| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office.
The former Masonic Temple is an important feature of Eau Claire's central business district and is one of the few nineteenth century buildings in the district (and in the city) which remains largely intact.
1981 SURVEY INFO:
Located at the corner of S. Barstow and Main Streets, the two story red brick structure is constructed in the Richardsonian Romanesque manner. Only one other building, the Barnes Block, 17-21 S. Barstow Street (NRHP 1982) is similar in style, although at one time several business blocks and a number of schools represented the Romanesque mode in the city. The building is dominated by two broad Syrian arches which are outlined in rock faced stone. (As of 1981, the window areas embraced by these arches were covered). Near the cornice line a corbel table adds detail, while at the corners pilasters rise from the ground level to the roof line where they culminate in decorated capital-like elements. Originally the roofline was also ornamented by a central pediment, a classical feature that is not associated with the Romanesque style. On the south elevation another broad, round arch designates the entrance to the Masonic lodge which was located on the second floor (this entrance has been bricked in). This entrance is further emphasized by a slight projecting pavillion that rises above the roof and features four round openings and four round arch openings at the very top. The bays which flank this pavilllion are highlighted by a stone stringcourse and stone sills.
The first floor storefront area has been significantly altered (see original photo in 1922 publication - B) and for this reason the building was not included in the city's multiple resource nomination. If a rehabilitation occurs in the future, the building should be re-considered.
The Temple of Free Masonry in Eau Claire was organized in 1857 by W.P. Bartlett, H.C. Putnam, D.R. Moon, L.B. Foote, H.P. Graham, William Mosher, and George Mulks. The lodge was officially chartered in 1859.
The earliest meetings were held in a frame building at the corner of South Barstow and Gibson Streets. Several moves followed until 1899 when they erected this structure at the northeast corner of S. Barstow and Main Streets. In 1927, the lodge moved to a new structure at 616 Graham Avenue, 1P/8.
1987 SURVEY UPDATE: The first floor storefront area was removed in 1986 to the original stonework. The stonework has been cleaned. The side entrance has been re-opened for an entrance to the second floor.
2016- "Located in the heart of Eau Claire's historic downtown commercial area, this building was constructed by the Masonic fraternity in 1899. The Masonic Temple is an excellent and mostly unaltered example of Romanesque Revival architecture and is one of the last surviving buildings of this style in the City. The interior is similarly well-preserved and features a curved first floor mezzanine and a second story balcony once used by the Masons.
The building was designed to accomodate the Masons occupying the upper floors of the building with access to their lodge from the Main Street side of the building. The first floor of the building has historically been used for retail including several furniture stores.
The Masons moved out of the building in 1928, relocating to their present Graham Avenue location."
-"Eau Claire Landmarks: Designated Historic Properties in Eau Claire, Wisconsin", Eau Claire Landmarks Commission, P.O. Box 5148, 2016. |
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