Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-09-30
new BUILDING is
GREAT CREDIT TO
MASONIC THRIFT
Home for Fraternity One of the
Best Appointed Lodge Struc-
lures in This Section.
HAS EVERY CONVENIENCE
No Expense Has Been Spared in Max
ing 1t Ideal TempIe-Equip-
nent Is Complete.

The Masonic temple is one of the
most beautiful structures in the tri-
cities. AS lodge house, it is modern
and complete in every way and struc-
ture in which members of the frater-
nifty in Rock Island, as we'll as the
public generally. can take great deal
of pride.
The building, which is located on
Fifth avenue and Eighteenth street,
cost approximately 100000. while the
sum Of $4,000 was expended upon fur
nishings, which, with the price of the
site, brings the total investment close
to $4,000.
FIRST FLOOR.
The main entrance to the structure
is on Eighteenth street. Massive mar
BILE steps lead into a lobby, which Is
finished in artistic fashion. Branching
off the lobby on the north Is the gen.
tlemen's lounging room, which is equip.
ped with billiard, pool and reading ta-
bles and other means of passing an
idle hour. A small room to the west is
an Office for the board of control.
Across the hall, on the south side, are
the ladies' parlors, which have been
beautifully decorated. Directly back
of the lobby the large assembly room
is located. 1t is 4S feet in width and
IS feet in length, and those who have
seen it declare it TO be the best ap-
pointed dancing floor in the tri-cities.
1t will be used for large meetings and
social affairs, and will be rented out.
At the rear is the kitchen, fully equip
ped with the latest improvements
which make for cleanliness and sani-
tation 1t is SO arranged that a large
gathering can be served without the
walters entering the kitchen.
SECOND FLOOR.
The second floor is used primarily
for locker and store rooms. The for.
mer are located in the front Of the
building and can be used for marching
and drill purposes. Special care has
been taken to provide suitable plac IS
for keeping uniforms and other neces.
sary equipment for lodge work. Mem
bers of the various Masonic bodies
have been to considerable expense in
purchasing paraphernalia, and the
greatest care Dis to be taken of TIE
same. Keys are provided for the lock-
ers and only the members have access
to them.
IDEAL LODGE ROOM.
OF course, the chief interest of the
Mason In the building is in the mag.
nificent big lodge room on the third
floor. 1t is so by Ga feet and is fitted
up with large stage, special scenery,
and curtains, and a complete electrical
equipment, including an expensive
stereopticon, to be used in lecture
work. The furnishings for the room,
which is known as Corinthian hall, are
rich and handsome, and few cities the
size of Rock Island can boast of a bet.
ter or more elegant lodge room.
Ionic hall, smaller lodge room, adj
joins. This will be used for business
meetings and smaller gatherings.
vENTILATING SYSTEM.
The whole building is ventilated by
a special system which promises to
prove more than satisfactory. Two
large boilers have been placed in the
basement to heat the structure with
steam. A pleasing feature of the lodge
room is the fact thai the radiators are
partially enclosed in the walls, there.
by giving much extra space and pre-
serving the symmetry and beauty of
the hall.
i The woodwork is especially worthy
OF mention. The interior has been fin.
ished in red oak The building is bril-
liantly lighted throughout, and no de-
tail that could make the structure
complete has been overlooked. Even
speaking tubes have been 90 arranged
as to establish communication with
each room. John Volk & Co. were the
general contractors, and o. z. Cervin
the architect who drew the plans.
The Masonic temple is distinct or
nament to Rock Island. For years
members Of the fraternity here have
dreamed Of time when they could
have real home" of their own. Their
fondest hopes have been more than
realized in the magnificent building
dedicated today, TO which all Rock Is
land can point with greatest admira-
ton.
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