So, I am out on one of my daily walks when I saw the sign for the Ham & Dandelion Dinner, and I thought - Oh! snap a picture for the blog so I can let people know about it. But I was surprised to see where the dinner would be, at The Masonic Temple in North Catasauqua. I didn't know there was a Masonic Temple in North Catty, no one ever told me. I saw the DaVinci Code, I read the Lost Symbol. Around every corner I think there is a conspiracy, so it was time to do some digging. Actually this is what I found out.
The Catasauqua Lodge No. 248 was constituted on January 30, 1854, when the Warrant was presented to the Catasauqua Lodge the name Catasauqua was crossed out and the name Porter was inserted as the name of the new lodge. The name Porter was taken from Brother James Madison Porter who was the District Deputy Grand Master of Easton. He had great influence on the Fraternity and served as a District Deputy for a long period of time. He was instrumental in 1836 of reactiviating the Easton Lodge and several surrounding Lodges after the period of the Anti-Masonic Party. The Anti-Masonic Party was the first "third party" in the United States. It strongly opposed Freemasonry and was founded as a single-issue party aspiring to become a major party. (There is some really good reading here, especially about the "Morgan Affair.")
It introduced important innovations to American politics, such as nominating conventions and the adoption of party platforms. I could go on and on but I won't.
Anyway, back to Catty - The first meeting was held in Gross Hall, a part of what was then called the United States Hotel situated on the northeastern corner of Front and Race.



very interesting....have you ever eaten dandelion?.....I haven't.....glad you made an entry today...yvonne
ReplyDeleteYes, I like Dandelion, its a little bitter, but doused in alot of Bacon Dressing who cares! LOL!
ReplyDeleteMy Dad was a Mason & I've seen the "Special Place" inside of the building on Front Street (it was above Gillespie Jewelers) when I was young. Then when my Dad passed, we had a luncheon following his funeral at the one on 6th Street. That day my family got a special informative tour of the upper area where they have their meetings, by my Dad's dear friend and fellow Mason. It was truly interesting...I just wish I had learned and discussed more about this very special group with my Dad when he was still alive. Anyway, the dinner will be in the lower level social hall...I'm sure it will be delicious..I may attend too! Maybe I'll see you there!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. Never ate dandelions and dont think I want to. Paul's grandfather was a Mason so Dana always says that we should be one too. Cathy
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