Chapter II
Washoe Lodge #2
Washoe City NVThe history of Washoe Lodge begins in the winter of 1860-61, and is cast in that period of glamour and excitement, attendant upon the discovery and development of the Comstock lode, dating from January 28, 1859, when James Finney, or "Old Virginia," made a rich strike in Gold Hill, and Henry Comstock, Patrick McLaughlin, Peter O'Reilly, Emanuel Penrod and Kentuck Osborne came into the picture, and Sandy Bowers and his wife Eilley Orrum, rose to opulence, whose reckless extravagance and final relapse into almost poverty, is a story of human pity and interest. The story of the blueblack clay, secret of the wealth of the Comstock, at first cursed by the miners and thrown upon the dump as worthless, but afterward by an accident found to contain $1595.00 in silver, and $4790.00 in gold values per ton, precipitating a "rush," the scenes and excitement of which no pen could hope to portray, for they are deep dyed with the richest color of comedy, pathos and tragedy, acts of heroism, self-denial, intrigue, shame and honor, but inextricably interwoven into the history of Washoe County. For when the great discovery was made on Mt. Davidson, or Sun Peak Mountain, Washoe Valley leaped into prominence for it had fuel and timber for building, plenty of water and fine rich land for farming; and from it the Comstock could be and was supplied. It soon assumed importance and following the necessary location surveys made in the spring of 1861, Washoe City came into being, began to grow and for the next five or six years, enjoyed a substantial and steady expansion. In 1866 it became the county seat of Washoe county. With the coming of the V. & T. Railway, the decline commenced. Reno wanted the county seat, and on August 5, 1868, a petition signed by 750 residents of Reno was sent to the County commissioners asking for the removal of the County seat to Reno. This petition was denied, but another was framed and sent in February 1870. Washoe City made a protest, and sent William Webster and William Boardman to plead their case, while Thomas E. Hayden appeared for Reno. The petition was withdrawn, but another was soon presented. On June 14, 1870, a special election was called to decide the issue. Reno won by a vote of 544 to 362. Washoe then applied to the courts for redress, resulting in a bill being sent to the legislature which was passed, declaring Reno to be the County seat on and after April 3, 1871. It was the doom of the valley city, an early exodus of many of the residents followed, business became stagnant and, while for the next 18 years or more, a settlement continued to exist on the old site of the town, yet its progressive spirit was broken, and one by one its citizens departed to other fields.
It was prior to this period that the urge for Masonic intercourse in Washoe City was felt by the sojourning brethren, resulting in the establishment of a lodge under California registry. It is inconceivable, but it is nevertheless true, that but small attention was paid by the officers of the Grand Lodge of California, to the organization of Washoe lodge, No. 157 chartered under California register in July, 1862.
Two reasons have been assigned for this regrettable neglect. One, Washoe lodge was far removed from the confines of California and the distance to be traveled to assist in its organization and institution led through undeveloped territory and across treacherous mountain trails with lurking danger ever present, and weary unmarked miles and hours demanding days of hardship and toil and privation ahead if the trip should be attempted. Two, it was the second year of the Civil War, the country was in the throes of political and sectional excitement; the attention of the states was focused on the bitter contest, and the sympathies of a harassed people were centered on the faction whose cause and opinions they had espoused. It was natural therefore, that in the excitement of the moment, the importance of properly recording the events of the founding and final establishment of Washoe lodge, No. 157, should be overlooked and utterly neglected, for such was the case. The actual records are almost nil in reference to who was responsible for originating the movement and about the only reference obtainable is from the journal of proceedings of the Grand Lodge for the year it was authorized to organize under dispensation, the names of its first officers, and a list of its membership at the conclusion of its first year of existence. A meagre record upon which to erect a historical structure, but nevertheless, a foundation upon which was constructed a unit of Masonry which flourished during the period of its existence, and grew to be a commanding agent in the fraternal affairs of the Sagebrush state, springing into existence, as previously stated at the time when the blood of the mining world was at red heat due to the discovery of fabulous ore deposits over on the slopes of Sun Peak Mountain, and the rush of excited men and women to this new El Dorado of Nevada. It witnessed from afar all the romance and glamour incident to the development of a new mining district, and absorbed some of the benefits resulting from the creating of wealth, for the resources of Washoe City and surrounding territory were called upon to contribute to the building of the mining center on the Comstock, and in the resultant distribution of wealth, Washoe lodge profited, not so much financially, but rather because there was brought to Washoe city, through commercial and industrial relations, men of means, ability, and fraternal impulse, who eventually became associated with and finally enrolled on the roster of the lodge, and became a forceful part of its existence.
