History of Southport Lodge (1927-1977)

During the 1920's, some of the officers and members of Kenosha Lodge No. 47 saw the need and advisability of having a second Lodge in Kenosha.

So in 1927, P.M. George A. Ridehome, assisted by W.M. Alvin F. Pryse, P.M., Alwin T. Hansen, P.M., Martin Gause, P.M., Fred Cain, P.M., Leigh L. Virgil and others called a meeting of all Masons, living in Kenosha and affiliated elsewhere, to ascertain whether or not they should proceed.

The initial meeting was held April 6, 1927, and Leslie L. Hagaman was selected as the first Master and Dr. Ernest M. Cardell as the first secretary.

A Journey was made to Milwaukee by several of these brethren and on April 27, 1927, a dispensation was received from the Grand Master to form a Lodge.

Forty-nine Masons transferred their affiliations from their home Lodge to form Southport Lodge, and of these only two were from Kenosha Lodge No. 47 - Frank B. Mullin and Erwin H. Rapp. Both later served as Masters of Southport Lodge.

The first five petitions were received from Hans P. Henricksen, W.A. Malgren, Leon Webb, Fred W. Seipert, Sr., and Charles Goetche. Of these, only Fred W. Seipert is now a member, (and still is) the others have either died, demitted or dropped their membership. Of the forty-nine Charter Members, only 21 remained as members in 1957.

The question of rental of the Temple started even in the first year, and the subject is still much discussed. The rent was set at 50% of the dues; but early in the next year the rent was set at $150.00 per quarter plus half the dues! A Lodge under dispensation cannot charge dues. The present fees are $1500.00 per year, in 1957.

A number of Masonic Brethren endeavored to gain membership, but due to difficulties in obtaining demits, never became members.

Even in the first year of its existence, we learn of groups of Masonic Brethren from different organizations participating in the conferring of degrees. The first mentioned are members of the Grace Lutheran Church who conferred the E.A. Degree on Fred Moeller. Other groups are the Policemans' Craftmen Club of Chicago in 1930, and Fred Clitheroe and his orchestra provided music for entertainment; also the Kenosha Police Craft Team and a group from Nash Motors which later became the LaFayette Club, formed Dec. 27,1937.

On June 15, 1928, the Lodge was duly constituted by William G. Weiler, Grand Master. The program was preceded by a big dinner at a hotel, not mentioned, to which all the Grand Officers and Officers of Kenosha Lodge No. 47 were guests. Following the dinner was dancing.

The original meeting nights were Fridays, but after due enquiry and a polling of membership, an agreement was reached with Kenosha Chapter No.3, Royal Arch Masons as Follows - "Reported that the Chapter was pleased to have Southport to share with them on the same night until such time that there might arise some conflictions."

 

It is interesting to note that amicable relations have existed with the Chapter these 29 years, thereby showing that Brotherly Love can and does prevail.

 

In those early days, the Temple was operated by a Temple Board, and each organization in the Temple had representation. This Board met monthly, until the Temple debt was liquidated, and the Board was dissolved in

February, 1949.                                                                      '

 

Al Shipley, W.M. of No. 47, has mentioned the formation. of such a board again to meet quarterly to resolve questions arising in Temple operation. The suggestion is both wise and timely and should be pursued to a satisfactory conclusion. (That is as far as it ever got.)

 

Many pieces of the Lodge furniture or equipment, as it might be termed, were donated by the members. The gavel was donated by Charles G. Blake when he was Senior Warden. He also presented the Three Lesser Lights or candelabra that stands beside the Altar.

 

To P.M. George Ridehome we are indebted for the silver square and compasses set. Although ordered in 1942, paid for in 1943, they were not received until 1947 due to the war. Stanley Hughes presented the Altar Bible in 1950.

 

The ad in the Kenosha News comes up for a yearly discussion at the Annual meetings. This has been a long practice, started in 1928. (The weekly ad has long been discontinued).

