The Masons are a fraternal organization that began in England in the 17th century. Its origins are murky, but it might have had its roots in organizations created by stonemasons. The first lodge in America was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1733. Orange, Massachusetts, was sparsely settled and would not become a town until 1810. It is improbable, although not impossible, that a branch of the Masons had been founded there as early as 1750, as this postcard claims. The first verified charter for the Orange Lodge was made in June, 1825. It closed down in 1831 during a period of persecution against Masons, but was re-established in October, 1859.
Metropolitan News and Publishing Company, photographer. The First Home of Masonry in Western Massachusetts Built 1750. Orange, Mass. Photograph. 1977. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/1999-03-0061/. Accessed on November 23, 2024.
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