 |
|
|
|
Swansboro: |
|
|
Octagonal house centerpiece of Jones Masonic Campus
|
Buildings generally have four sides, right? This one has eight.
It draws visitors, especially Masons, from far and wide.
Edward Hill finished 10 years of construction in 1856 at Cedar Point as a large working farm dwelling. A century and a half later, after renovations and upgrades, John Jones donated the property in 2000 to the North Carolina Grand Lodge of Masons. The intent, the dream, is now to create a Masonic retirement community in the east the way Masonic and Eastern Star Home serves in Greensboro.
Brother Joe Vale of York Rite envisions it being good for another 150 years after having withstood hurricanes and animal habitation. Polished and fresh as new, the place is host to Rainbows, DeMolays and other Masonic groups as a retreat and picnic spot on the White Oak River. They enjoy geothermal heating and air conditioning, custom cabinetry, 10-foot-wide wrap-around porch, computer and media devices.
Its charming history merits retelling. It was a self-sufficient model through many years. Goats, chickens, hogs, sheep and dairy cows were raised. Corn, melons, grapes and many vegetable were grown. Abundant fish and wildlife provided year-around food. Outbuildings included dairy barn, smokehouse, wine storage, wagon house and stables. Flour and sugar were the only staples needed to buy. There was even a one-room school onsite. Northern troops occupied it during the Civil War but spared it from fire.
|
 |
Produced by the public relations committee of the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Masons in North Carolina,
2921 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27628 MMVIII
Author/editor: Walter J. Klein wklein(at)carolina.rr.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
