Preservation News

Cornerstone Masonic Historical Society Seeks Funding for Restoration

The McGarrah Tavern and Stage Coach Inn has been located on Stage Road for over 200 years.  Currently owned by the Cornerstone Lodge No 711, McGarrah’s Tavern has the distinction of having the oldest meeting room  for the Free Masons in New York.  The meeting room was built for the Cornerstone Lodge, chartered in 1814.  In addition to being a lodge for the Free Masons, the house was used tavern and inn, and a private residence.  One of the more famous residents was Frederick G. Hulse, who served as the prosecuting Attorney for the Nuremburg Trials. The property was listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1998 as part of a historic district in Monroe, New York, know as the Smith’s Mill Historic District.  Many of the features of the original Federal Style building are intact, including the graceful front entry porch,  many original windows, doors, a fireplace mantle.  On the property in front of the building is the original stepping stone used to disembark from the stage coach, although it is no longer used because of the changes in the elevation of the road in front of the building.

Despite several setbacks, the Cornerstone Lodge is dedication to the restoration of this building. One of the first tasks in this project was to take off the aluminum siding and expose the original wood siding, which is still in need of repair. Despite the amount of repair that the wood shingle need, the beauty of the original design was enhanced by this one task.  Another recently completed project was the addition of public restrooms to the building.

In order to generate public interest in this property, members of the Free Masons formed the Cornerstone Masonic Historical Society and is seeking members (both woman and men of all ages) interested in preserving this building and its historical setting. 

In addition, the group is seeking funding for projects needed for the restoration of this building.  Of the most immediate concern is the roof, which is currently leaking into the building. 

If you would like to become a friend of McGarrah’s Tavern and become involved in its restoration, write to Claude M. Horstmann, President P.O. Box 120, 300 Stage Road, Monroe, NY, 10950 or email preservation news at this link.

How to Become a Community Superhero

How do you become a community Superhero? My test is to create something meaningful in your community that betters the lives that surround you. That is exactly what Chester residents did when they made history by preserving history...more specifically the derelict Chester Depot that had so faithfully served passengers from 1915 to the mid 1950’s. And unlike our fictional friends pictured here, these heroes are real.