Friday, May 21, 2010

Lost: Prince Hall Masonic Lodge on East 55th Street

Pythian Castle / Prince Hall Masonic Temple

This brick masonic hall, at 1624 East 55th Street, Cleveland, Ohio, was destroyed by fire on Wednesday. It was a Cleveland Landmark. Demolition began on Thursday. According to this Plain Dealer article, the fire has been ruled arson.

The structure was built 1907 as the Pythian Castle, for another group. The architect was Frederic William Striebinger. Another notable building by the architect is the the Second Church of Christ, Scientst on Euclid Avenue.

It served as a B'nai B'rith lodge from 1912 through the 1940s. This period of the structure's ownership is detailed on Cleveland Jewish History.

2 comments:

  1. Very interesting notes. I didn't know much of the history behind the building.

    By the way, I just wanted to let you know that I absolutely love this blog. I found the photographs and the history you provide incredibly fascinating. I'm so glad I stumbled on to it and look forward to the posts ahead.

    Great job!

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  2. That's too bad this masonic temple burned down. As a Cleveland native myself, I had driven by this building a few times. I love historical buildings and Ohio is full of great historical architecture to see. I now live in Utah, where there are great buildings as well, but not as old as in Ohio.

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