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Previously The Illinois Masonic Home |
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In 1903 the first cornerstone was laid for
the building that is now known as the James E. Hart Resident
Apartments, a part of the independent apartment program. This
building was completed and dedicated in 1904. The first person to
take up residency was Brother Henry Ryan Fuller of Kishwaukee Lodge #402 of Kingston, Illinois. He arrived December 1,
1904. Mr. Fuller was actually not the first application on file.
That honor belonged to Mrs. Elizabeth Locke Cunningham from
Louisville Lodge #196 in Louisville, Illinois. Mrs. Cunningham
actually arrived on December 4, 1904. The kitchen, dining room,
laundry services, light, water, and heating system were all
contained within the basement area of this first structure. The
residents' quarters, office, reception area, and Administrator's
quarters were situated on the first and second floors. For a period
of 1-2 years, four orphans of Masons had living accommodations
within this building. Shortly thereafter, a Children's Home in
LaGrange, Illinois, was constructed and this is where the Orphans of
Masons of the Masonic Fraternity made their home. This home still
remains in operation today. The Hart Building, originally known as
the Men's Building, was remodeled in 1976. It was made into
individual rooms for male residents. In 1996 the building was again
renovated in order to accommodate independent apartment dwellers
participating in our Fee-For-Service Program.
The first building at Mason Point is now part of the independent apartment program, The James E. Hart Resident apartments.
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