Hall Theatre masonic cornerstone and time capsule donated to Barry County Museum for preservation
April 2, 2024
Adriana Keeton, [email protected]
|
|
Several items were found in the masonic cornerstone, which was removed by Courtney Construction during demolition of the Hall Theatre last week, including an issue of the Cassville Democrat, brochures from local businesses, information regarding the Pythagoras Lodge, as well as a strawberry token from Purdy. Photos: Adriana Keeton, [email protected].
Shown above is a gallery with images provided by the Barry County Museum of items found inside the time capsule.
Demolition of the Hall Theatre began on March 18 on the square in downtown Cassville with several community members wondering what would happen to some of the historical items the building is known for.
City of Cassville Public Works staff removed the hand painted “Hall Theatre Building” glass, which was situated above one of the entrances, before demolition. It has been donated to the Barry County Museum.
Courtney Construction crews had concerns if they could save the cornerstone placed by the masonic lodge, but were able to get the stone removed completely intact.
The cornerstone was placed on August 27, 1928, at 2 p.m. on the northeast corner of the building, which was originally built as a community building for the Cassville community.
Masonic Grand Master of Missouri A.F. and A.M. Anthony F. Ittner officiated the laying of the cornerstone with past Grand Master Dr. C.H. Briggs of Springfield, and District Deputy G.M., W.M. Marbut of Mt. Vernon assisting with the exercises.
Several items were placed in a tin case situated at the bottom of the cornerstone including an August 25, 1928, issue of the Cassville Democrat, brochures from Manley Insurance of Cassville and First National Bank of Cassville, information regarding the Pythagoras Lodge #383, the Celestia Chapter #81, as well as a 1902 three crates strawberry token from James F. Chastain, of Purdy.
It is customary for small items to be placed inside masonic cornerstones, such as photographs, newspapers or a list of those who erected the building, it is wholly up to the committee.
The Barry County Museum has taken possession of the cornerstone as well as the contents from the time capsule for preservation.
City of Cassville Public Works staff removed the hand painted “Hall Theatre Building” glass, which was situated above one of the entrances, before demolition. It has been donated to the Barry County Museum.
Courtney Construction crews had concerns if they could save the cornerstone placed by the masonic lodge, but were able to get the stone removed completely intact.
The cornerstone was placed on August 27, 1928, at 2 p.m. on the northeast corner of the building, which was originally built as a community building for the Cassville community.
Masonic Grand Master of Missouri A.F. and A.M. Anthony F. Ittner officiated the laying of the cornerstone with past Grand Master Dr. C.H. Briggs of Springfield, and District Deputy G.M., W.M. Marbut of Mt. Vernon assisting with the exercises.
Several items were placed in a tin case situated at the bottom of the cornerstone including an August 25, 1928, issue of the Cassville Democrat, brochures from Manley Insurance of Cassville and First National Bank of Cassville, information regarding the Pythagoras Lodge #383, the Celestia Chapter #81, as well as a 1902 three crates strawberry token from James F. Chastain, of Purdy.
It is customary for small items to be placed inside masonic cornerstones, such as photographs, newspapers or a list of those who erected the building, it is wholly up to the committee.
The Barry County Museum has taken possession of the cornerstone as well as the contents from the time capsule for preservation.
