Volume 043-2 - April 1989 (8 pages)

f ant -— In due time a dispensation was granted and Oustomah Lodge No. 16 was duly instituted on November 4, 1853 by Grand Master S.H. Parker. An article in the Nevada Journal, the local weekly newspaper dated November Il, 1853 states: ““Oustomah Lodge No. 16 was instituted in this city on Friday night last by Grand Master S.H. Parker. Several new members were admitted the first evening. The following officers were elected for the first term: A.A. Sargent, Noble Grand; L.B. Austin, Vice Grand; J.B. Van Hagen, Recording Secretary; H.D. King, Treasurer; Charles Marsh, Warden; L.S. Friend, Conductor; O. Crandall, Inside Guardian; S. Connel, R.S.N.G.; R.S. Cary, L.S.N.G.; G.B.H. Ferrell, R.S.V.G.; W.G. Alban, R.S.S.; AM. Potter, L.S.S. The attendance was large, and of many of the best citizens of this vicinity. J.S. Lambert, Noble Grand of Grass Valley Lodge and several members of that Lodge were among the visitors. The regular meetings are on Friday night at the Masonic Hall. We are requested to say that all brothers in good standing in other lodges are respectfully invited to attend.” Aaron Augustus Sargent, was charter Noble Grand of Oustomah Lodge. He was a printer, and editor of the first newspaper in the county, The Nevada Journal, a \awyer, district attorney, congressman in 1860, senator, minister plenipotentionary to the Court of Kaiser Wilhelm, and founder of the Republican party in Nevada County. A monument to him was dedicated in Pioneer Cemetery. The first meeting was held in a log cabin, but soon met in the large brick building of Banker Hamlet Davis on Broad Street (the second lot east of the northeast corner of Broad and Pine Streets). They shared a rented hail on the top floor with the Masons until the Masonic Hall was built on the present site of the Odd Fellows Hall (on the south side of Broad Street). Again they shared with the Masons, but soon moved back to the top floor of the Davis building where they fitted up a hall of their own, only to have it destroyed by the 1856 fire. The Great Fire of July 19, 1856 wiped out the entire business district of Nevada City—more than 250 buildings, with well over one million dollars in damages—including the Masonic Hall and the Odd Fellows Hall in the Davis’ brick building. Oustomah’s loss was $2,000 in books, Charter, regalia and other property. After this Great Fire, Banker George Kidd and Dr. William Knox, built a new larger 2-story brick building on the northeast corner of Broad and Pine Streets, including the lot of the former first brick building of Hamlet Davis. The Odd Fellows and Masons again joined in sharing a hall on the second floor of this impressive building. It took Oustomah Lodge 6 years to build up its funds toward a new building, what with paying hundreds of dollars each year in support of sick and disabled members, and several widows and orphans was not easy, but finally in March of 1862 they paid $1000 for the big lot (38° x 175’) next door (east) to the National Exchange Hotel (that section now adjoining National Alley). They called for bids and proceeded with construction of one of three largest brick buildings in Nevada City at that time. The impressive building was finished in February 1863. The lower floor consisted of two large stores, one of which was occupied by the Post Office. There followed an impressive dedication on the 26th of April, which was the anniversary of the founding of the Order in America. Much newspaper space was given over to the dedication of the new building, with Grass Valley Lodge #12, Brooklyn #46 from Red Dog and Mountain Rose Lodge #26 of Rough & Ready assisting in the ceremonies. A parade was formed in the afternoon, marched up and down Broad Street, to the Baptist Church (north of the Court House) where the Oration was delivered. They then reformed the procession, marched back to the new hall where the dedication ceremony took place. Recess was called until evening when the Grand Ball was held at Temperance Hall. But the enjoyment of the new hall was shortlived. On November 8, 1863 a fire started in the Bedrock Saloon on upper Broad Street and when the three-year-old fire department turned out in full force, they found with dismay that there was vry little water pressure in the hydrants. By the time they had discovered the problem—the main valve at the reservoir was partly closed—the fire had consumed half the business district once again. All of the wooden buildings were gone, plus a majority of the so-called fire proof brick buildings, including the court house and many private homes. The loss to Oustomah was at least $20,000. Everything but their charter and a couple of record