Masonic Hall: History & Rescue

Masonic Hall is a landmark historic building located at the key intersection of Bank Square in the heart of Eastport, Maine’s small downtown. The building was built in 1887 and designed by Boston and Saint John, New Brunswick architect, Henry Black. It forms part of a 30 building downtown National Register Historic District established in 1982. In the spring of 2019, the front of Masonic Hall was on the verge of outright collapse due to a severely compromised 50 foot wooden structural beam between the first and second floors. Fortunately, the Tides Institute & Museum of Art (TIMA) was able to purchase the building at this time and immediately replace the wooden structural beam with a steel beam. The ground level storefronts, which also were severely compromised, have also now been completely rebuilt as has half of the deteriorated ground level floor.

Front of Masonic Hall shortly after it was built in 1887.
Installation of cribbing in front of Masonic Hall prior to structural beam replacement in 2019.
Front of Masonic Hall, August, 2021 after structural beam had been replaced and first floor storefronts had been rebuilt.
Interior view of grand second floor Masonic Hall space prior to the rebuilding and repair of the upper front wall. The electric ceiling lights are original to the building and date to 1904.
One of two special farm to table dinners held on the first floor of Masonic Hall, Friday, August 6, 2021.
Scaffolded front of Masonic Hall while rebuilding and restoration of upper front wall takes place, 2022.
Rebuilt interior of upper front wall of Masonic Hall, 2022.

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