 

The depression years of the Thirties took its toll on Southport, and a number of Brethren dropped out, few petitions came in and dues were slow. One Annual report shows that while $1,147.00 in dues were received, the arrears were $1,965.00, almost double. One year shows a deficit of $4.03 and no bills were paid for several months until funds were available again.

 

The Masonic Temple Association was also hard pressed many times and Southport depleted its treasury on several occasions to help their mother Lodge #47.

 

In an effort to gain members, fees were at one time dropped to $40.00 and two shares of Temple stock, par value $25.00. Since then the fees have been gradually raised to their formal level of $105.00 and the Temple Stock of 131 shares which have been received with a value of $3275.00 has been turned over to Kenosha Lodge #47.

 

The first Past Masters' night was held in 1935 and Franklin Hill the candidate. Since then, Past Masters' night has been held yearly except for 1945 - and therein lies a tale. The Senior Warden, Einer Udstuen, in 1944 had sufficient turkeys frozen at Hawkeye for our Past Masters' dinner. The Washington Birthday Dinner comes in February, two months before the P.M.'s. The Committee in Charge of the Washington dinner called Hawkeye and asked them if they had any turkeys on hand. On finding out that the turkeys were for the Temple, they said "Yes". So we had Turkey for the Washington Birthday Dinner.

 

Along comes Past Masters' night - no turkeys - no red stamps - no dinner!

 

Among the activities that Southport has engaged in, in the past thirty years, sometimes by themselves and at others in conjunction with other Lodges are: -Annual re-dedication night, Annual Go-to-Church Sunday, (Along with the Commandery of Knights Templar) - which seems to have been discontinued since Rev. Roscoe T. Fulton, our first Chaplain, left Kenosha; Annual DeMolay - Job Daughters Halloween party. Visits to Anchor and Ark Lodge #1027 of Waukegan and Schools of Instruction. Also the Racine and Kenosha County Masonic Picnics and Southport’s own picnic which this past year was shared with Kenosha Chapter #3 R.A.M.

 

Both of these have since fallen by the wayside.

 

Our Past Master Ira Bailey was instrumental in starting Racine-Kenosha County Officers association, Better known as RAKMA. This also has withered and died.

 

The Annual Christmas Party for the Children has been continued, even though we have changed meeting places; also the spaghetti dinners which were started under W.M. Henry Sevey, in 1948.

 

Although there were numerous times that Southport Lodge discussed the possibility of having its own Lodge Building, nothing specific was done until 1952 when a building Fund was established along with a Trust Fund, the interest of the Trust Fund would be used for maintenance and improvements when we had our own building. Sam Hollender was the first Treasurer, the duties of which have been assumed by the regular Lodge Treasurer.

 

Arthur G. Smith was Master on April 2, 1957 when Southport celebrated its thirtieth Anniversary, with a dinner attended by over 300 members and guests. The dinner was at the Masonic Temple with the Order of Eastern Star under the direction of Naomi Kendall and Ethel Bloxdorf serving.

 

Phil Sanders, a member of Southport led the community singing as well as providing entertainment with Slight of hand. Rev. George R. Cady gave the invocation and Dr. Gilbert Schwartz, Grand Sr. Warden a short talk.

 

Honorary memberships were presented by Dr. E.M. Cardell, P.M. to Bros. Charles Leonard and Ted Vanderheide and P.M.s Alwin T. Hansen, Martin Gause and Alvin S. Pryse for their valuable assistance.

P.M. Fred W. Seipert, the only present member raised by Southport while under dispensation with a 30 year pin by Dr. Gilbert Schartz. The thirteen remaining Charter members were presented Charter Member pins by W.M. Arthur G. Smith-Conrad Akvick, Harold Kelsey, Jim Hynds, Martin Jensen, Karl Trish, Frank House, Ray Switzer, Harold Brosk, Stanley Hughes, Ernest M. Cardell, Elmere Wehmhoff, Matt Burghardt and John I. Bear.

 

It was also Bro. Eskil Lindstrands thirtieth wedding anniversary and "Happy Birthday to you" resounded through the hall. Eskil is our organist.

