Oconomowoc Masonic Center History:
Built by Mississippi riverboat Captain John Scudder in 1880 as a summer residence it was locally known as “Scudder’s cottage”. Every room had a fireplace. Distinguished guests were Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain), songwriter Alfred Robyn, composer Percieval Thorne, and local opera star William Wegner to name a few. Sold to the Kohl family (theater chain family) in 1920. Acquired by Oconomowoc Lodge #42 F & AM in 1922. The veranda on the West and South sides was removed. The original narrow clapboard siding has been replaced. The oval window in the trianglular gable has survivied. It is the meeting place for all masonic groups in Oconomowoc.
The Oconomowoc Lodge was originally founded in 1854. Our current building is our third building we have been in. Our second site still can be seen in the upper level of the Irish Bar in downtown Oconomowoc.
Greetings Brethren,
It is hard to believe that summer is finally here in Wisconsin. Although we are again going Dark in the months of July and August, we will be far from not being busy. We have the following events scheduled:
1) Ladies of the Table Friday June 24th. Again this event will be held at Three Pillars. It is planned for all Masons and their wives as well as their Friends. There will be a course meal served. I need to know who is coming and choice of entrée one week before the event. The dinner is $30.00 per person and includes wine. Once again this is a toasting dinner so bring your cannons. If you do not have cannons see me.
2) Mark your calendars for our 9th Annual Lake Country Masonic Golf Outing to be held on Monday July 18th. Once again this event is our largest fund raiser and it requires every brother’s efforts to help make this day be successful. We are expecting around 144 golfers this year. If you like to golf then this is your opportunity to play on a private exclusive course. The day starts with lunch and the sounds of a bag piper. The day will continue with many contests and raffles on the course. The day culminates to an evening gourmet dinner and premier auction. The auction will include jewelry, private hunts, sports tickets, and much more. See our website lakecrountrygolfouting.net or contact Bro Tom Ewald, Rob Rohloff, or Bro. Tim Behling for more information. If you can not make the golf portion of the event then please come to the dinner. Either way we need you there. Also we still need to secure more great auction items please contact Bro Rohloff if you have something to offer of value over $25.00. Remember the money raised from this one event helps fund our many charities and our long term building plans. I look forward to seeing you at the event. Once again I will be having my wine served.
3) Our Family Fireworks Night to be held on July 2nd weather permitting. This is a family event open to the community. Our lodge Parking serves as a great location to watch the show which is literally about 100 yards away from our shores. There will be food, popcorn, drinks, and of course lots of fireworks. The rain make up date will be Sunday July 3rd. See you there.
4) During the summer we will continue to hold our Friday Afternoon Golf Outings. If interested please see Bro. Rob Rohloff. Brothers and friends are invited. This is an informal event.
5) Throughout this summer we will be selling Raffle Tickets to help fund our Building Project. The Prize will be 2 season tickets for the 2011 UW Football Season. We are asking all brothers to help sell these tickets. Please See Bros. Ryan Klustermeyer, Ben Jarvis, or Jim Lucas for details. We feel that each brother can sell at least two tickets if not more. There is a 2nd and 3rd place prize. We will be having a final drawing on August 13th.
6) Speaking of August 13th, we will be having a Car Rally-Treasure Hunt/Car Show/Pig Roast to be held at Fowler Park in Oconomowoc. The day will begin at 10am with a timed car rally-treasure hunt for those interested. 1pm we will be having a Pig Roast and Car Show. There will be cash prizes for the Car Rally and Car Show Winners. Please bring your cool cars to this event. The entry fees and cost for meals will be reasonable. See Jim Preston, Todd Stach, or Me for more details.
Again I want to thank those that have already responded to me regarding recognition of their Masonic Milestone Masonic Birthdays. I feel very strongly in this program and I want to recognize all of you that have hit milestone birthdays for your years of commitment and brotherhood in the craft. Again please let Bro. Dan Bast or me know when you will be attending one of our upcoming stated meetings so we can plan accordingly with the presentation.
Finally we have signed up Realtor Contract with Bro. Art Pfitzinger to sell our current property. Please refer any leads to Bros. Art Pfitzinger, Dan Bast, Tom Ewald, or me.
See you at Lodge
WM Jack Holtz