cr ft m sonry - Onondaga and Oswego Masonic District Historical ...

Winchell Hall Dormitory for Women, Syracuse University - 1900 >
Architect: E. H. Gaggin, Syracuse University School of Architecture, located on the
Northeast corner of University Avenue and University Place; demolished Feb 1984.
This was the first dormitory to be built on the Syracuse University campus, and was
named for Alexander Winchell, first Chancellor of Syracuse University, 1872-74,
and Professor of Geology, Zoology, and Botany, 1873-78. The building opened in
the fall of 1900 and had thirty rooms housing female students. The dormitory later
housed 58 students and had offices, and in the mid 60’s housed classrooms, one of
which was used for students in Advertising Design (such as I). It was in the process
of being demolished to make room for the building of the Schine Student Center
when a fire swept through it in early Feb 1984 and hastened the venerable
structure's end.
Crouse Hinds Plant, built in 1911 at the corner of Wolf and 7th North
Streets in Syracuse, New York.
Howard Everett Plaisted was born in Syracuse on 21 May 1859. He was made a Mason in Central City Lodge No. 305 in
December 1887. Immediately appointed to office, he served continuously until he was elected Master in 1892, serving in that office
for four years and was the “Masonic Father” of many prominent Brothers. He was elected Secretary in 1909, which office he held
until his death. Bro. Plaisted was Representative of the Grand Lodge of Georgia near the Grand Lodge of New York 1912-1915, and
was member and active in all the Masonic bodies in Syracuse.
He received the degrees in the Scottish Rite in April 1897 and was Sovereign Prince, Central City Princes of Jerusalem in 1905;
Grand Hospitaler of the Council of Deliberation in 1906. He was made an Honorary member of the Supreme Council, 33 o on 18 Sep
1906 at Boston, serving as Secretary of the Central City 33 o Club from 1911 until the date of his death.
The offices filled by him and the honors conferred upon him form no record of his Masonic history. After he became Secretary of the
various Masonic bodies, he devoted his entire time and abilities to the Order. At the Temple, he was the fountainhead of information
and the confidant and advisor of the officers of all of the Masonic bodies. He knew no distinction between lodges or between Rites
of Freemasonry. He was prepared at any time to give and charge or take any office or station in any of the Blue Lodge work and
frequently he filled vacancies on a moment’s notice.
Ill.’. Bro. Howard E. Plaisted laid down his Working Tools at Manlius on 22 February 1927.
The place which he held in the community was quietly yet nonetheless positively shown by the cooperation in the funeral
arrangements rendered by the civil and police authorities of the City of Syracuse and the public at large. During the two days the
body of Bro. Plaisted lay in state in the Blue Room of the Masonic Temple with a Commandery Guard of Honor throughout every
hour of the day and night, and during that time traffic on a downtown street was entirely discontinued.
As seemed most fitting, the funeral services were held in those surrounding where he had labored so faithfully and which to him had
been like home. The largest Lodge room in the Temple was packed beyond the doors and hundreds were unable to obtain
admission. The religious rites of the Episcopal Church were read by Bro. Almon A. Jaynes, Archdeacon of the Diocese of Central
New York, followed by the impressive service of the 33 o , under the direction of Ill.’. Bro. Jerome L. Cheney, Active 33 o , and Deputy
for the State of New York. “Full many a head in sorrow drooped.” As the final words of the Blue Lodge ritual were spoken by the
Master of Central City Lodge.
The character of Bro. Plaisted has impressed itself upon the hearts of the Masons of Syracuse. No eulogy could be written which
would do him justice. No written record of his deeds and accomplishments can be made. No man can estimate the measure of his
work or the limit of his influence. The life he led is his eulogy.
Farewell, O friend! Long may the cheer
Thy presence gave yet linger here!
-------------
The memory of thy merit dwell
Like a light on distant seas! Farewell!
Two members of this Lodge served as Grand Masters of Masons in the State of New York:
M..W.. Clinton F. Paige, Grand Master 1863-1864
Clinton Freeman Paige was born at Dryden, Tompkins County, New York, on 10 Sep 1827. He was the eldest son of Dr. Daniel D.
and Lavina Paige’s three children. After the death of his parents in 1842 he lived with his maternal uncle, Horatio Ballard, in
Cortland. He was educated at Cortland Academy and thereafter read law with his uncle, passing his Bar examinations in 1848. He
then moved to Syracuse, becoming Secretary of the Syracuse and Binghamton Railroad Company until 1856, when he was elected
President, a post which he held until 1861.
23