Worst Mistake by Sam House, Senior Warden #ccmasons
The recent discussion regarding the restoration of the lodge library and its flooring has motivated me to research the topic. I am neither a carpenter nor a licensed building contractor, but there is a wealth of information at my fingertips, if I choose to simply search online.
I found an excellent website thecraftsmanblog.com. The logo of the website incorporates two working tools, a chisel and mallet, being used to shape the text, something I found to be somewhat masonic in nature.
In a featured article of the blog titled, “5 Worst Mistakes of Historic Homeowners (Part 2 Floors)” the author warns against using newer, inferior products. While his article’s focus revolves around homes, I would venture to say most of the Brethren feel this way about our lodge. It being a cherished historical treasure that serves as our home away from home.
The author writes:
“Historic houses are having their floors covered up, ripped out, or trashed in any number of ways to make room for newer, inferior products.” “Have you ever seen a 70 year old vinyl floor? I didn’t think so. How about laminate flooring that has made it even 30 years? Me neither. Today’s floors, even the top quality ones, come with 25 and even 40 year warranties which isn’t too bad, but why would you replace a floor that will last centuries with one that lasts only a third that long?”
“While a click-lock engineered wood or laminate floor may be considered an upgrade on a new home it is a definite cold shower to your historic home’s market price.”
“Solid wood flooring, like this, found in most historic homes is extremely resilient. It can handle multiple refinishings (done properly) over its life and is easy to repair in a way that is almost certainly unnoticeable. And what’s best, it can last hundreds of years with minimal care! So before you jump to “upgrade” the flooring in your historic home take a minute and think it over.”
Wood flooring is not uncommon for a Masonic Temple. Recently, Sunset Masonic Lodge installed wood floors in their dining hall. They also included a wood cut design of a square and compass. I think something like this would look great under the archway as you enter our lodge library.
The last thing I would want is to do is make the mistake of devaluing our lodge by not providing the necessary and appropriate love and care, as would be deserved by a building with its historic value. I am confident that a majority of brethren share my affinity for the lodge. It is quite probable that our lodge building will withstand the test of time and continue to provide an awe-inspiring venue in which brethren will continue to impart light upon future generations. By doing the lodge it’s justice now and restoring it with style and dignity, we will set an example for our future brothers. By choosing wisely, we will be exemplifying masonry for years to come. Future brethren will notice, that when faced with the difficult decisions involved with the restoration of this stupendous edifice, we had planned for its perpetual preservation.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Sam House,
Senior Warden
#ccmasons
