La Porte Masonic Temple - building first opened in 1913 and still home to the Excelsior Lodge No. 41 of the Freemasons - one of, I believe, 5 lodge's in LaPorte. According to the LaPorte County Historical Society, architect Robert M. Hyde designed the building and the cost of construction was $80,000. The cornerstone was laid June 24, 1913, and the building was dedicated with a parade and banquet in 1914. On the 3rd and 4th floors were the Masonic Lodge’s banquet rooms, stages, parlors, a billiard room and even an armory. The sturdy structure was built with heavy steel-plate girders supporting the lodge hall and Howe trusses in the roof. The wood trim was all of oak and birch. On the 2nd floor were office suites, with retail shops on the street level. According to a booklet passed out at their 175th anniversary ceremony, the lodge was originally formed in 1838, and held its first meeting at a small pond, later known as "Soapy's Ocean," in an area surrounded by low lying hills. A separate lodge was formed in 1856, but it consolidated with the original group in 1885. Looks best zoomed full size. Thanks for looking & commenting. Previous Photo: ----------- * RangeRiderRichard's Photo Albums: Architecture | Atmosphere & Mood | Landscapes | Critters | Flowers & Plants | Miscellaneous | Food | Artwork | Poetry | Holidays | People