 

"And so it can be said that old men dream and young men have visions and the visions of those who formed Southport Lodge is a reality, and they, the Charter Members, have the right to sit back and dream of days gone by." And so we close with the words of our first secretary-

Old Minute book of mine, the hours I've spent with thee,

in Writing all the news of Southport 3-4-3.

But now my task is done, I've laid my pen aside,

When Charlie takes the reins, (Charles Blake)

Please - don't give him a ride!"

Dr. Ernest M. Cardell

 

The next twenty years was filled with much discussion, many meetings, many discussions, some good and some bad, many feelings hurt and brotherly loved strained to the breaking point.

 

In 1957, under W.M. Arthur G. Smith, the Lodge began actively looking for a suitable building or a building site. Plans were also discussed with Kenosha Lodge #47 for different Temple Arrangements.

 

Dr. Gilbert J. Schwartz, then Deputy Grand Master, discussed plans on a new Temple as well as starting a new lodge in Kenosha. He also stated that he thought that Kenosha was large enough to support five lodges.

 

The following year, Dr. H J. Woods and Barrett Bates presented a petition for the formation of a new lodge, to be called "PIKE", which Southport supported. The location for the meetings okayed by the Grand Lodge, was to be the Danish Brotherhood Hall, which several years previously had refused the request of Southport to use for a meeting place!

 

Along about this time, Charter member, Mathais Burghardt donated three acres of land about three miles southwest of Kenosha, but several not too well chosen words by some members made Matt retract his gift. A number of years later and on the urging of several of the P.M.s he relented and bequeathed the Lodge $5,000.00 in his will.

 

Also about this time, several of the "CDs" that were owned by the Lodge began to mature, and from then on, as the CDs matured the money was placed in the Building Fund which was deposited in a Building & Loan Association.

 

In 1958, Dr. Gilbert J. Schwartz was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin. Southport & Pike participated in the Testimonial Dinner which was sponsored by Kenosha 47, he being a member of that Lodge.

 

M.W.G.M. Gilbert Schwartz also presided at Southport’s annual communication when W.M. Don Johnson had such a severe cold that he could not talk. He was also principal speaker at the Installation while M.W.D.G. Will Walker was installing Master.

 

The Grand Lodge established the councilor System for the posting of candidates. This worked real well for a number of years, but as the original incentives and enthusiasm faded so the system died. It would be well if it could be re-vitalized for it really works.

 

In 1961 a John Bennett Night was held and all those present were given a new given name - "Bennett". The Actual Bennetts present were P.M. John A., John, Merle Sr., Merle Jr., James and P.M. J. Lloyd. P.G.M. Gilbert J. Schwartz and Gr. Sw. B. Robert V. Osborne presided.

 

At one meeting, J.D. Robert McKeand moved, seconded and passed a motion that Robert McKeand treat all to coffee and doughnuts at the Doughnut Hole after the Meeting. Motion carried - no turndowns!

 

Although several request had been received in previous years for admission to the Masonic Home in Dousman, due to a number of reasons none materialized until Mrs. Sam (Helen) Purse was officially sponsored on September 26, 1961. Mrs. Purse was Feted on her ninety-first birthday on March 26, 1977 when W.M. Wm. Croucher and about a dozen more from Kenosha journeyed to Dousman. Also included in the festivities was Rose Sager a guest at the Home that is also being sponsored by Southport.

 

A Brother who had been suspended for NPD for four years was found to be holding dual membership!  A little correspondence straightened the matter out. Such are the trials of a secretary!

 

In October 1961, Kenosha Lodge #47 notified all the Masonic bodies in the Temple of the discontinuance of Kenosha Lodge Tidings as a general monthly news forum and that shortly each body would have to provide their own. Sam Hollander, W.M., set up a committee and by May, 1962, Southport was producing its own Tidings.

 

About this time, Brother Otto Lichtenthaler, proficiency man and a Member of 47, offered his services to any lodge that should request it. For the past 17 years all the lodges in Kenosha County have benefited from his willingness to assist, instruct and council, especially #343. In 1970, Bro. Otto was made an Honorary Member and later an Honorary Past Master of Southport.

