History of Daskam Lodge
No. 86, A.F. & A.M.
Glastonbury, Connecticut 1959-1974

By Past Master Emerson C. Reed

 

In 1959, Worshipful Brother Erwin D. Reed wrote a Lodge History covering the first century of happenings in Daskam Lodge. This addendum outlines some of the activities for the past fifteen years, thus bringing interested Brothers up-to-date on Daskam Lodge highlights.

 

In 1959 Daskam Lodge had its centennial celebration. Plans for the affair were started in 1958 when Worshipful Master John E. Davis appointed a committee of Senior Warden Robert Kellogg Chairman, Right Worshipful George W. Trepp, Jr., Worshipful Brothers Erwin D. Reed, Emerson C. Reed, Ellsworth A. Lewis, Louis 0. House, Jr., Louis 0. House, 3rd, James F. Hattings and Elbert C. Brown to plan a suitable program. On January 14, 1959, Worshipful Master Kellogg appointed Worshipful Louis O. House, 3rd to the committee chairmanship and added the new Senior Warden George Elliott, Jr. to the committee. An interesting program was planned for a twenty-four hour celebration. The Lodge was opened in due form on Saturday, May 9th at 2:00 p.m. in the Academy School (The Old High School), and the regular officers conferred the Master Mason degree on Brother Victor J. Zeller. At the hour of 6:30 p.m. a fine dinner was served in the school cafeteria, followed by speeches and Thank You remarks. At 8:00 p.m. an open meeting, with ladies and invited friends present, was held, with musical entertainment and remarks by various distinguished guests. Guests included the Grand Master, many Grand Lodge Officers, and Representatives from many of our Sister Lodges, as well as our Mother Lodge – Columbia Lodge, No. 25, in South Glastonbury. The Lodge was called to refreshment after an inspiring evening until Sunday morning when it was reconvened to attend divine service in the First Church of Christ Congregational. The Brothers then returned to the Academy School and closed the Lodge in due form. A detailed program of this entire occasion can be found in the archives of the Lodge. The 100 year history by Worshipful Brother Erwin D. Reed highlighted the celebration.

Family nights continued to be important Lodge activities. On November 11, 1959, Worshipful Brother Samuel A. Edgerton presided in the East for a Master Mason Degree on Past Master’s Night, assisted by his Brothers Mills F. Edgerton as Senior Warden and Lloyd W. Edgerton as Junior Warden. Past Masters of Daskam Lodge filled the other stations. Brothers Carl and Ward Edgerton, sons of Worshipful Brother Sam, were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. It was an evening long to be remembered by all who attended the affair.

At the annual meeting on December 12, 1959, Worshipful Master Kellogg presented the Lodge with a new larger safe for the storage of books, papers and records. This is the safe that we presently use.

On May 25, 1960, with Worshipful Master George E. Elliott, Jr. at the helm, the Lodge was visited by Chicopee Lodge of Chicopee, Mass. to confer the Fellowcraft degree in Massachusetts form on one of their candidates. The work was impressive and well received. Meetings such as this are fine ways of cementing relations with our neighboring jurisdictions.

At the October 26, 1960 communication, the House Committee announced that new chairs had been purchased for the lower hall. This was a much needed investment. This evening was also very special, as our long-time Tyler John W. Rath was escorted into the Lodge room and presented with a trowel, suitably engraved for his 45 years of Masonic service. While Brother Bill is now in the Grand Lodge on High, his memory will long be cherished in Daskam Lodge,

In keeping with the growth of our country, on February 22, 1961, the Line Officers presented the Lodge, through Worshipful Master James W. Bain, with a 50 star American flag. We can now be proud of all fifty states.

On March 12, 1961, it was with sadness that the Brothers assembled for Masonic funeral services for Worshipful Brother Frederick W. Benn, “Trustee Emeritus” and faithful supporter of the Craft since May 12, 1894. His devotion to Masonry will long be remembered. Our altar, the Secretary’s desk, the Treasurer’s desk and the letter “G” attest to his skill as an “Operative Mason.”

