1914 Masonic Parade

Humbird, Mentor twp., Clark Co., Wisconsin

The old photo above was dated June 14, 1914, was found in with historical papers kept by the late Ray E. Gile of Merrillan.  Gile is thought to be the driver in car two of the parade.

The Humbird Enterprise newspaper carried articles relating to the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of the Humbird Masonic Lodge in its June 13, 1914 and June 20, 1914 issues.  Giles was a master mason and editor of the Wisconsin Leader, published in Merrillan until 1929 when it was sold to the Banner Journal. 

The Humbird lodge is now consolidated with the Merrillan lodge. 

The June 20, 1914 issue of The Humbird Enterprise stated:

Masonic Celebration Held Thursday

The celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the constituting of Humbird Masonic Lodge was held on Thursday afternoon and evening.  The fore part of the afternoon was devoted to a reception to the visitors at the club room in the Masonic temple, followed by an auto ride through the surrounding country.  At about four o’clock the session of the lodge was called to order and the opening ceremonies were given by Dr. R. B. Washburn, of Augusta, who is a grandson of one of the charter members of the lodge.  The third degree was then conferred upon Carl F. Guggisbert, his uncle, Jacob Speich, of Ladysmith, presiding.  

At six o’clock a banquet was served in the lodge’s dining room, by the ladies of the Eastern Star, which was greatly enjoyed by all, and the members of Humbird lodge feel very grateful to the ladies in the able assistance given in entertaining the visitors. 

In the evening the session was turned over to the Grand Secretary of the order in the state, W. W. Perry of Milwaukee, who presided during the remainder of the ceremonies, and addressed the gathering.  Other visitors responded in short addresses.  

The lodge, whose anniversary was celebrated at this time, was organized on June 18, 1874, with thirteen charter members on the roll.  Of these six survive and but one, S. A. Wise, still retains his membership here.  W. H. Clark and R. D. Shaw, the latter now deceased, were initiated at that time. 

Among the visitors were J. H. Davenport, of Tomah, and T. H. Barber, of Withee.  Both of these gentlemen were residents of this vicinity a number of years ago, and were heartily greeted by old friends.  Others among the visiting members of the order were E. S. Pedrick, of Ripon, F. P. Ainsworth, of Neillsville, Rev. P. H. Linley, of Eau Claire, E. L. White, of Colby, H. H. Hartson, of Greenwood, and large delegations from Black River Falls, Merrillan, Augusta, Fairchild, Osseo, Greenwood and other points. 

Written by Jean Anderson and transcribed by Cindy Dressler.