 

During 1962, W.M. Gerald Hanson had a most interesting year - with the Kenosha Shrine Club having a testimonial dinner for P.M. Frank H. T. House; attending the 50th anniversary of the Knights of Columbus and a visit of Indiana Lodge #294 of South Bend in conferring the M.M. degree in full regalia, this preceded by a dinner which was well attended and jointly sponsored.

 

In July, S.W. Maurice Feldshau died and the turnout to both Masonic services was an inspiration to all and a testimony of his popularity.

 

Toward the end of the year the discussions of land and buildings was again pursued and a committee set up.

 

During 1963, Oral Congdon, W.M. pursued the matter further, which, after a special meeting in May, directed the Committee to continue to negotiate for property. On November 26, the Lodge voted to purchase property in Forest Park from the Parmentier estate. Passed 35 to 12, P.M. J. Lloyd Bennett stated that "pride of ownership would help the Lodge to prosper and grow."

 

Proficiency cards were presented to Donald Hansche, Oakley MacPherson and John Bennett. #343 also rated "very good" at School on Instruction.

 

Grand Lodge pledged a dollar per member to help sustain the George Washington Memorial at Alexandria, Va. Southport was one of the first lodges in the state to contribute the dollar per member. One of our members, Charles Burlison, contributed $100.00 and became a life sponsor.

 

Monthly Masonic Birthday Nights were held with much success and were continued for a number of years.

 

Pot Luck Suppers have proven that more sociability can be achieved with a little labor of love and work. By count, 176 were in attendance at one of the suppers.

 

The printing cut or plate that has been used for these many years on the Installation programs was donated by the "Father of Southport Lodge", P.M. George A. Ridehome.

 

During Frank Morrow's year, 1964, things moved along smoothly. He appointed a committee of P.M.'s: J.L. Bennett, Ira Bailey, and Don Hansch and Fleetwood Miller to organize and conduct a Building Fund campaign which was fairly successful. On Sunday, February 9, the property in Forest Park was duly dedicated by Grand Lodge.

 

In the fall, Pike Lodge dedicated their Temple which was well attended by masons near and far.

 

In 1965, the year Marvin Clark was Master, the tempo on building property and building fund picked up. The Building A/O Contingency Fund became a part of the By-laws, Article VII Section 1-7.

 

The final payment was made on the property on Pershing Blvd. and almost immediately the Assembly of God Church offered to buy it for $19,000.00 It was sold to them three years later for slightly more than we paid for it since we had paid three years property tax because we were not using the property.

 

The Presbyterian Church on Roosevelt Road started to build a new church and by necessity wanted to sell the Roosevelt Road property; asking price $65,000.00. Southport entered a bid of $45,000.00. Upon presentation of the bid we were informed the price was now $80,000.00.

 

After the Lodge had made an inspection of the property, the bid was raised to $62,500.00. This was also turned down and later they offered the property at $55,000.00 and at a special meeting in November, 1966, while Charles Burlinson was Master, the proposition was turned down by a vote of 65 to 36.

 

An offer by Grand Lodge for a complete set of Lodge Furniture was accepted. However no one bothered to go and get it!

 

In April, 1966, two significant events occurred - Kenosha Lodge #47 was willed $80,000.00 and they also proposed a joint ownership of the Temple for $25,000.00 cash plus other considerations. At a November meeting presided over by M.W.G.M. Doyne Inman, the vote was 53 to 48 to accept the offer.

 

Also, in '66, a Pasters club was organized and ran successfully for one year and then expired fast!

 

An Area Administrator system was set up by Grand Lodge and P.M. Paul Thompson was appointed the first administrator.

Several members who had contributed to the Building Fund, due to a variety of reasons, requested a refund. The Master ruled that these sums be set aside until several questions were resolved and then re-assess the matter. In due time, some were given refunds and all satisfied.

In 1967, John Gapanowicz, W.M., had several committees working on joint ownership as well as selling the Pershing Blvd. property.

