The Spruce Street Printer Behind Advance Lodge No. 635: James D. Torrey, Charter Treasurer
James D. Torrey printed circus posters and published Civil War histories before becoming the first Treasurer of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story connects the lodge’s founding in 1867 with Manhattan’s printing trade, the risks of circus credit, and a business undone after the Panic of 1873.
A Merchant Among the Founders: Caleb G. Francis of Advance Lodge No. 635
Caleb G. Francis, a Connecticut-born merchant raised a Mason in Williamsburgh in 1863, became the first Secretary of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story traces the lodge’s founding, a trade in sewing machine materials, and possible later connections to the Connecticut shore.
Mortimer's Mysteries: W. Golden Mortimer of Advance Lodge No. 635
Before becoming the first president of the Society of American Magicians, W. Golden Mortimer toured as a conjurer, practiced medicine, and led Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story connects New York’s Masonic history with the guarded traditions of stage magic.
Two City Halls, One Mayor: The Masonic Life of Horatio S. Sanford of Advance Lodge No. 635
In 1893, Horatio S. Sanford became mayor of Long Island City after a disputed election—and was raised a Master Mason in Advance Lodge No. 635. His story follows rival city governments, reform battles, a public library, and a later life in Oregon.
One Room, Three Lodges: Arthur E. Wenige and the Advance Masonic Temple
Raised in Advance Lodge No. 635 in 1903, Arthur E. Wenige later helped shape its Grand Avenue temple. His firm, Wenige & Nelson, supplied lodge room plans first used for Hillside and later shared with Bayside—a connection linking three Queens lodges through one design.
James Prowse Jr. and the Cornerstone of Advance Lodge No. 635
One James Prowse donated the cornerstone of Advance Lodge No. 635’s Grand Avenue temple. His son rose through the lodge’s offices before leading Astoria Lodge No. 963. Their records trace a family’s place in Astoria’s Masonic history.
Henry Clay Johnson of Advance Lodge No. 635
Astoria postmaster, New York assemblyman, and state arbitration commissioner Henry Clay Johnson also spent thirty-eight years in Advance Lodge No. 635. Follow his public career and Masonic service to the November 1915 ceremony where he delivered the oration at the cornerstone of the lodge’s new temple.
John Allen and Advance Lodge No. 635
John Allen served as a Long Island City school commissioner, spent more than six decades in Freemasonry, and organized a benevolent lodge bearing his name. Trace his connections to Advance Lodge No. 635 and the Ancient Order of United Workmen through newspaper reports, lodge records, and Astoria’s fraternal life.
Fifty Years an Odd Fellow: James M. Whitcomb and the Founding of Advance Lodge No. 635
James M. Whitcomb helped found Advance Lodge No. 635 and served as its Treasurer, but his fraternal life began with the Odd Fellows in 1846. His story connects fifty years in that order with Astoria’s waterfront, volunteer fire service, and civic life.
From Hunters Point to Astoria: Charles Risdale and the Founding of Advance Lodge No. 635
English-born blacksmith Charles Risdale became a Mason at Hunters Point in 1866 and helped found Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story connects Queens’ early lodges, Odd Fellows, and volunteer firemen—and traces a lodge lineage that survives today.
John E. Oloff of Astoria: Swedish-Born Ship Carpenter and Charter Member of Advance Lodge No. 635
Swedish-born ship carpenter John E. Oloff brought a decade of Masonic experience to the founding of Advance Lodge No. 635. Remembered as a Master, Treasurer, and patient teacher of ritual, he helped shape the Astoria lodge’s standards and traditions.
Charles Cranfield of Astoria: Painter, and Charter Member of Advance Lodge No. 635
English-born painter Charles Cranfield helped found Advance Lodge No. 635 and later served as its Master. From lodge suppers to jury selection in the Martin Thorn trial, his story offers a glimpse of Astoria’s fraternal and civic life in the nineteenth century.
Cornelius R. Morris of Astoria: Blacksmith, Fire Chief, and Charter Member of Advance Lodge No. 635
Blacksmith, fire chief, village collector, and Odd Fellows leader, Cornelius R. Morris helped found Advance Lodge No. 635. His story reveals the connections among Astoria’s trades, public service, and fraternal life in the years surrounding the Civil War.
William B. Wilson of Astoria: Long Island City Supervisor and Member of Advance Lodge No. 635
William B. Wilson served as Long Island City supervisor and belonged to Advance Lodge No. 635. His political career and 1873 funeral notice reveal the connections among Astoria’s Masons, firemen, city officials, and Queens County leaders.
Captain Martin Willis of Astoria: Civil War Prisoner and Advance Lodge No. 635
Captured at Williamsburg in 1862, Civil War captain Martin Willis endured imprisonment in Richmond before returning to Astoria. In 1866, he became a charter member of Advance Lodge No. 635, connecting the lodge’s beginnings to the wartime experience of its Queens neighbors.
Frederick Skene and Advance Lodge No. 635: The Engineer Who Built Queens, Then the State
Frederick Skene joined Advance Lodge No. 635 in 1898 and went on to oversee Queens highways and New York’s roads and canals. His story connects engineering, Masonic life, a courtroom acquittal, and a second career in education.
Ezra Newton Dodson and Advance Lodge No. 635: The Reporter Who Watched Queens Grow
Reporter Ezra Newton Dodson chronicled a changing Queens while building ties to its Masonic community. Follow his story from Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria to the charter rolls of Richmond Hill Lodge.
John I. Lovell and Advance Lodge No. 635: The Mason Who Helped Build the Temple
Discover the story of John I. Lovell, a Long Island City bricklayer who helped Advance Lodge No. 635 build its own Masonic temple in Astoria. Lodge records, newspaper accounts, and a 1915 mortgage trace his role as a trustee and building committee member—and the family connection continued by his son.
Ernest Ankener: Queens Surveyor & Freemason’s Legacy
Excerpt: A quiet Elmhurst street opens a window into Queens’ past. Explore the life of Ernest Ankener, an engineer, surveyor, and Freemason whose work helped shape the borough—and whose name lives on in Ankener Avenue.
Robert M. C. Graham: Queens Freemason & Civic Leader
Excerpt: Colonel Robert McCoskry Graham brought ambition and brotherhood to the civic and Masonic life of nineteenth-century New York. Explore his leadership in Advance Lodge, his Scottish Rite connections, and his efforts to shape the future of Astoria and Long Island City.