PART 5
Evergreen History 1944 to 1955
In the period from 1944 to 1947 membership increased by over 100. During 1944 there were 111 degrees conferred with the help of ten degree teams. As the war ended in 1945, degrees and social programs along with educational programs filled the year. 1946 saw 37 new members and 20 degrees were conferred in the month of August alone. John Vanderzyl became Master in Dec. 1946. One of the highlights of 1947 was a Third Degree conferred by a team of judges from Southern California led by Wor. O.K. Morton. The St Johns' Day picnic at Fairmount Park was attended by 700 members and family between the lodges enjoying a baseball game, boat rides, and other games.
By 1949, the influx of new members slowed down and the membership in 1951 had reached 638. I will note here that Bill Penrod was the Tiler from 1941 until 1966 (25 yrs) Wow!
It should also be noted that Bro. Philip Gunsolus was the 5tholdest Mason in the United States in 1952, He served as Tyler for 9 years. He received the 3rd 75yr membership pin of a California Mason , presented to him March 31, 1950.
Wor. Willard Babcock (then Inspector) installed his son Sherman Babcock as Master of Evergreen Lodge for the 1952 Masonic year. Sherm Babcock became Secretary in 1954 and served as such until 1966.
1953 had 71 degrees conferred. The Tavaglione family began an annual tradition of providing an Italian dinner which was enjoyed by more than 200. (I remember going to those dinners as a kid) The 75thAnniversary of the granting of Evergreen's charter was the highlight of 1955 being celebrated at a gala dinner at the Mission Inn attended by over 500 members and wives. John Vanderzyl ,and his wife Mary donated 2 aluminum doors for the front of the 11thStreet Temple. Too bad we weren't able to keep those for the new building.
Membership in 1955 had reached 685.
That's it for now. I'll be giving a history of some of the key players of the 60s and 70s at the April Stated meeting. Come one , come all.
John Channon, PM. HA , , Treasurer
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