_The Masonic Lodge_: It is reported that the first Masonic meetings
were held in Richard Cornforth’s house. The early records have been
destroyed, but as near as I can learn, William McGray was the first
worshipful master of Star in the West Lodge, 85. Since its organization
the lodge has changed its location several times, but is now
permanently located in a fine hall of its own. G. T. Whitaker is the
present worshipful master, and Ruel M. Berry is secretary.
_Antioch Chapter, 163, O. E. S._: Was organized March 26, 1913,
constituted October 11, 1913. Cora M. Whitaker, matron; Addie L. Fogg,
assistant matron; Mary W. Mosher, secretary; Chas. L. Gannett, worthy
patron.
_Sons of Temperance_: This society was organized in Chandler’s hall
in 1851. They built the building for years known as the “Temperance
Hall,” upon land purchased from Jefferson Bartlett, now owned by Benj.
Fogg. Among the prominent members of this society, we find the names of
Jefferson Bartlett, Nelson Dingley, Gorham and Alonzo Hamilton, Adam,
Hall and Washington Myrick, Solomon Hollis and S. S. Coller. Nelson
Dingley, Jr., trained the cadets in the upper part of this building.
_Glenwood Division, S. of T., 22_: Occupied the hall over the
postoffice, where it flourished for a time. John T. Main, M. D., Benj.
Williams, M. D., J. E. Stone, J. R. Taber and Frank B. Lane were among
its members.
Then came the _Ironclads_. In this lodge, John A. Van Deets was the
leader. It had an active but short career.
The _Order of Good Templars_ was several times organized, the last time
in 1899, in Taber’s hall; Henry Bacon, C. F.
_Grange_: The Sandy Stream Grange, P. of H., 72, was organized March
11, 1875, in the Temperance hall. It prospered for many years, but
afterward was discontinued because of lack of interest.
_Invictus Lodge, 38, I. O. O. F._: The Invictus Lodge was organized
July 2, 1882, in Taber’s hall. The charter members were J. R. Taber, A.
R. Myrick, James Craig, M. D., Oakley Giles, Joseph C. Whitney, M. D.,
Joseph P. Libby, George W. Murch, Albert McManus, Alton Pilley, Samuel
A. Myrick, Leslie L. Higgins, Marion Blanchard.
The officers elected at the first meeting were J. R. Taber, N. G.; A.
R. Myrick, V. G.; J. C. Whitney, Sec.
Owing to increased membership, the lodge purchased from J. R. Taber the
hall upon the opposite side of the street, and remained there until
burned out, January 5, 1904. It then sold its lot to J. R. Taber and
purchased another from him, upon which the present hall stands. The
building and furnishings cost over $5000.
_Favori Rebekah Lodge, 98, I. O. O. F._: This was organized Dec. 13,
1900. The officers elected were Fannie Bartlett, N. G.; Jennie A.
Frost, V. G.; Grace A. Bartlett, Sec.; Grace M. Cook, Treas.; Clara E.
Fuller, Ida P. Libby, Joseph P. Libby, trustees.
_Knights of Pythias, 114_: This organization was formed June 23, 1914,
in Taber’s hall. E. T. Reynolds, C. C.; J. C. Van Deets, V. C; W. J.
Getchell, K. of R. S.; G. B. Pillsbury, M. of F.; W. S. Libby, M. of E.
_Commandery_: The Commandery was instituted November 24, 1914. The
officers were Carlton Kidder, C. P.; Clare Reynolds, S. W.; D. V.
Rollins, H. P.; W. L. Fairbanks, J. W.