The incidents leading to the establishment of Masonry in Washoe city were similar to those noted in the organization of other Masonic units developed in Nevada at that time. Realization came in response to an urge for Masonic contact with the brethren in a home where the landmarks of the Order might be properly observed, and the practices of the craft might find indulgence in a hall of their own. Unlike many of the early Nevada lodges, the intention to organize was productive of almost instant results, functioning in a series of gatherings called to formulate plans for an immediate organization of the brethren to operate under dispensation. The feasibility of forming a Masonic association to function until a larger charter list could be assembled was considered and is hinted at in a later journal of proceedings of the Grand Lodge, but this possibility of Masonic organization was discouraged, and a petition was framed to the Grand Lodge of California, asking permission to organize U. D. Favorably considered, the prayer of the petitioners was answered, and on July 25, 1862, the dispensation was granted by Wm. C. Belcher, M. W. G. M. of California, naming Geo. W. Brown as W. M., R. R. Johnson as Senior Warden, and Thomas B. Prince as Junior Warden. The following is a list of Master Masons of Washoe lodge, reflected in the proceedings of the Grand lodge of California of 1863 at the close of its first year of existence.
Geo. W. Brown, Geo. C. Cabot, L. D. Chillson, Horace Countryman, A. M. Davidson, Henry A. Gaston, D. T. Gloyd, J. N. M. Haddick, H. M. Holden, R. R. Johnson, P. Keyes, J. K. Lovejoy, Thomas Parker, T. B. Prince, T. A. Read, Henry S. Smith, A. W. Stowe, P. E. Shannon. Fellow Crafts-W. F. Everett and Geo. W. Lameroux. Withdrew--David Lowe, and W. D. McFarland.
Quarters for housing the new lodge were obtained in the upper story of a building occupied by Mears and Knickhead as a mercantile establishment, which, having been appropriately furnished, were in readiness to welcome the distinguished Masons who assembled on the Saturday next preceding the full moon in July, 1862, to open the new lodge, and witness the installation of its officers. (Ed. note - with the meeting day specified as it was, Washoe 157 was a "Lunar Lodge - meeting near the full moon, that its members might have sufficient light to make the trip to and from the Lodge in safety.)
Brethren from Virginia City were present in large numbers to assist the distinguished officers and brethren. A fine banquet preceded the opening of the lodge, and the installing of officers. For the next ten months Washoe lodge continued to function agreeable to the wishes of its sponsors, and the desire of the Grand Lodge of California. So well did it merit the approbation of that Grand Body, that on May 15, 1863, it was moved to authorize a charter to be issued, naming D. J. Gloyd, W. M.; Geo. W. Brown, Senior Warden; James H. Sturtevant, Junior Warden; P. E. Shannon, Secretary; H. W. Stowe, Treasurer; R. R. Johnson, Senior Deacon; J. K. Lovejoy, Junior Deacon.
It is interesting to note, that at that time Washoe lodge had an enrollment of 36 members. Not an unusual numerical list it is true, but among its number were those who were nevertheless sincere and devoted brethren, through whose instrumentalities the lodge grew and spread its Masonic light; men who figured prominently in municipal, county, and state affairs, and brought fame and honor to themselves and the section from which they hailed; some of whom afterward crossed over into California, becoming identified with its commercial, industrial, political, and social life, adding luster to the honor roll of that state. For, the Masons who pioneered the way in Washoe lodge were men of outstanding merit and integrity; they took a leading part not only in Masonic affairs, but in public life as well; some of them attained not only public honor, but also became wealthy. Prominent among those who gained renown in the political field, was Thomas A. Read, elected first County Commissioner of Washoe county, serving with credit to his constituents, and honor to himself. Thomas B. Prince was another member who earned the confidence of the voters of Washoe county, and served them through two different sessions of the legislature. James B. Sturtevant, also prominent in Masonry, and said to have been one of the first to place farming on a secure and profitable basis in Washoe Valley, represented his county in the legislature, and made a name for himself, by reason of his honesty, fairness and forceful argument on the floor of the House. He afterwards removed to California, where he is said to have become a leader, and whose son became a Justice of the Supreme Court of that state. Henry W. Brady was another member of Washoe lodge who became prominent in Masonic circles. He served as Worshipful Master of Washoe lodge for three terms. He was Master of Washoe lodge when the lodges of Nevada met in Virginia City to organize the Grand Lodge of Nevada, and had the honor of presiding over the first lodge opened at the formation of the Grand Lodge of Nevada, and with the organization of that Grand Body became its first Senior Grand Warden, acting as installing officer of the first Grand Lodge officers.
P. E. Shannon, who served as Secretary of Washoe Lodge, was a man of recognized ability, not only in his lodge, but throughout Washoe County. He became Clerk of Washoe County, in which office he served with rare ability. Later he was elected County Recorder, where he once more demonstrated his ability and willingness to serve his constituents with that marked deference and good will which always characterized his association with the public. P. E. Shannon was for many years Secretary of Washoe Lodge. He was also a veteran of the Mexican War, serving in the 2nd Regiment N.Y. Volunteers, at the storming of the Castle Chapultepek at the City of Mexico. In this same company was David E. Scannell, Chief of San Francisco Fire Department, who served his company as a lieutenant. Brother Shannon was also a member of the Masonic Veterans' Association of the Pacific Coast. He died November 27, 1895.
