Center celebrating 150 years of service, starting as a private home
By HEATHER ASIYANBI
Special to the Journal Sentinel
Racine - It's no mystery why the Masonic Center, one of the city's historically significant buildings, is enjoying celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
The real mystery is the identity of the ghost some say inhabits the building.
The former home of Henry Durand and current home of the Masonic Center at 1012 Main St. features the intricate craftsmanship of the day, 12 fireplaces and a ballroom on the third floor.
To celebrate the milestone, free tours were offered to the public last Sunday at the center, 1012 Main St. Masonic Center members and other volunteers were in period costume, and the house was staged to look much as it did 150 years ago.
According to Wendy Spencer, event coordinator for the center, the Durand family owned the house until 1892, when it was purchased by Frederick Robinson, an executive with Case.
In 1906, Robinson had the home modernized with indoor plumbing and electricity.
"It was considered one of the most modern, privately owned residences in the city at the time," Spencer said.
Robinson also spent money for decorating touches, like the hand-painted wallpaper in the dining room, she added.
Historical documents show that Robinson sold the house to the Masons in 1921 for $35,000.
Spencer said that as a member of the Masonic society, Robinson knew the organization would maintain the integrity of the building while using it for meetings and as a club.
Other interesting details of the home include an addition that was built in 1922 and decorated in an Egyptian theme to reflect the country's fascination with the discovery of King Tut's tomb during that time.
And there is, of course, the ghost story.
Spencer cites several reports of a woman wearing a servant's uniform who's been seen in the dining room, the entryway and in the kitchen.
"Most of the members of the Durand and Robinson families were either born or died in the house, so it makes sense that there might be a spirit or two hanging around," she said. "But based on the descriptions, it's probably Mary Williams, a housekeeper who still feels it's her duty to care for the house."
Today, the center still plays host to meetings for local Masons as well as for Job's Daughters, a group for girls ages 11 to 20; for Demolay, a group for boys ages 11 to 20; and for Eastern Star, a group for adults who are not necessarily Masons.
Financial support mostly comes from parties and wedding receptions.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=572441
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