Las Palmas Ponderosa Masonic Lodge 366

Chronicling the history of Masonry in Fresno is a massive and on-going project.

While there have been hundreds of articles written about lodges, people and events in various publications since Fresno County was first incorporated in 1856, much of it remains un-cataloged, and pictures undiscovered.

If you are one of the thousands of men and women who have participated in the various Masonic organizations over the last 160 years, or you have relatives who were Masons; and have pictures or stories to share, we would like to hear from you.

If you see any inaccuracies in the historical information displayed, or glaring omissions, please e-mail us with the appropriate corrections.

As this site matures, we will add more historical information. Questions and comments are in dark red.

Thank You - Editor

Theodore Roosevelt was President of the United States.
Teddy Roosevelt

The cost of a first class stamp was two cents ($0.02); a postcard was one cent.
2-Cent Stamp

Albert Einstein proposed the Theory of Relativity, and a process for decaffeinating coffee had been developed.

In Fresno, the Waterman Brothers (at 1222 'I' Street) were selling 1905-1906 White automobiles at their company garage, and the Buker & Colson Drug Company (telephone number: Main 87) was offering new Kodak cameras; the new hobby of 'Kodakery'.

For $10.00 per month, you could rent a furnished cottage at 252 Clark Street which had a bath, gas (heating), electric lights, shade, a barn (garage), and a chicken corral.

The city of San Francisco was laid to ruins by an earthquake on morning of April 18th and destroyed by the subsequent fire which raged for days.
SF Earthquake

The Victor Talking Machine Company introduced the "Victrola" phonograph which played 7-inch flat disc recordings etched in either shellac, or celluloid, at speeds of 78 to 82 RPM.
1906 Victrola

In Fresno, a great spring storm of "unprecedented" severity caused the San Joaquin and Kings Rivers to swell over their banks.
100 Degree Themometer

During the month of July, Fresno experienced five consecutive days of plus 112 degree (Fahrenheit) heat. Although "air conditioning" was not widely used until the 1950's, the term was first mentioned in a 1906 patent claim.

The Fresno Raisin Eaters minor league team finished dead-last in the 6-team Pacific Coast League.

Fresno County was experiencing dramatic growth; from a population of 37,862 in 1900 to a population of 75,657 by 1910.

Last Updated: Feb 1, 2008