On May 24, 1961, for the first time in several years, a “Ladies” night was held, with Most Worshipful Brother Albert Ruwet giving a talk about our Masonic home and hospital. These affairs should be continued.

On September 26, 1962 a “Seacoast” painting, painted by Brother Robert S. Niver was presented to the Lodge and accepted by Worshipful Master Hiram King Jones. It wasvery fitting that Worshipful Brother Hi was able to accept due to the years that he spent portraying “Hiram.” This painting now hangs in our Lodge room.

On November 17, 1962, our Mother Lodge, Columbia, No. 25, observed the 50th anniversary of the dedication of their present temple. Daskam Lodge was happy to be able to join with our Mother Lodge on this occasion for an evening of best wishes.

In December 1962, at the time of his installation as Worshipful Master, Brother Charles L. Lincoln presented to the Lodge, through Worshipful Master Hiram K. Jones, a complete set of Officers Jewel Collars and an oak chest of drawers to store them in. This gift was much appreciated by the Brothers.

In 1963, Worshipful Master Charles L. Lincoln had two Father-Son nights of which he can be very proud. On March 27th, with the help of Plax Co. Brothers, he raised his son, Charles L. Lincoln, Jr. to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason and on April 24th, with the help of Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Brothers, he raised his son-in-law Albert C. Burr also. These were very impressive evenings.

On December 29, 1963, newly installed Worshipful Master George W. Hodgdon and a delegation from Daskam Lodge attended the 175th anniversary of St. John’s Lodge, No. 6 in Norwalk. This was the home lodge of Most Worshipful Brother George F. Daskam, who was Grand Master when Daskam Lodge was instituted. Daskam Lodge was happy to be able to take part in this historic celebration.

On May 9, 1964 Worshipful Brother Erwin D. Reed was called to his Grand Lodge on High. Brother Erwin was Master in 1934, Marshall in 1935 and Chaplain from 1935 until the time of his death. During all of this period he was Lodge Historian. He had been awarded the Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze for distinguished Masonic service, by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut just previous to his death. This medal was presented posthumously to his sons, Worshipful Brothers Emerson and Harley, by the Grand Master on May 13, 1964 at ceremonies in Daskam Lodge.

The House Committee under the leadership of Worshipful Brother Russell. J. Preuss and with Worshipful Masters Donald S. Pierce, William F.L. Andrew and Winthrop Jensen as Lodge Leaders did much to improve conditions in our building. Over $1000.00 was raised to paint the building. A new organ was purchased in 1965 and renovations were made in our kitchen. Also in this period, on December 6, 1965, Worshipful Brother Robert H. Kellogg, Jr. was able to assist in the raising of his son, Robert H. Kellogg, III by Hay Market Lodge, No. 313, Hay Market, Va. for our own Lodge. This young man was in the U.S. armed services at the time of his raising.

On January 24, 1968, Worshipful Master Charles E. Baker, Jr. was pleased to have a communication from Albert Pike Lodge, No. 376, New Orleans read, stating that our Brother Shelton P. Hubbard, who holds dual membership in Albert Pike Lodge, was elected Master. Daskam Lodge was pleased to learn of the dedication of our Brother to Masonry.

On Past Masters’ night on November 13, 1968, Worshipful Brother Christopher W. Totten had the pleasure of raising his son, Christopher M. Totten to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. Worshipful Brother Chris presented his son with his Grandfather’s Masonic ring.

On February 12, 1969, Worshipful Master Royal Dupuis held a Ladies night to honor Worshipful Brother Louis 0. House, Jr. Over 100 guests were present. Worshipful Brother Lou was thanked for his many years of dedicated service to the craft and especially for his 25 year stint as Secretary. At the end of this year’s service, Worshipful Brother Lou retired as Secretary and was elected Secretary Emeritus for Life.

On November 12, 1969, another family affair was held when Worshipful Brother George W. Hodgdon raised his son-in-law Paul H. Garneau to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. It was a proud night for George.

