SALIDA, COLORADO
On September 1883, the Princeton Lodge at Buena Vista recommended a dispensation be granted to the Brothers in and around Salida and early in September, Grand Master Andrew Sagendorf granted the request. Brothers Benjamin H. De Remer served as worshipful Master with Elias Webb as Senior Warden and S. B. Westerfield as Junior Warden.
During the next ten months, 27 candidates were initiated, 24 were passed and 23 were raised. On September 17, 1884 the Grand Lodge granted the charter with 44 Brothers as charter members.
The Lodge first met in the upstairs rooms over the Webb and Carbin Mercantile Company. Both Brothers, Webb and Carbin were members of the Lodge.
In Oct. 1887, the Lodge assisted in the laying of the corner-stone of the Presbyterian Academy. In 1888, the Graig Brothers together with a Mr. Jones were building the Grand Opera House and by special agreement No.5 7 agreed to put on a second floor which was to be used as our Masonic home. The cost was about $2,700.00 and in March the Lodge moved into its new quarters.
During the years, No. 57 has contributed to many causes especially to the Galveston Flood sufferers, the San Francisco quake fund and to deserving local brethren.
In Feb., 1942, the Lodge purchased the Red Cross Hospital and began at once to remodel it. $17,000 was spent before it could be occupied. By 1959, we were free from debt. However, that same fall, No. 57 almost met with disaster! A heavy snow struck this area and damaged many buildings and homes, among which was our new Temple building. Under heavy pressure of the snow on the roof, the walls had weakened and the building had to be condemned; $15,000 had to be spent before it could be occupied again.
A matter of grave importance is the fact that almost half of the membership, which stands at about 288, has moved away from Salida.
Several of the members have served or are serving in the Grand Masonic bodies: Clarence Stumke, Robert W. Smith, Clarence P. Watson and Charles L. Thomson, Jr., Grand Warden (1961).
Members, 1960 285