The Officers Wives organization which had been operating most success­fully for two years dissolved and turned over the fruit of their labors to Southport - four silver trays, two silver coffee servers, a pair of silver candle­sticks and a punch bowl.

For the second time in our history a trial was held for Unmasonic Conduct by one of our members. The verdict was expulsion.        ,

The Kenosha News ad, which had always been a per-annual argument, was discontinued when the News upped its rate from $3.00 a week to $3.00 a day.

Eugene Putman was Master in '68 and it was the lull before the storm. The Building Committee continued its efforts for joint ownership. The First Assembly of God Church agreed to purchase the property for $5,000.00 down and $5.000.00 a year until paid for.

Interlodge visitations and courtesy work was predominant. The Lodge also collected 24 used but good electric razors for Wood Hospital in Milwaukee, which the secretary delivered.

The Building Committee of 20 made its report with the recommendation we raise the balance of $5,000.00 cash needed for the $25,000.00 to become joint owners of the Temple.

Oakley MacPherson, Master in '69 re-appointed the same committee.

Some of the members were Sarkis Apyan, Clifford Peterson, Oral Congdon, Stanley Baker, Martin and Richard Antaramian, J.L. Bennett and Paul Thompson.

More joint meetings were held and after approval of both the Lodge and Grand Lodge, W.M. Oakley MacPherson and Secretary Paul Thompson attended a stated meeting of #47 on July 14 with a check for $10,000.00 as the first payment. W.M. Duane LaBelle refused to accept the check and set Sept. 22 as a date for "Final" action by #47 on the Joint Ownership proposal that had been adopted on November 8, 1966. On September 23, we were notified by phone and later by letter that #47 had reneged on their pledge.

Southport again began to look for a building suitable for a Temple.

Grand Master Donald E. Krueger ordered a special meeting of #343 and #47 for November 24. Sixty members of Southport and 20 from Kenosha #47 were present, so he refused to hold a vote on the situation and set December 29 for a second meeting.

With Installations over, Richard Krahn as Master, the turnout from both lodges was good. Kenosha Lodge #47 voted that #343 stay as renters. So­ Southport voted to buy or lease and move out.

Also in 1969, Bro. Ed Wade presented W.M. Oakley MacPherson with a gavel. He is a marvel at wood carving, especially horses. At the Past Masters dinner, Carl Skoog, Gr. St., presented Elmore Wehmhoff and Wenzell Connell with their 50 year certificates and 23 brothers with 25 year pins.

In 1970, W.M. Krahn divided the committee of 20 into two units with one unit looking for property to buy and the other for rental. Many places were suggested and looked at but only three were approved by the Lodge and Grand Lodge - Boy Scout Headquarters, property on north 22nd Avenue and Guild Hall at St. Matthews Church. The property on north 22nd was too high in price, it was mortgaged to the hilt and the owner wanted out.

In May, #47 notified #343 that the rent would be raised 50%, from $1,750.00 to $2,576.00 per year. The final straw was when, on an evening in June with degree work that had been previously scheduled and without any notice, we were locked out of the building and neither the Master nor the Trustees would leave us in the building.

In August we moved to Guild Hall and the first degree work was an E.A. on Mr. Danny E. Parker.

Also in 1970, committees from the three Kenosha Lodges met with the idea of raising the fees from $105.00 to somewhere between $140.00 and $200.00. No agreement was reached and the matter dropped. However, Southport did amend the By-laws so that 50 year members do not pay Lodge dues, only the Grand Lodge per-capita tax (now $8.55).

At the P.M. Dinner, P.M. Ray Switzer, Sr., and P.M. Oscar E. Severteon. residing on the west coast, received their SO year certificates. The certificate for Oscar was sent to him via the Grand Lodge of California and was to be presented to him by the closest lodge, but the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe saw fit to call Oscar at home three days before the presentation was to be made.

It was also the first time in Southport history that the installation of next year's officers did not wear tuxes! So ended 1970, with Melvin H. Low as Worshipful Master for 1971.