Worshipful Master Charles L. Lincoln, Jr. instituted a program of presenting Masonic certificates to newly raised Brothers on May 13, 1970. This program was voted a continuing custom by the Lodge, and is a welcome gift to all Brothers receiving the certificates.

Grand Master Carl O. Carlson visited Daskam Lodge on May 27, 1970 and presented the Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze to Worshipful Brother Louis 0. House, Jr. for his distinguished Masonic service over many years. The lodge room was crowded with many distinguished guests and friends, who congratulated Brother Lou and extended to him best wishes. The honor was well deserved by this dedicated Brother.

The Lodge was honored again on June 10, 1970 when word was received that Brother Carl Edgerton had been appointed by the Grand Master to the Masonic Youth Committee. Programs working with youth are deep in the hearts of all Daskam Brothers.

The black veil fell on Daskam Lodge on July 22, 1970, when Brother John William Rath was called to the Grand Lodge on High. Brother Bill was a fifty-six year member of the Lodge and our long-time Tyler and building custodian. Bill was known, loved and respected by all who knew him.

In 1971 Worshipful Master George W. Lingley instituted a program to contact all of the Brothers personally. Thus our Master had a knowledge of all the wishes and concerns of his Brethren and all could say that they knew their Master. This program is worthy of continuation.

On May 3, 1971 Daskam Lodge voted to contribute funds to send a DeMolay boy to the DeMolay Leadership Camp. This project has been continued through the years and is felt to be very worthwhile, as these boys are our future Men and Masons.

The Grand Lodge again honored Daskam Lodge this year by appointing Worshipful Brother Charles L. Lincoln, Jr. to Field Representative of Masonic Culture and Public Relations and appointing Worshipful Brother Samuel A. Edgerton to the Grand Lodge Bi-Centennial Committee. Congratulations to both of these Brothers.

In September 1971, Worshipful Master Lingley “spark plugged” an auction for the Fellowcraft Club that raised money to obtain a new rug for the lodge room and a refrigerator for the kitchen. The rug was in place to “dress up” the lodge room for the installation of the 1972 officers.

On October 27, 1971 a DeMolay awards night was held. Our Grand Master Merle P. Tapley was present with many distinguished guests. Worshipful Brother Samuel A. Edgerton was the recipient of the Chevalier Award by the International Supreme Council of DeMolay . Brother Sam has been active in DeMolay work for his entire life and this was a well deserved honor.

On December 8, 1971 it was voted to further brighten the lodge room by the addition of new drapes. The Material was purchased by gifts from Worshipful Brother Winthrop Jensen and his wife from when they were Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star and from a gift from Good Intent Chapter, No. 17, O.E.S. Sister Carol Lee (Mrs. Michael) Geoffroy made the drapes.

At a communication on February 9, 1972, Worshipful Master Franklin J. Davis presented Worshipful Brothers Charles L. Lincoln, Jr. and George W. Lingley with plaques from the Fellowcraft Club for outstanding service. These Brothers had sparked many of the projects that raised money to help finance Daskam Lodge projects.

As years passed by, Daskam Lodge still continued relationships with Lodges in Sister jurisdictions, as on February 25, 1972 the Lodge visited Charles W. Moore Lodge in Fitchburg, Mass. It was reported that an enjoyable fraternal visit was held.

At the Grand Lodge session on April 5, 1972, Brother James G. Cummings was appointed Right Worshipful District Deputy for District 6B and Worshipful Brother George W. Hodgdon was appointed to be his Associate Grand Marshal. These two Brothers were dedicated ritualists and hard-working members of Fraternity and Daskam Lodge was highly honored by these appointments.

On April 12, 1972, Glastonbury Assembly, No. 24, Rainbow, visited Daskam Lodge and portrayed the Father’s degree. At this meeting an Associate Patron’s Certificate was presented to the Lodge by the Knight Templar Eye Foundation for assisting with an auction that was held to raise money for this worthy cause. This meeting showed the many facets of interest to masons.

