Masonic Lodge

In 1870 a group of gentlemen from Stockbridge petitioned the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts to organize a Masonic Lodge in the town of Stockbridge.

This would not be the first Lodge in town. The first Lodge in Berkshire County, Berkshire Lodge #5, was organized by General John Paterson and others in 1777. A charter was granted in 1871 and the Lodge recently celebrated its 150th anniversary.

This photograph from 1905 shows the officers of Occidental Lodge as well as the suite for Lodge member Allen T. Treadway who was elected that year to be the District Deputy Grand Master.

Stockbridge Library Museum & Archives Photography Collection 1994.399c