books was gone. They were insured for $7,500. In spite of the Odd Fellows taking such a huge loss (they sold the lot covered with ruined bricks and rubble two years later for $580), it was reported in the California Grand Lodge proceedings of 1864 that of the six California lodges which lost their halls and all property by fire in 1863, Oustomah Lodge was the only lodge that did not solicit aid from other lodges, and in fact they paid cash for all their new books, regalia and other things. On January 4, 1864, Mountain Rose Lodge #26 of Rough & Ready having surrendered its charter and effects to Grand Lodge, their members requested that their regalia be loaned to Oustomah Lodge which had just recently lost everything but its charter in a fire. This time it took the Odd Fellows about 8 years to face up to the large commitment of building a new hall. In a telegram to Aaron Sargent a proclamation was received from the Grand Master dated April 18, 1865 granting full dispensation to appear in regalia in procession at the Funeral of our late lamented president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The following resolution was spread upon the minutes and ordered to be published in the newspaper: “Past Grand A.A. Sargent formally announced the death, by the hand of an assassin, of the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and moved that this Lodge appear in the procession which has been announced to take place in this city tomorrow in full regalia. RESOLVED, that this lodge has heard with deep grief the melancholy intelligence of the death of our Chief Magistrate, stricken down in the midst of his usefulness and honor by the hand of the assassin. We mingle our tears with those of all the good and loyal of the country over this irreparable calamity, and will ever cherish in our hearts the fondest affection for his memory. May our Father’s God sustain the nation.” The funeral procession met at 1 o'clock at the court house on April 19, 1865 and a committee was appointed to trim the rods and charter in mourning. In August of 1871 the members of Oustomah Lodge paid $2000 for a one-story brick building with fire damage and with the following history: The one-story building was constructed by Judge Thomas Caswell in 1856 after the fire, and was to contain two spacious stores. The building changed hands until it was owned by Addison Head who sold it to Oustomah Lodge for $2000 about August 1871. To finance a first class building, the lodge came up with the following financial maneuver: The five trustees of the lodge, headed by Charles Marsh, principal organizer of the South Yuba Canal and Water Co., (later to be known as P.G. and E.), organized a corporation named the Odd Fellows Hall Assn. with the stated purpose of buying a lot and building a hall. With Capital stock of $15,000, 300 shares at $50 each for a term of 50 years, dating from May 1, 1872. On May 20, Oustomah Lodge recorded a deed transferring full ownership of Lot 4, Block 16 known as the Head Property to the Odd Fellows Hall! Association. The lodge started the ball rolling by buying 40 shares of the stock for $2000, and presumably some members of the lodge and friends of the order subscribed to the rest of the stock. At any rate, bids had already been signed and contracts let, The building was to have an all new iron front, two stories high. William Bettis of Grass Valley was the architect, and the building was to cost $13,000. By January of 1873 the two front rooms on the second floor were ready to lease. One was leased by Judge Davidson for a justice’s office and the other leased to Deal and Clark for a law office. That same month the gilt letters IOOF were put into place on the front of the building. The two new stores on the ground floor were finished and one leased to B.H. Miller as a clothing store and the other to G-W. Welch as a book store. In February Oustomah started to plan for the dedication of the new building. The celebration was to include a procession, oration, dedication and a Grand Ball. The date set was Friday April 25, 1873. One of the best bands in the state was engaged. A dispensation was granted to Oustomah Lodge to celebrate the anniversary of Odd Fellowship on the 25th of April instead of the 26th, as that comes on Saturday and as a ball is to be given, it was not considered an appropriate night for the occasion. Alex Gault of the local bakery was awarded the contract for the supper following the ball. The article in the paper stated “‘What Alex don’t know about getting up a supper is not worth knowing.” Trustee Charles Marsh went to San Francisco in March to buy the furniture for the new Odd Fellows Hall. ll

