Background:
The Canton Viaduct is the longest and oldest stone viaduct in the Western Hemisphere. The foundation stone was laid in 1834, and it was completed in 1835 by operative stone masons, many of whom were also Freemasons from area towns and Lodges. To commemorate the viaduct’s 175th anniversary and the Freemasons who were involved in the construction of this historic structure, it is being proposed that a granite stone obelisk be erected in or near the Canton Viaduct Park next to the waterfall on the west side of the structure near the Neponset Street opening. It is very likely that many of the Towns in the area had Freemasons from various Lodges that existed at the time who worked on the viaduct. This summer or fall, a multitown celebration commemorating the 175th anniversary of this National Historic Monument is expected to be held in Canton at the site of the structure. It is anticipated that numerous dignitaries will be there (It would be nice to get Officers from all the Lodges in the area there as well as other Grand Lodge dignitaries at this event as well)
The Vision:
It is hoped that Masons from a multitude of Lodges in the area would take ownership of this project, that the monument would belong to all of the Lodges involved and would remind all of the contributions of the Freemasons to the development of industry in America. The obelisk would be 8 feet tall in addition to a buried concrete, four foot deep foundation base on which it would stand. It would contain a cavity to hold a small Time Capsule to be opened at the 300th anniversary of the construction of the Viaduct, have a number of Masonic
symbols carved into it including the Square and Compasses and the All Seeing Eye, as well as the distance to Boston and/or the distance to Grand Lodge in Boston. Site work (hopefully this would be done by volunteers) would consist of laying cobblestones around the monument in a design such that the obelisk also served as a sun dial. If there is enough interest in funding this project, a Rough Ashlar and a Finished Ashlar would be placed on either side of the monument near the base. Other characters or symbols may be added to the obelisk as
deemed appropriate such as the Beehive since the viaduct was so instrumental in jump-starting industry not only in this area, but in all of greater Boston.
Ideally, a bronze plaque would have listed all the Lodges and donors who participated in the project. This could be an excellent public relations tool for the local Masonic Lodges and Freemasonry in general as well as businesses in the area if handled properly. In the alternative, the Time Capsule would contain the names of donors and all those involved in the project to be remembered when it was opened 125 years form now.
Cost:
The obelisk with all the carvings would cost approximately $6, 450. The Ashlars would be $125 to $150 each. Site work would be an additional $200 or so to cover the cost of cobble stones and other materials. The work is anticipated to be voluntary. Add another $200 for the cost of the base and time capsule. The upper estimate of cost for this project would be approximately $7,150, though that price could vary depending on several factors. * * * * * * This grand project can not happen without the cooperation and generous donations of Masons, local businesses, and individuals who would like to help ensure the construction of this highly visible icon to America’s Freemasons and their place in the history of building America. The Obelisk would essentially look like the diagram below.
Reserve a Space in the Time Capsule:
Donors who contribute $1,000 or more will be entitled to place an 8 inch X 11inch photo or document into the Time Capsule with whatever subject matter they choose. Those contributing $100 will be entitled to place a 2 inch X 3 inch photo or document of their choice into the Capsule. Please note, of course, that space is limited. The anticipated date of the opening of the Time Capsule is 2,135 AD, which is 300 years after the completion of the Canton Viaduct.
Contact:
For more information about this project please contact John Ciccotelli, Master of Blue Hill Lodge at: hirams_beehive@yahoo.com or you can call (508) 636-5253. If you would like to contribute to the success of this historic project, your tax deductable donations may be made out and sent to Blue Hill Lodge, A.F. & A. M., c/o Ralph Staples, Secretary, 28 Wardwell Road, Canton, MA 02021. Be sure to put Canton Viaduct Masonic
Memorial on the Note at the bottom of the check. Donations can also be made through PayPal. To do this, go to the PayPal website, type in the amount you want to donate, enter the email address: bluehillhiram@yahoo.com and click submit. You will receive a verification of your donation from Blue Hill Lodge for your tax records.
