Mills County, Iowa

Silver City Community History
1879 - 1979

SILVER LIGHT LODGE *400 A.F. & A.M.

Silver Light Lodge *400 A.F. & A.M. was instituted on June 18, 1880. The charter members and first office holders were L.W. Burnham, Worshipful Master: W.M. Banister, Senior Warden; S.L. Wiatt, Junior Warden: Silas Morse, Treasurer; A.F. Rhodes, Secretary. Other members were J.R. Armstrong, A.W. Crosby. W.G. Moore, W.B. Oaks and Sterling Davis.

The records of the lodge were destroyed by a fire on November 19, 1891. A special meeting was called on December 12, 1891, and the members agreed to continue the lodge. Webster Mains was elected Worshipful Master for 1892.

The Lodge continued to meet in the upstairs of the Silver City State Bank. In the early 1950’s they purchased the old Pullman building on the Northeast corner of Main Street, Silver City, Iowa. They have completely remodeled the building, and it is used jointly with the Eastern Star.

The Silver City Lodge’s first Worshipful Master. Z.W. Burnham, organized lodges in numerous cities before starting the Lodge at Silver City. In December of 1890 on the occasion of Mr. Burnham’s 92nd birthday anniversary, the Silver City Lodge prepared a surprise for him with a fine gold-headed cane and Past Masters jewel. At the time of his death in 1891, it was thought that he was the oldest Mason in Iowa, if not in the United States, having been a member for 68 years.

The Lodge has presented certificates for 50 years to the following: 1913, Silas Morse; 1919, James Finchem: 1951, Frank Pullman; 1953, G.A. Spelbring: 1953. H.J.Banister; 1958, Roy Flanagan; 1958, C.W. Sawyer: 1971, Grover Goos; 1972, Arch Coiner; 1973. Rev. F.G.Barnes; 1975, Earl Bobbitt; 1975, Harold Pollitt: 1978,Oscar Deitchler.

Photo of Z. Burnham

~submitted by Roseanna Zehner & Darlene Jacoby