety-five men raised in Euclid Lodge in 1917, and that sixty-one were raised in Euclid Lodge in 1918. Many members of Euclid Lodge heeded the call to the colors, in World War I. All returned - - - - except one. The "War Years of World War II" were from 1941 to 1945. Many members of Euclid Lodge heeded the call to the colors in World War II. All returned ... - except one. {Note these lines are repeated and as published in the original document.] During both of these wars, members of Euclid Lodge, and Euclid Masonic Club, cooperated, to the best of their ability, with the common war effort. In Liberty Loan Drives, War Bond Drives, Patriotic Parades, on Selective Service Boards, on Ration Control Boards ' - - - wherever we could be of service. These facts are mentioned here, only because they are facts, and not to attract undue attention. Then, as now, we were Americans, and we seek no encomiums because we acted like Americans. According to saga, one of the flags in our Lodge Room, came from the street float "Battleship Liberty," which travelled on Washington Street during the Liberty Loan Drives of World War I. Remember? The records bring to light the fact that six of Euclid's Past Masters have been honored by being appointed Right Worshipful Brethren. On the staff of the present Grand Master, Most Worshipful William F. House, is a past master of Euclid Lodge, in the capacity of Junior Grand Steward. Many of our past masters have served on various committees of Grand Lodge. Three of our past masters served as District Deputy Grand Masters. It is a matter of record that the members of our Lodge took, and still take, more than a passing interest in civic affairs. The list of members who have served, and are serving, in official capacities in towns, cities, and counties, in the state of New Jersey and in the National Sphere, is an impressive one, and its recording would consume more space than we believe to be at our disposal. Milestones in the history of Euclid Lodge, have been celebrated in manner and fashion befitting their importance. For instance - The Twenty'Fifth Anniversary Celebration took place at Meyer's Hotel, in Hoboken, on February 3rd, 1899. The One Thousandth Communication was achieved on March 3rd, 1913, at Odd Fellows Hall, in Hoboken; and thence to Grand View Hall, in Jersey City. The Fiftieth Anniversary was honored at the Hotel Astor, in New York City, on February 22nd, 1924. The Fifty-Fifth Anniversary received the homage of the membership, at the Plaza Hotel in Jersey City, on March 6th, 1929. The Sixtieth Anniversary celebration was spread over the entire year of 1934. During this year the Sixtieth Anniversary Charity Foundation Fund was inaugurated. The Servicemen's Dinner, in honor of Euclid Lodge Servicemen of World War II, came to pass at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City, on October 28th, 1946. This Seventy-Fifth Anniversary year of 1949 has been saluted all through the year. The auspicious start of that celebration, at Euclid Masonic Club on January 22nd, 1949, encouraged us in our plans to fur'ther the grand design of celebration. In conclusion let us then hail, and pay homage to, the Charter Members of Euclid Lodge, a lodge which through the mellowing influence of seventy-five years of existence, has become an Institution. Let us remember the Standard of Excellence, which they and their successors have handed down to us. May it be given to us, by precept and example, to hold that Standard high. May our trust be fulfilled, that those who are destined to follow us will be as imbued with the spirit of the "Euclid Tradition" as we would like to be considered to be. And that they will continue to improve the designs which have been laid down for them. To them will be passed the Standard of Excellence. And, for future performance, we look to them. Respectfully submitted, Committee on History Edward Freidrichs, P.M. Chairman Valuable research aid was given