Masonic Temple, Raleigh, N.C.
The Masonic Temple Building is on the corner of Hargett and Fayetteville Streets and was built in 1907. The Freemasons in Raleigh introduced a new form of construction material to the area, as this building was the first reinforced concrete structure in North Carolina. It was designed by South Carolina architect Charles McMillan and cost $120,000 to build.
This building was erected the same year as the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, located a couple blocks away on Blount Street. In the early 1950s the Freemasons moved to the Josephus Daniels House, which may or may not be the world’s smallest naval base.
Am in N.C. having some fun and coming home Wed. night but [?] not ready to come. Heard you had moved to [?]. I [?] [?] near [?] out of my shock.
Ethel.Miss Mary Bush
[?] VA
Sept. 20 [?]
I’ve often joked that nowadays cursive writing might as well be arabic script, considering how infrequently it is used–especially by the younger generation. Reading cursive that’s nearly 100 years old isn’t quite as difficult as deciphering arabic, but it was a challenge for me. Can you make out the words used on this postcard? If you’d like a better look, you can also view a high resolution version.
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07/08/2011
“but am not ready to come home. Heard you had moved to town.”
“I came very near jumping out of my shoes”
Miss Mary Bush
Vinton, VA [near Roanoke]
07/08/2011
I’m in that building RIGHT NOW!
07/08/2011
I agree the last sentence is definitely I came very near jumping out of my shoes.
07/08/2011
Am in NC having some fun. Am coming home wed night but I’m not ready to come. Heard you moved to ???? I came right near jumping out of my shoes.
07/08/2011
“Published by F.M. Kirby & Co.”
Fred Morgan Kirby owned a chain of five-and-ten stores and eventually became one of the founding partners and vice-president of the F.W. Woolworth dime-store empire. Kirby’s company was merged into Woolworth’s around 1911 or 1912.
07/11/2011
I think its more the quality of the medium used (graphite) and its ability to deteriorate over the years, more so than the cursive writing. Also if they used correct punctuation, it could be beneficial as well :)
07/11/2011
Perhaps the time is right for the start of a cursive writing preservation society to promote this form of communication and prevent the total loss of calligraphic skills in our culture?
08/09/2012
The building was also the home of the Grand Lodge, the state office for all the Masonic lodges in North Carolina. The Grand Lodge moved to a building designed and built for them. It is located at the corner of Glenwood and Glen Eden. A restoration is currently underway. Visitors are welcome.
10/01/2013
The Catholic Orphanage in the Nazereth community was the first reinforced concrete and steel structure in NC in 1898 or so (working from memory on the date)