History of Oroville Lodge No. 103, F & AM
On June 30, 1908, a resolution was made by Charles Gardner, father of Erle Stanley Gardner; authorizing the trustees to purchase the lot at 1462 Myers Street, and proceed to construct a new Masonic Lodge. At the turn of the century, the city of Oroville was at a zenith of activity and prosperity, with four thousand men building the Western Pacific Railroad through the Feather River Canyon; the local hard rock mines and gold dredger boats producing record amounts of gold; Oroville Masonic Lodge was in need of more room.
Laying of the Cornerstone
The corner stone for the new lodge, was laid 08 October 1908. Construction on the new lodge started in the summer of 1908 and was completed and dedicated 10 April 1909. The building includes two rentals on the ground floor. The north store room was originally rented to Voorhees and Merrell; the south store room was rented to the Oroville Mercury. The Oroville Mercury occupied their rental into the late 1920’s. Over the years, the lodge has been improved from a wood fired boiler, to a modern air conditioning system; new kitchen, energy saving windows, electric stair lift and is regularly decorated. In preparing for the centennial, the lodge was decorated inside and out, the original lodge furniture restored, and a new stone and marble floor, imported from Greece and Tunisia, installed in the upstairs entrance and foyer.
Interior of Lodge No. 103
The interior of the lodge displays many unique features. All the furniture is original and has been recently restored to its original beauty. One of the most unique features is the Fresco ceilings which depict numerous Masonic emblems and symbols. As with Masonic custom, the Lodge Room is situated facing due east and west.
The adjacent banquet room includes all the pictures of the previous Master's of this particular Lodge, including as far back as to when the Lodge was originally chartered in 1856 (you can also view these pictures by clicking on the "Past Masters" link at the top of this page.)
The adjacent banquet room includes all the pictures of the previous Master's of this particular Lodge, including as far back as to when the Lodge was originally chartered in 1856 (you can also view these pictures by clicking on the "Past Masters" link at the top of this page.)