f ant -— In due time a dispensation was granted and Oustomah Lodge No. 16 was duly instituted on November 4, 1853 by Grand Master S.H. Parker. An article in the Nevada Journal, the local weekly newspaper dated November Il, 1853 states: ““Oustomah Lodge No. 16 was instituted in this city on Friday night last by Grand Master S.H. Parker. Several new members were admitted the first evening. The following officers were elected for the first term: A.A. Sargent, Noble Grand; L.B. Austin, Vice Grand; J.B. Van Hagen, Recording Secretary; H.D. King, Treasurer; Charles Marsh, Warden; L.S. Friend, Conductor; O. Crandall, Inside Guardian; S. Connel, R.S.N.G.; R.S. Cary, L.S.N.G.; G.B.H. Ferrell, R.S.V.G.; W.G. Alban, R.S.S.; AM. Potter, L.S.S. The attendance was large, and of many of the best citizens of this vicinity. J.S. Lambert, Noble Grand of Grass Valley Lodge and several members of that Lodge were among the visitors. The regular meetings are on Friday night at the Masonic Hall. We are requested to say that all brothers in good standing in other lodges are respectfully invited to attend.” Aaron Augustus Sargent, was charter Noble Grand of Oustomah Lodge. He was a printer, and editor of the first newspaper in the county, The Nevada Journal, a \awyer, district attorney, congressman in 1860, senator, minister plenipotentionary to the Court of Kaiser Wilhelm, and founder of the Republican party in Nevada County. A monument to him was dedicated in Pioneer Cemetery. The first meeting was held in a log cabin, but soon met in the large brick building of Banker Hamlet Davis on Broad Street (the second lot east of the northeast corner of Broad and Pine Streets). They shared a rented hail on the top floor with the Masons until the Masonic Hall was built on the present site of the Odd Fellows Hall (on the south side of Broad Street). Again they shared with the Masons, but soon moved back to the top floor of the Davis building where they fitted up a hall of their own, only to have it destroyed by the 1856 fire. The Great Fire of July 19, 1856 wiped out the entire business district of Nevada City—more than 250 buildings, with well over one million dollars in damages—including the Masonic Hall and the Odd Fellows Hall in the Davis’ brick building. Oustomah’s loss was $2,000 in books, Charter, regalia and other property. After this Great Fire, Banker George Kidd and Dr. William Knox, built a new larger 2-story brick building on the northeast corner of Broad and Pine Streets, including the lot of the former first brick building of Hamlet Davis. The Odd Fellows and Masons again joined in sharing a hall on the second floor of this impressive building. It took Oustomah Lodge 6 years to build up its funds toward a new building, what with paying hundreds of dollars each year in support of sick and disabled members, and several widows and orphans was not easy, but finally in March of 1862 they paid $1000 for the big lot (38° x 175’) next door (east) to the National Exchange Hotel (that section now adjoining National Alley). They called for bids and proceeded with construction of one of three largest brick buildings in Nevada City at that time. The impressive building was finished in February 1863. The lower floor consisted of two large stores, one of which was occupied by the Post Office. There followed an impressive dedication on the 26th of April, which was the anniversary of the founding of the Order in America. Much newspaper space was given over to the dedication of the new building, with Grass Valley Lodge #12, Brooklyn #46 from Red Dog and Mountain Rose Lodge #26 of Rough & Ready assisting in the ceremonies. A parade was formed in the afternoon, marched up and down Broad Street, to the Baptist Church (north of the Court House) where the Oration was delivered. They then reformed the procession, marched back to the new hall where the dedication ceremony took place. Recess was called until evening when the Grand Ball was held at Temperance Hall. But the enjoyment of the new hall was shortlived. On November 8, 1863 a fire started in the Bedrock Saloon on upper Broad Street and when the three-year-old fire department turned out in full force, they found with dismay that there was vry little water pressure in the hydrants. By the time they had discovered the problem—the main valve at the reservoir was partly closed—the fire had consumed half the business district once again. All of the wooden buildings were gone, plus a majority of the so-called fire proof brick buildings, including the court house and many private homes. The loss to Oustomah was at least $20,000. Everything but their charter and a couple of record books was gone. They were insured for $7,500.

