Masonic Temple Demolition
Norwich, CT
October 2006
Norwich, CT
October 2006
Norwich Bids Farewell to the Masonic Temple
By Megan McGory (as published in The Resident Good News, October 2006)
Once the demolition of the Masonic Temple is complete, the Mohegan Tribe can breathe a sigh of relief. Demolition of the historical Washington Street landmark, built on top of the Mohegan Royal Burial Ground, began October 10.
The Mohegans hope to establish a memorial park and burial ground on the site. “It’s not finalized, but it will be a memorial park to the people already buried there,” said Chuck Bunnell, the Mohegan Chief of Staff for External and Government Affairs. “Tribal Elders are working for the appropriate design, and the site will never be developed.”
Built in 1928, the Masonic Temple was built by the Norwich Masons and housed many of Norwich’s social events through 1988, and many are sad to see it go. The mammoth building with Neo-Classical architecture was considered by many a unique gem of Norwich, but driving by the building during the past month brought mixed feelings. Gaping holes now peer back from where Masonic symbols used to adorn the building, and these have been handed over to the Norwich Masons along with a time-capsule from 1928 originally buried near the cornerstone of the temple, discovered last month by demolition workers.
Some argued that the building should not have been demolished because it was listed on the National Historical Register, but many forget that the 17th century Mohegan Royal Burial Grounds are also listed for the same property. Many also do not realize that being listed on the National Historical Register does not offer protection against demolition.
Currently there is a small memorial to Uncas, the famed 17th century Mohegan Sachem on Sachem Street, near the driveway and parking lot for the Temple. Decendants of Uncas are known to be buried in or around the property. During the 1920’s, during the construction of Sachem Street, Mohegan remains were discovered, disturbed, and in some cases even destroyed.
Demolition was not the Mohegan Tribe’s first choice when they acquired the building in 1999. However, to upgrade the building to turn it into a type of communications center, construction and other preparation work would have disturbed the burial ground on the property. The Tribe decided that, in order to prevent further desecration of the present graves, the Masonic Temple would be razed and the site protected from future development.
The tribal elders are “pretty private,” Bunnell said, “I heard some discussion that they’ll be trying to right some of the desecration that took place.” Whether that means re-internment of recovered Mohegan remains or future burials of present day members, Bunnell doesn’t know.
The demolition is scheduled to be completed by November 22.
By Megan McGory (as published in The Resident Good News, October 2006)
Once the demolition of the Masonic Temple is complete, the Mohegan Tribe can breathe a sigh of relief. Demolition of the historical Washington Street landmark, built on top of the Mohegan Royal Burial Ground, began October 10.
The Mohegans hope to establish a memorial park and burial ground on the site. “It’s not finalized, but it will be a memorial park to the people already buried there,” said Chuck Bunnell, the Mohegan Chief of Staff for External and Government Affairs. “Tribal Elders are working for the appropriate design, and the site will never be developed.”
Built in 1928, the Masonic Temple was built by the Norwich Masons and housed many of Norwich’s social events through 1988, and many are sad to see it go. The mammoth building with Neo-Classical architecture was considered by many a unique gem of Norwich, but driving by the building during the past month brought mixed feelings. Gaping holes now peer back from where Masonic symbols used to adorn the building, and these have been handed over to the Norwich Masons along with a time-capsule from 1928 originally buried near the cornerstone of the temple, discovered last month by demolition workers.
Some argued that the building should not have been demolished because it was listed on the National Historical Register, but many forget that the 17th century Mohegan Royal Burial Grounds are also listed for the same property. Many also do not realize that being listed on the National Historical Register does not offer protection against demolition.
Currently there is a small memorial to Uncas, the famed 17th century Mohegan Sachem on Sachem Street, near the driveway and parking lot for the Temple. Decendants of Uncas are known to be buried in or around the property. During the 1920’s, during the construction of Sachem Street, Mohegan remains were discovered, disturbed, and in some cases even destroyed.
Demolition was not the Mohegan Tribe’s first choice when they acquired the building in 1999. However, to upgrade the building to turn it into a type of communications center, construction and other preparation work would have disturbed the burial ground on the property. The Tribe decided that, in order to prevent further desecration of the present graves, the Masonic Temple would be razed and the site protected from future development.
The tribal elders are “pretty private,” Bunnell said, “I heard some discussion that they’ll be trying to right some of the desecration that took place.” Whether that means re-internment of recovered Mohegan remains or future burials of present day members, Bunnell doesn’t know.
The demolition is scheduled to be completed by November 22.
I know I was one who didn't want to see the Masonic Temple go, but when it was going, I didn't want to miss it. I used my lunch break for several days to rush down to Norwich and shoot the demolition.
Former location: corner of Sachem St. and Washington St. Norwich, CT
July 30, 2006 - October 20, 2006 and video shot with: Kodak DX7590
May 16, 1964 shot with: unknown, contributed by Paul Caouette.
Former location: corner of Sachem St. and Washington St. Norwich, CT
July 30, 2006 - October 20, 2006 and video shot with: Kodak DX7590
May 16, 1964 shot with: unknown, contributed by Paul Caouette.
