More on the Masons

Wanda Burch, former manager of Johnson Hall State Historic Site, has written a piece about the history of St. Patrick's Lodge, the Masonic temple in Johnstown that was established by Sir William Johnson in the late 18th century.

Wanda's blog post, which appears on the New York History Blog, offers some great details about Johnson's founding of the lodge and its early years.

I thought this might be of interest to readers who saw my Jan. 20, 2013, feature story about St. Patrick's Lodge and the other lodges in the Fulton-Montgomery Masonic District. Also, for those interested in local Masonic history, I am happy to be able to share a photo, courtesy of Brad Yerdon, taken during the cornerstone-laying ceremony at the lodge in October 1924. (See photo at right.) This photo will appear in "Remember When?" in this Sunday's Leader Extra section, but I'm posting it here in advance as a bonus for my loyal blog readers who follow local history (all three of you).

Also, while I'm at it, I'm posting a recent photo that didn't appear in print with the Jan. 20 article. (Click on the small thumbnail at right). It shows some of the historical furniture at St. Patrick's Lodge in Johnstown. At left is an open-top desk that belonged to Sir William Johnson, the first master of the lodge. The three chairs were used by the lodge officers during formal meetings during the Civil War era. A plaque on the master's chair says they were presented to the lodge as a gift from Hardwood Dudley, who served as master from 1898-1900, though apparently they were in use by the lodge as early as 1850. (Dudley was a lawyer and one of the founding members of the Johnstown Historical Society; for more about Mr. Dudley, click HERE.)

You are welcome and encouraged to submit your own vintage photos (anything taken before 1990, really) of local people, scenes and landmarks or publication in "Remember When?" Send digital images and caption information to me at features@leaderherald.com. Thanks!