by: WOR. BRO. JOHN FERGUSON WOR. BRO. WALTER F. GEIGER RT. WOR. BRO. JUNIUS C. H. SCHMIDT WOR. BRO. GEORGE WENZ [end history] ___________ Advertisements by Hoboken businesses with addresses (if given) The Brass Rail, 2nd & Washington Streets (135 Washington St.), Rudolph Bubach, Carl Heitland H.W. Schmidt, Prime Meats, 228 Park Ave. (celebrating its 60th anniversary on Sept. 24th, 1889 - 1949) Carls Jewelry Shop, 231 Washington St. American Carpet Cleaning Co., 914 Jefferson St. Hudson Trust Company Janssen Dairy Charles Lange, Roofing & Sheet Metal Work, Shop - 602 Monroe St.; Residence - 255 11th St. Cordt's Moving & Storage Co., Est. 1888., 517 Washington St., Guy Trisolini The Poggi Press, City Record Press, 547 - 549 Bloomfield St. W.J. Duffy Inc., Carpet, Linoleum, Tile, Hoboken address 625 Washington St. Seaboard Trust Company, 95 River St. Zimmer & Holden, Esso Servicenter [gas station], 1301 Willow Ave. Hoboken Council No. 159, Knights of Columbus Thomas J. Lipton, Inc. - Lipton Tea, Lipton Tea Bags, Lipton Noodle Soup, Lipton Tomato Soup Hoboken Bank for Savings, Washington and First Streets Grand Street Blacksmith Shop, Inc. - Manufacturers of Commercial Auto Bodies, Complete and Repairing, 78-80 Jackson St. Fred E. Vogel, Florist, 415 Washington St. Hudson Lodge No. 71, F. & A. M., Masonic Temple, Washington and Ninth Streets. J.J. Cullen, Plumbing & Industrial Supplies, 121-125 Garden St. Gratale Bros., Inc. Hoboken. Peter Gratale, Joseph B. Gratale, Rocco A. Gratale Walter Geiger, Plumbing & Heating, 88 Grand St. Friedrichs Iron Works, 661-665 Fourth St. The Setters Club, 1101 Bloomfield St. Max Z. Hurwitz [Hoboken realtor, insurance] Stevens Barber Shop, Frank Peluso, proprietor Brotman's Liquor Store, 513 Washington St. Star Laundry, 525 Washington St. City Paint & Hardware [Washington St.] Frank J. Mathuisen, Cadillace Limousine Service, 417 Washington St., member, Motor Hearse and Car Owners of Hudson County, N.J Euclid's on the Square, Corner Fourth and Garden Streets, Euclid Bond, proprietor Doughty & Co., R.I. Doughty, Trucking and Rigging Contractors, 710 Clinton St. K. Laemmel's Pork Store, 102 Hudson St. Henry G. Widmayer, Proprietor Studebaker Agency, [Hoboken] Washington Pork Store, 233 Washington St. C.B. Snyder Organizations, Real Estate, Insurance, 61 Newark St. Stack & Stack [Insurance], Hoboken Castle Motors, Monroe Sholk, Seymour Zubalsky, 1315 Willow Ave, De Soto, Plymouth; Castle Servicenter [gas station - auto repair], 1320 Willow Ave. Mayer Bros., Inc., Real Estate & Insurance, Louis Waellty, Pres., Richard Rasmussen, Sec., 90 Hudson St. Al Zubalsky, A.Z. Motors Inc., 1400 Willow Ave., Chrysler, Plymouth; A.Z. Garage, 36 First St. Husex Beverage Co. distributors of C.C. Club Soda & Ginger Ale, E.& J. Burke Ale & Stout; Stegmaier Gold Medal Beer, 503-505 Madison St. Hudson Spa, Luncheonette & Soda, John Mazaris, 74 Hudson St. C. Muzzi & Co., Industrial Supply Distributors, Since 1902, 102-110 Jefferson St. Peter Daghlian, Law Offices, 327 Washington St. Cafe Elysian and Restaurant, 1001 Washington St., Robert E. Hyland H. Valentine Bar & Grill, 500 First St. Town Lunch & Bar, R. Schaefer, Proprietor, 215-219 Washington St. Charles Dreier, Scientific Barber and Beauty Culturist, 1106 Washington St. C-O-Two Sales & Service, 210 Adams St. White's Pharmacy, Edward C. White, proprietor, 52 Newark St. Barrel Tavern Incorporated, 500 Bloomfield Street, Club Rooms for Lodges, Paul and Catherine Gessner Royal Radio Co., [retail radio, television, refrigerators] 527 Washington St. Lincoln Service Station (Gulf gas station) corner 14th St. and Park Ave. Schelling Hardware Co., 734 Willow Ave. Herold's Bakery, W. & K. Elasser, proprietors, 622 Washington St. Union Engineering Corp., Ship Scaling and Painting, First and Clinton Streets Ferguson Propellor and Reconditioning Co., 1132 Clinton St.. Haven Savings and Loan, 41 Newark St. Status: OK Status By: dw Status Date: 2010-09-28