Masonic Building gets new windows

By Richard L. Rhoda
Special to the Pioneer Times
    The recent installation of new windows to the third floor of the Masonic Building in Market Square, has achieved a back to the future appearance.
    Michael Hurley, entrepreneur and owner of the Temple Theater, made a major investment in the building over the winter by insulating the attic and installing 16 new windows. The windows were purchased from and installed by local businessman Jim Cumming.
    While Monument Lodge still owns the third floor of the building, Hurley was responsible for the windows. Looking at his long-term investment he decided to make renovations to reduce his fuel consumption and enhance the viability of the building.
Pioneer Times photos/Elna Seabrooks
ARTS AND CRAFTS STYLE — In this detail photo, the original  style of the windows was replicated with eight spokes. Sixteen new windows were installed returning the look of Monument Lodge to the time when it was built between 1918 and 1919.
    The Masons of Monument Lodge encouraged and then worked with Hurley to return the old eight-spoke transom windows above the picture windows in the front rooms of the third floor. These windows had been removed some 50 years ago and filled in with painted plywood.
    The Masons were attuned to the historical importance of the eight-spoke windows as a representation of the Arts and Crafts movement and its architectural influence in vogue at the time. They shared this with Hurley who was willing to return the historically correct windows to the building that was erected between 1918 and 1919.
    Cumming, who did the work for Hurley, approached the manufacturer of his window line with his special need of this old-fashioned window. Dealing with the design department, Cumming was able to obtain the historically correct windows.
    Clarence Jones, Master of Monument Lodge, thanked Hurley for his willingness to work with the lodge.  “As we begin our sesquicentennial  anniversary year, it is great that we can return one of the landmarks of Market Square to its former beauty,” said Jones.
Pioneer Times photo/Elna Seabrooks
NEW WINDOWS — Passersby may have noticed the 16 new replacement windows for the Masonic Lodge which replicate the original windows installed when the building was erected between 1918 and 1919. The spokes reflect the American Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century and early 20th century, still popular today.
    Hurley replied: “It’s my pleasure as a Houlton businessman to uphold the integrity of the unique architectural history we have here in Market Square. Houlton is proud of its heritage and we want to sustain it here at the Temple Theater.”