On May 4, 1972, Worshipful Brother Louis 0. House, Jr. left us for the Grand Lodge on High. He served as Master in 1935, Secretary from 1944-1970 and Secretary Emeritus since 1970. He was a holder of the Pierpont Edwards Medal for distinguished masonic service. He performed services and served on committees – numerous in numbers. He was a Brother loved by all. On May 6, 1972 Daskam Lodge paid last respects to this Brother with an impressive Masonic funeral.

Past Grand Master Merle P. Tapley was present on May 24, 1972 to present the Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze for distinguished Masonic service to Worshipful Brother Emerson C.

Reed. Approximately 100 distinguished guests and friends of the recipient were present to offer Brother Emerson congratulations.. At this meeting it was also announced that Right Worshipful Brother James G. Cummings had been appointed Grand Junior Steward and Worshipful Brother George W. Hodgdon had been appointed Grand Custodian-District 7 of the Grand Chapter, R.A.M. of Connecticut.

On September 29, 1972 a testimonial dinner was held in Valle’s Steak House, Hartford, to honor Brothers James G. Cummings and George W. Hodgdon. It was a joint affair by Daskam Lodge and Gideon Welles Chapter, No. 50, R.A.M. to express the pride of both bodies in the appointment of these Brothers to important offices in both Lodge and Chapter Grand Bodies as noted above. It was an evening long to be remembered by all attending this affair.

The Daskam Fellowcraft Club was still very active on September 30, 1972, as an auction was held that raised over $1400.00 for new shrubbery and other improvements around the building. The Brothers in this Club are the heart of the Lodge.

On October 25, 1972 it was announced that the Lodge had been left $1000.00 in memory of Worshipful Brother Louis 0. House, Jr. and that a room had been paid for and furnished at the Masonic Home and Hospital in Wallingford through the interest that Lou’s widow has in Masonry. Daskam lodge is grateful for this great interest in the Craft.

Worshipful Brother Charles L. Lincoln was honored on October 27, 1972. He received the Grand High Priest’s Award from the Grand Chapter, R.A.M. for dedicated service. Daskam Lodge takes pride when fine service is given by a brother.

On November 15, 1972 a visitation was made to St. John’s Lodge, No. 4, Hartford to participate in the official visitation and inspection by Right Worshipful James G. Cummings. Two of the candidates of the evening for the Master Mason degree were Daskam Brothers John Nachelly and Franklin Field. Seventeen Daskam Brothers accompanied Right Worshipful Jim and all enjoyed the exchange of fellowship and brotherhood.

With the 1976 Bi-Centennial of this country approaching, on December 13, 1972, the Worshipful Master appointed a committee consisting of Brothers Paul H. Garneau, Chairman, Richard

D. Martens and Frederick R. Tongren, Jr. to make preliminary plans for Daskam Lodge participation in this event. On this same evening, Daskam Lodge was honored to hear that Brother Carl L. Edgerton had been appointed to the position of Assistant Executive Officer of DeMolay for Connecticut. Brother Carl has done much for youth programs in Connecticut and we trust that in the years to come that he can continue this worthwhile effort.

At the communication of December 27, 1972 Worshipful Master George N. Seely accepted a Certificate of Appreciation for Daskam lodge from the Connecticut DeMolay for the fine support of the DeMolay Leadership Camp program. All present were pleased with the award but said that support had been given without thought of fee or reward.

In the early part of 1973 former President of the United States and Past Grand Master of Missouri Harry S. Truman was called to the Grand Lodge on High. On January 10th, Daskam Lodge draped the altar in his memory. It is heartening to know that a man with all the responsibilities of U.S. President drew his strength from the Masonic principles.

On February 20, 1973 it was announced that Worshipful Brother Charles L. Lincoln had been installed Eminent Commander of Washington Commandery, No. 1. Brother Charles has now been elected head of all York Rite Bodies. Congratulations.

In April of 1973, Worshipful Master Seely announced that he had received an offer for chairs for the lodge room from the Bushnell Memorial Hall in Hartford. The offer was accepted by the Lodge and work to get and install the chairs was started at once. By May 23rd the job was completed. Hats off to the Master for completing this job so quickly.