Paul Thompson, secretary, had declined the election for secretary for 1971. A special election was held to elect a successor but the results were the same. So, by necessity, he had to serve until his successor was installed in December 1971.

Hugh Sherron, as appointed officer in the line, and in the Army Recruiting Service in Kenosha, returned from his fifth tour of duty in Vietnam and immediately returned to active duty in the Lodge.

Our Tiler, Michael J. Lill, for many years has been in the hospital for some time and they found it necessary to amputate his right foot.

Roger J. Mertes presented a resolution to purchase the property of the First Church of God at 2011 52nd Street for $18,000.00. This was laid over to the Annual Communication on December 14. The Lodge voted to purchase the property with final action on February 22, 1972.

P.M.'s Alwin T. Hansen, George Ridehome, Alvin F. Pryse and Henry Zurcherwere elected to plural Membership and made Honorary Past Masters.

Also at the Annual Stated, Kenosha Lodge #47 presented a letter to Pike and Southport to form a committee for Joint Ownership of Kenosha Masonic Temple. The minutes are short and terse - six words - too little, too late and too indefinite.

In January, Roger Mertes, W.M., stated earnest money was paid down on the property on 52nd Street, and the building inspector contracted for necessary work to be done to bring the building up to code. About this time the Odd Fellows Temple was put up for sale at $25,000.00, complete with all the furniture.

At a special meeting on February 22, the Lodge voted to go ahead with the purchase and remodeling of the Church building and this was officially announced at the Past Masters dinner which was held at Pike Lodge.

Work was started at once on remodeling even though the church was still holding services there. Most everyone pitched in to help the cause along. Building walls, tearing out old carpeting, installing new, disposing of pews and other equipment not needed, purchasing of chairs and tables, installing lights ad infinitum. Even several brothers from other lodges lent a willing hand.

At a Stated Communication in May at Guild Hall, even though the work was far from completed, Steve Hunt happened to have his truck at the meeting, parked conveniently, and before anyone could change their mind or object, all decided to move to our new Lodge to be, which was done with dispatch.

In July the F.C. degree was conferred on William Croucher at Pike Lodge, and in September, the first Master Mason degrees were conferred in our new temple on James Bieze and William Croucher.

The first E.A.s were Frank Buchner, Emil Moritz and Thomas Bertling. The first F.C. was Clifford Forbes.

William Croucher donated the carpeting for the front steps and through the generosity of Sarkis Apyan, Harold Brosk, Myron Dorfman and many, many others, were able to complete the work.

The First Church of God moved into their new church building on Thanksgiving Day and on December 12, M.W.G.M. George Schreiber dedicated the new Lodge Building with about 140 present.

Bro. Sarkis Apyan gave a brief history of Southport, but no written record has been found of his remarks.

The next five years under Stephen E. Hunt, James E. Hansen, Hugh K. Sherron, Roger L. Rintamaki and M. William Croucher as Masters has been one of gradually improvement in the facilities and expanding the social and Masonic activities and endeavoring to improve in Masonic proficiency.

Such activities as monthly Pot Lucks, spaghetti dinners, chili suppers, picnics both here and at Dousman, Children’s Christmas parties, just to mention a few were actively promoted.

In 1973, Whitback Lodge and Lily of the Valley Lodge of the Rebeccas were welcomed to the use of our facilities.

In 1977, Kenosha's daylight lodge, Sunrise Lodge #359, U.D. was also welcomed to the Temple. They meet every Monday morning, except holidays, from 9 to 12 a.m. and always with a cup of coffee and a snack to enhance the fellowship. All members hold dual membership, representing about 10 different Lodges including three from Illinois and one from Iowa.

It is interesting to note that most of the Masters of Southport kept on advancing from the time they were Raised and culminating in occupying the Chair in the East, usually about six years.

Our present Master, M. William Croucher, attests to the interest of labor and love of these Brethren in their fellow men. He has done a tremendous job in promoting this our fiftieth anniversary.

May it continue for another fifty years!

Compiled by Paul Thompson, K.Y.C.H.