ASPEN, COLORADO
Masonry came to the silver mining community of Aspen with the dispensation granted to Spar Lodge, February 28, 1884. Thirty-eight meetings were held, sixteen Master Masons raised in seven months. It was chartered as No. 60 September 24, 1884.
Many petitions were received as mining flourished but a trend of rejections, including even applications for affiliation, brought action to start a new lodge. On April 3, 1896 dispensation was granted to the new group, composed both of Spar members and Master Masons rejected for affiliation. Nineteen brothers were raised before chartering on October 12, 1896.
Both lodges used the same hall and were generally on good terms. Both contributed to many of the same charitable causes, both in Colorado and over the nation. Both joined the Intermountain Masonic Association sponsored by Leadville Lodge in 1905. Consolidation of the two lodges was effected in 1906 after a previous attempt in 1899 had failed.
The lodge purchased Liberty Bonds in World War I and remitted dues of members of the armed services. Scrolls of pride and appreciation for those in the armed services were sent to the next-of-kin during World War II.
M. W. Bro. Frank D. Allen spoke at Fiftieth Anniversary November 15, 1945. Twenty-two Grand Masters have visited No. 98.
The lodge has two pedestals in the east, a peculiarity of only a few lodges in the hardrock mining towns. It is believed to be an English custom brought to this country by Cornish miners. The handpainted doors and wainscoting were brought from the former lodge hall to the present hall in 1912. In 1947 the Square and Compasses from the old hall were salvaged.
“Vagneur Night” was designated February 21, 1921 when the ninth and tenth members of the Vagneur family were initiated.
Membership, 1960 108