An awards night was held on June 13, 1973, at which time Worshipful Brother Russell J. Preuss was presented with the George F. Daskam Award for service to masonry and Daskam Lodge in particular. Besides being Master in 1953, Brother Russ has headed the House Committee, with its many problems, for many years in a most capable manner. At this same meeting Worshipful Brother Emerson C. Reed was presented with the DeMolay Medal of Appreciation from the Supreme Council for his service to DeMolay in general and Charter Oak Chapter in particular.

In keeping with our “Love of Country’s program, Worshipful Brother John E. Davis presented the Lodge with a new flag for the lodge room on June 24, 1973. At the same time, Worshipful Brother Samuel A. Edgerton presented a new flag and flagpole for Daskam grounds, to Daskam Lodge and Good Intent Chapter, No. 17, O.E.S. in memory of his wife, Ruth. The first flag raising took place with Brother Sam’s sons, Brothers Carl and Ward raising the flag. It was a fitting and impressive start for a St. John’s Sunday.

The Fellowcraft Club was still working hard on September 29, 1973, at which time an auction netted $983.36. This money with some left over from last year was used to pave the parking lot. All lot users should have a “Thank You” in their heart, for the hard work of this club.

On October 13, 1973 many of the Brothers journeyed to Orient Lodge, East Hartford where Charter Oak Chapter DeMolay invested Brother Carl L. Edgerton with the Legion of Honor for the Supreme Council. Brother Carl is the first Daskam Brother to be so honored.

A Daskam visitation was made on November 5, 1973 to Franklin Lodge, No. 56, in Bristol to confer the Fellowcraft Degree. The minutes of that Lodge communication tell it all. “Excellent work. Daskam Lodge can be mighty proud of these Brothers. ”

At the December 29, 1973 meeting, with Worshipful Master, Michael A. Geoffroy in the East, Worshipful Brother Samuel A. Edgerton completed the project of presenting office lapel pins to all Lodge Officers. This program was started by our late Brother William V. Smallwood. All officers use the pins during their term of office and then pass them on to the new officers.

On January 24, 1974 Daskam Lodge visited Friendship Lodge, No. 145, in Manchester and on February 13th, Friendship Lodge returned the visit. Joining with our neighbor Lodges is a fine way to promote good fellowship.

On April 10, 1974, Most Worshipful Gail Smith, P.G.M. visited Daskam Lodge for a Ladies night and gave a talk on the Masonic Home and Hospital. All present were interested in this fine project.

Grand Master Wesley F. Gomez visited us on June 5, 1974 and presented Brother Charles D. Vitale with the Pierpont Edwards Medal for distinguished masonic service. Brother Charlie has been very active in carrying Masonic principles to the community at large. At the same meeting it was announced that Worshipful Brother Emerson C. Reed had received the Grand High Priest’s Award for service to capitular masonry. The award was made at the recent Grand R.A.M. session.

A successful summer social and dance was held on June 8, 1974 with Good Intent Chapter, No. 17, O.E.S. It was a fine evening with the Lodge at refreshment. These social times have for some years been a part of the life of Daskam Lodge.

August 16, 1974 saw Worshipful Brother George W. Hodgdon leaving us for the Grand Lodge on High. Daskam Lodge conducted a funeral service and provided pall bearers for our beloved Brother. Brother George had masonry in his heart and his passing is a great loss to the Fraternity. At the time of his death, Brother George was still Grand Custodian of District 7 of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. The vacancy, caused by his decease, was filled by the appointment of Brother Charles L. Lincoln to this position by the Grand High Priest.

The first family day picnic for Daskam Lodge was held on September 8, 1974 at Williams Park in Glastonbury. About 75, Brothers and their families, joined in a day of recreation. Several widows of departed Brothers joined in the affair. It was a real Daskam family day, and the picnics should be continued.

The awards night for this year was held on October 9, 1974, with Worshipful Brother Percy E. House the recipient of the George F. Daskam award. About 75 Brothers, Ladies and Friends were present for a supper and the presentation. Brother Percy has served as a member of the degree team and Trustee for many years, as well as Master. He has Daskam Lodge in his heart.

