, 1883-10-06
f l.. T.
THE THREE BIG LINKS.
A Few Words Regarding Spokane
Lodge, No. IL, l.. o. OF.


At the present day the civilized
world is full of secret organiza-
tons, formed for every imagin-
able purpose, from that of caring
for and ministering unto suffering
humanity, to that of fostering
cOn5piracies and encouraging muir
der. There was a time, and that
not so long ago, when a strong oppo-
sition existed against mystic orders,
and even now that feeling is still
maintained in some quarters, al
though growing less and less every
year, when the objects Of the more
meritorious are better understood.
OF all the lodges in existence there
are two, and those the oldest, that
stand out in pre-eminent degree as
the strongest and most popular in
America, and they are the Masonic
and odd Fellows, although a younger
organization israpidly gaining prom
inence in the land. The Masons take
precedence as to age, yet the l. O.O.F.
is but a short distance behind us re-
CARDS strength. But it is with Odd
FGlSs--ir+P that we are to deal in the
present item, and that condensed
down and confined to the local lodge.
The fact of Spokane Lodge becoming
established in its new quarters is
sufficient reason for dwelling on this
subject.
Like all villages, towns and cities
in the United States, Spokane Falls
has its due quota of lodges. 1t is not
necessary to enumerate them here.
The lodge room developed with the
early settlement of the city, and we
expect to see, if our life is prolonged
few years, massive buildings in this
city erected, opened and occupied by
the various Orders. Men, in the early
stirring days, found time to gather
together and form these bodies that
are so beneficial to the members in
more ways than we are at liberty to
mention, and the square and COM
pass, the eye and the links, the anchor
and shield, and numerous other en-
blems and devices have become too
common to create attention.
In the month of April, 1880, there
came together in little, low frame
building on Front street, that is now
occupied as a Chinese laundry, a
small party Of men, consisting of J.
w. Glover, c. w. Cornelius, w. p.
Wilbur, w. J. Gilbert, ]. w.
Stevens, and b. F. Shaner, and
the result Of their deliberations
was the organization Of Spo-
kane Lodge, No. II, |. o. o. T.
For some time the meetings were
confined to the building referred to,
the pc, rty Of the city in edifices not
permitting a change. After a time
J. NJ. NOsler erected a twO-story
frame on Riverside avenue, between
Howard and Mill streets, the upper
story Of which was secured as a lodge
room, and has been so occupied up
to very recent date. The growth
of the Order was phenomenal, and
as the lodge became stronger and
better off, it was decided that more
commOdious and superior quarters
were needed. With the object of
improving their condition the lodge
proceeded to secure the room over
Charles Sweeney 4 Co.'S store,
on Howard street, for n term Of years,
and had 1t reconstructed especially
for the purpose II has been put to.
This work was all completed by the
latter part Of September. The lodge
held one meeting last week, but the
first regular meeting, and it may be
said formal opening Of the new lodge,
took place Wednesday evening.
We have been in numerous halls in
past years dedicated exclusively to
the use Of secret organizations, yet
we have seen few that would surpass
that Of Spokane Lodge for comfort
and cheerfulness. We have seen
more elaborate and expensive rooms,
but this one combines convenience
with an elegant simplicity that makes
the lodge a pleasant and home-like
place for members to assemble. The
outer door opens into an ante-room,
through which you pass, providing
you give the magic sesame during
the session. Here is kept the regalia
of the lodge. When you succeed in
entering this alcove your troubles are
not over, for 1t is the next door that
leads you into the main lodge room.
The hall is a commodiOus one, hard
finished walls, and double and dead
ened floors. At the west end is a
scarlet canopy, under which the
Noble Grand sits in state, At the east
end Is the chair, with like decorations,
only the color Of the cloth Is blue,
of the Vice Grand, while the places
for the other officers are scattered
about in proper positions. The walls
and ceilings are dazzling white, and
are brilliantly Illuminated with
chandelier and bracket lamps. The
centre Of the floor is covered with a
bright, veri-colored carpet. The sides
Of the room, where the seating ar
have been provided, are
provided with heavy coco mating.
Chairs in sufficient numbers are
arranged in place for the members. |
The walls are decorated with pictures !
symbOlistical Of the Order. The |
furniture Of the room is in keeping |