Laying Corner-Stone Of First Hall

The corner-stone of the hall of Willow Lodge, No. 121, I.O.O.F. at Snelling, was laid September 3, 1859, in accordance with the ceremonies laid down in the ritual order, in a solemn and impressive manner. The surrounding lodges of Coulterbille, La Grange, Bear Valley, Hornitos, and Tuloumne City, were represented, and the people of Snelling were present in large numbers. J.W. Robertson, Marshal of the day, and John S. Williams, N.G. of Willow Lodge, took a leading part in the ceremonies.

In a box enclosed niche of the stone was deposited the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the United States, the constitution and by-laws of Willow Lodge, a list of the executive officers of the United States Government and the State of California, a list of the officers and members of Willow Lodge, a number of pieces of coin of different nations, a Confederate States treasury not, a bill of the bank of New Orleans, a greenback, copy of the number of San Joaquin Vally Argus, and a number of other articles of greater or less note. At the close of the ceremonies an oration was delivered by Hon. W. S. Montgomery, which elicited the attention and interest of the large concourse of people present, and was considered by many the principal of the occasion.

History of Merced County, California
Elliott & Moore, Publishers
San Francisco, Cal.
1881
Page 102
Transcribed by Julie Appletoft 6/09/2008

---

Merced Index ~  Social Organizations Index ~  Archive Index

---

This Web page is sponsored on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project by Richard S. Wilson. Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the Archive Coordinator for prompt attention to the matter.