The final big event of the year 1974 was a Brotherhood dinner and dance with the Knights of Columbus and Columbia Lodge, No. 25. Affairs such as this really promote the Great Brotherhood of Man. Thus December 7, 1974 can be a landmark date in Glastonbury, Conn. for the uniting of all good men for the good of all society. The profit from this affair was given to the Glastonbury Committee for Aging to help furnish the Gideon Welles Senior Citizen Center.

And so we bring this sketch of our past fifteen years to a close, with a hope that this period has been a credit to Masonry in general and Daskam Lodge in particular. All who served the Craft with fervency and zeal are to be commended. And as our late Worshipful Brother Erwin D. Reed said,” We pray that the Lodge will continue to grow and prosper, and that a true feeling of Brotherhood will prevail throughout the years to come. ”

Past Masters

Of Daskam Lodge, No. 86, A.F. & A.M.

… And the years they served, taken from the Secretary’s records.

‘Albert A. Bogue 1859; 1860; 1879-1885
‘Thaddeus Wells 1861,1962
‘George R . Hale 1863, 1 864; 1888
‘Frederick Cooley 1865-1868; 1872
‘William R. Stevens 1869,1870
‘William S. Goslee 1871
*Thomas H.L. Talcott 1873
*Alfred E. Phelps 1874-1876
*S.V.H. Risley 1877
*Henry P. Welles 1878
*Frederick W. Dean 1886, 1887; 1891
*James P. Cornish 1889,1890
*Luther P. Davis 1892-1894; 1896
*Carl F. Dean 1895
*William H. Myers 1897-1899
*C. Hawley Hodge 1900
*Frederick W. Benn 1901 1902
*Philip A. Bantle 1903: 1904
*Harold B. Waldo 1905
*Williard G. Phelps 1906, 1907
*John S. LaFargue 1908, 1909
*Harry W. Potter 1910
*Frank S. Lee 1911
*Charles F. C. Hutt 1912
*Allison M. Bidwell 1913
*Edgar F. Williams 1914
*Louis H. Moseley 1915
*Henry P. Spafard 1916
*Eugene W. House 1917
*Louis 0. Potter 1918
‘Albert L. Taylor 1919
*Arthur B. Goodrich 1920
*Henry J. Williams 1921
*John R. Larson 1922
*L. Milton Sweet 1925
‘Frederick 0. Turner 1924
*Henry M. Gaines 1925
*Addison D. Case 1926
*Carleton F. Holmes 1927
Martin L. Roser 1928
*Frederick W. Turner 1929
*Ernest J. Bantle 1930
*John Stokes 1931
*Alfred Young 1932
Louis J. Manning 1933
*Erwin D. Reed 1934
*Louis 0. House, Jr. 1935
Percy E. House 1936
*Elbert C. Brown 1937; 1945
*Clarence P. Henderson 1938
George W. Trepp, Jr. 1939
*Robert 0. Rider 1940
*Philip F. Dean 1941
Howard H. Mino 1942
*Frank S. Fisher 1943, 1944
Emerson C. Reed 1946
James G. Cummings 1947
Loring W. Moores 1948
*Frank W. Young 1949
Herman W. Dahl 1950
Harley L. Reed 1951
Samuel A. Edgerton 1952
Russell J. Preuss 1952
*James F. Hattings 1954
Christopher W. Totten 1955
Louis 0. House, III 1956
Ellsworth A. Lewis 1957
John E. Davis 1958
Robert H. Kellogg, Jr. 1959
George E. Elliott, Jr. 1960
James W. Bain 1961
Hiram K. Jones 1962
Charles L. Lincoln, Sr. 1963
*George W. Hodgdon 1964
*Donald S. Pierce 1965
William F.L. Andrew 1966
Winthrop Jenson 1967
Charles E. Baker, Jr. 1968
Royal E. Dupuis 1969
Charles L. Lincoln, Jr. 1970
George W. Lingley 1971
Franklin J. Davis 1972
George N. Seely 1973
Michael A. Geoffroy 1974
*Deceased