In spite of the Odd Fellows taking such a huge loss (they sold the lot covered with ruined bricks and rubble two years later for $580), it was reported in the California Grand Lodge proceedings of 1864 that of the six California lodges which lost their halls and all property by fire in 1863, Oustomah Lodge was the only lodge that did not solicit aid from other lodges, and in fact they paid cash for all their new books, regalia and other things. On January 4, 1864, Mountain Rose Lodge #26 of Rough & Ready having surrendered its charter and effects to Grand Lodge, their members requested that their regalia be loaned to Oustomah Lodge which had just recently lost everything but its charter in a fire. This time it took the Odd Fellows about 8 years to face up to the large commitment of building a new hall. In a telegram to Aaron Sargent a proclamation was received from the Grand Master dated April 18, 1865 granting full dispensation to appear in regalia in procession at the Funeral of our late lamented president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The following resolution was spread upon the minutes and ordered to be published in the newspaper: “Past Grand A.A. Sargent formally announced the death, by the hand of an assassin, of the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and moved that this Lodge appear in the procession which has been announced to take place in this city tomorrow in full regalia. RESOLVED, that this lodge has heard with deep grief the melancholy intelligence of the death of our Chief Magistrate, stricken down in the midst of his usefulness and honor by the hand of the assassin. We mingle our tears with those of all the good and loyal of the country over this irreparable calamity, and will ever cherish in our hearts the fondest affection for his memory. May our Father’s God sustain the nation.” The funeral procession met at 1 o'clock at the court house on April 19, 1865 and a committee was appointed to trim the rods and charter in mourning. In August of 1871 the members of Oustomah Lodge paid $2000 for a one-story brick building with fire damage and with the following history: The one-story building was constructed by Judge Thomas Caswell in 1856 after the fire, and was to contain two spacious stores. The building changed hands until it was owned by Addison Head who sold it to Oustomah Lodge for $2000 about August 1871. To finance a first class building, the lodge came up with the following financial maneuver: The five trustees of the lodge, headed by Charles Marsh, principal organizer of the South Yuba Canal and Water Co., (later to be known as P.G. and E.), organized a corporation named the Odd Fellows Hall Assn. with the stated purpose of buying a lot and building a hall. With Capital stock of $15,000, 300 shares at $50 each for a term of 50 years, dating from May 1, 1872. On May 20, Oustomah Lodge recorded a deed transferring full ownership of Lot 4, Block 16 known as the Head Property to the Odd Fellows Hall! Association. The lodge started the ball rolling by buying 40 shares of the stock for $2000, and presumably some members of the lodge and friends of the order subscribed to the rest of the stock. At any rate, bids had already been signed and contracts let, The building was to have an all new iron front, two stories high. William Bettis of Grass Valley was the architect, and the building was to cost $13,000. By January of 1873 the two front rooms on the second floor were ready to lease. One was leased by Judge Davidson for a justice’s office and the other leased to Deal and Clark for a law office. That same month the gilt letters IOOF were put into place on the front of the building. The two new stores on the ground floor were finished and one leased to B.H. Miller as a clothing store and the other to G-W. Welch as a book store. In February Oustomah started to plan for the dedication of the new building. The celebration was to include a procession, oration, dedication and a Grand Ball. The date set was Friday April 25, 1873. One of the best bands in the state was engaged. A dispensation was granted to Oustomah Lodge to celebrate the anniversary of Odd Fellowship on the 25th of April instead of the 26th, as that comes on Saturday and as a ball is to be given, it was not considered an appropriate night for the occasion. Alex Gault of the local bakery was awarded the contract for the supper following the ball. The article in the paper stated “‘What Alex don’t know about getting up a supper is not worth knowing.” Trustee Charles Marsh went to San Francisco in March to buy the furniture for the new Odd Fellows Hall. ll