From Buttons to Brotherhood (1904 - Present)
Welcome back, Monroe history lovers. This week’s history spotlight takes us to the southern point of the Monroe Center Green. There, facing eastward, we find Washington Lodge No. 19 A. F. & A. M. The address is 1 Fan Hill Road. Now, for those of you who were ever curious, A .F. & A.M. stands for Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. This is the second building to represent the Washington Lodge in Monroe, replacing the original structure which once stood at the northwest corner of Monroe Turnpike and Church Street. I had written an article on the original lodge’s history, which eventually doubled as our first town hall, and have included a link to that original article at the very bottom of this post. You may wish to reread it before diving into today’s article. Ok, whenever you’re ready. Let’s head on over to the green and learn some new history.
Our first two supporting images (c.1910) show the current lodge from a much simpler time. Its neoclassical architecture is unique in our town and is said to have been inspired by the center portion of the White House. Just how did such a Greek-inspired structure come to be in Monroe? Well, we can credit its very existence to a native of neighboring Newtown named George Griffin (1840-1901). Young George grew up in the Huntingtown District and followed in his father John’s trade as a button maker. In 1861, at the age of 21, he and his father formed the firm of J. & G. Griffin. George was a clever and inventive sort and was responsible for many patented inventions that revolutionized button manufacturing, creating an opportunity for a major expansion of their business.
After his father John retired, George then partnered with younger brother Bruce, and in 1890 they moved their business to a vacant factory on the Shelton Canal beside the Housatonic River. The relocated business expanded from 75 to 100 employees and was soon thriving. In the days before the now ubiquitous zipper, buttons were an essential component of nearly every article of clothing. Griffin’s firm was reported to be the largest manufacturer of horn buttons in the United States, turning out tens of thousands of buttons each month, in 100 styles, in sizes ranging from ¼ to 2-1/2 inches in diameter. The industrious young boy from Newtown had grown up into a very successful man, his hard-earned fortune exceeding a million dollars. Of course, George’s success can be tied directly to his family upbringing, but also to his strong association with Freemasonry, a male brotherhood that embraces the tenets of friendship, morality and brotherly love.
George Griffin died in Sarasota, Florida on May 2nd, 1901 at 60 years old, and is buried with his extended family in Huntingtown Cemetery in his native Newtown. When he passed, he gifted the Washington Lodge $21,000.00 to be used for whatever purposes they deemed best. The decision was made to construct a new lodge. A building committee was formed, and an architect was contracted for the new building’s design. Its construction was completed in the fall of 1903 at a cost of $8,000.00. The lodge was dedicated on Monday, May 23, 1904. Nearly 400 Masons from neighboring lodges gathered for the event. Shortly after 11 o’clock, Worshipful Master Stephen French appeared in the front of the hall and invited the guests in to partake of refreshments in the banquet room. At 1 o’clock, the lodge was formally dedicated in due and ancient form. It has since, now for over 120 years, proudly served as the home of Washington Lodge No. 19 A. F. & A. M.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s historical spotlight on the Washington Lodge No. 19 A. F. & A. M. building. To this day, it’s considered a gift from George Griffin. By the way, does the name George Griffin sound familiar? It might. His financial generosity is also responsible for the establishment of Griffin Hospital in Derby. Please share this post and the link below to the previous post with your family and friends, and thank you for your continued support and interest in Monroe’s rich history. Until next time. The Masonic Fraternity does not invite membership, nor do they advertise. Instead, they wait patiently for that special man to knock on their door to seek admittance. Are you a man who is interested in a fraternal organization that embraces the tenets of friendship, morality and brotherly love? Well, I gave you the address. Your path to enlightenment may be just a knock away. Of course, they have a website as well if a virtual knock is more your speed. Check it out for yourself and learn of all the good things they’re doing for our community.
Regards,
Kevin Daly
Historian, Monroe Historical Society
www.monroecthistory.org
Our Past is Always Present
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​https://www.monroecthistory.org/the-old-town-hall-1800-present-and-beyo​​