Henry A. Gaston, a charter member,and active in the affairs of Washoe lodge, was likewise a distinguished attorney and prominent in the affairs of Washoe County, as was Fred D. Stadtmuller, who joined the lodge in 1864, afterwards withdrawing and affiliating with Carson Lodge at Carson City. Later he removed to San Francisco, and engaged in business where he died about 1891. George Robinson, then in the prime of an active business career, also affiliated with Washoe Lodge, filling the various chairs, and serving the lodge as a true and tried Mason. His efficiency and capability was soon recognized by the Grand Lodge of Nevada, with which he became actively associated, and which he served as Most Worshipful Grand Master for two terms 1870-1871.
These are but a few of the members of Washoe lodge who brought honor to that lodge and credit to the Order in Nevada. It was truly a remarkable roll, still, they were only a part and parcel of those remarkable men and Masons who built largely and well in Nevada, and constructed a foundation upon which succeeding generations have continued to build a super-structure which shall endure as long as Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth shall be practiced.
The question of organizing a Grand Lodge of Nevada had long been considered, and attempts had been made upon various occasions to bring the question to issue; during the year 1863 Washoe lodge assumed the responsibility of bringing the constituent lodges of Nevada into convention for the purpose of effecting the long sought for organization and sent out invitations to the seven lodges of Nevada with that object in view. An objection was raised that Nevada was not a state, and that it was not desirable nor provident to organize a Grand Lodge under territorial administration; also that as the number of lodges was small, the question should be held in abeyance. In November, 1861, after Nevada had been admitted to statehood the subject was again renewed.
Referring to the minutes of Washoe lodge of December 10, 1864; a resolution from Virginia and Escurial lodges, inviting the lodge to send delegates to Virginia City to meet January 15, 1865, to the organization of a Grand Lodge was read and the invitation unanimously accepted.
On January 17, 1865, Washoe lodge withdrew from the California Jurisdiction, and united with seven other lodges to form the Grand Lodge of Nevada. At that time there were 35 Master Masons, four Fellow Crafts, and four Entered Apprentices on its membership rolls. Five Master Masons had withdrawn, and two had been suspended for non-payment of dues.
Today, wild grass and sagebrush grow where once stood the Valley City of Washoe. The old Masonic meeting place, its weather-beaten and crumbling sides and curling shingles, mute evidence of the devastating hand of Time, is all that remain of a once thriving and industrious little city. Sunken foundations, overgrown with the dust and erosion of the years mark the place where were once substantial buildings and commodious business blocks stood, for in the days of its affluence Washoe City was a town of some 2500 people, with good sized business houses, hotels, boarding houses, church, and school, and a fine brick courthouse which was built at a cost of between $25,000 and $30,000. It also supported a weekly newspaper, "The Washoe Times," published and established by G. W. Derickson, who was later killed in a controversy by Horace F. Swazey. The publication then passed into the hands of General Allen, an uncle of Derickson, who continued the publication during the affluent days of the town. Business men came to Washoe City from many points on the Coast, and the commercial affairs of the town multiplied rapidly, for Washoe City was also the center of a wealthy farming district, and the surrounding hills were covered with a growth of virgin balsam and pine. From a thousand mountain rills came a flow of crystal water to quench the thirsty and to water the soil; resources which contributed to the comforts of the city and the valley, but which also were commercialized and brought wealth and increase to the people. The old building which housed the brethren of Washoe Lodge continued as a landmark for many years after the town had passed into decrepitude, but it too, finally went the way of all things perishable. Its decaying walls are all that is left of its one time stability. The lodge surrendered its Charter in 1888 and the brethren drifted to other localities.
During the years of affluence and prosperity, Washoe lodge became a favorite sanctuary at which the brethren of the lodges at Virginia City and Carson City would gather to exchange fraternal greetings, and enjoy the hospitality of the brethren of the Valley city lodge.
It is regrettable that the original Tyler's register of the lodge was not preserved, for it undoubtedly would have disclosed the names of many distinguished Masons who were identified with the affairs of the district, either as residents or investors and whose habit it was to foregather with the brethren of No. 2 at their special invitation or when prompted through fraternal impulse to visit at regular or stated meetings. For Wm. H. Howard, Jno. C. Currie, Bro. Ellis, Capt. Edw. Faris Storey, W. A. VanBokkelen, Joseph DeBell, Wm. A. Stewart, and many others took an active and important part in Masonic affairs during the peak of Washoe lodge prosperity and are said to have been consistent visitors and attendants at Masonic gatherings held in the district. It is also more than possible that Samuel Clemens' (Mark Twain) name also appeared upon the old Tyler's register of this lodge, for during the time he was employed upon the "Territorial Enterprise" of Virginia City, he paid frequent visits to, and enjoyed working with the lodges at Virginia City, Gold Hill, Silver City and Carson City.
With the decline of commercial and industrial activities in Washoe City. Masonry languished, and eventually it became impossible to hold meetings due to no quorum present. On several occasions Washoe lodge attempted to remove to Reno, but on each occasion, Grand Lodge denied the request, with the result that on March 25, 1888, the brethren voted to surrender the charter and on June 12 of that year the lodge was declared extinct.
