MAGreenDragonTavern

THE GREEN DRAGON TAVERN, BOSTON

Green Dragon Tavern

NEW ENGLAND CRAFTSMAN, 1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 9, June 1906, Page 318:

The following account of the Green Dragon Tavern is condensed from that given in the Centennial Memorial of the Lodge of St. Andrew, whose history for a considerable while was associated with this famous building and which lodge has for nearly a century and a half owned the property.

Noted landmarks, which call to mind associations with the early history of the nation, always possess a peculiar interest to all lovers of their country, and the story belonging' to them is awakening, as well as instructive.

Among the famous places of Huston, in past days, was a widely known and celebrated building called the "Green Dragon Tavern," situated on the border of a mill pond which is now Union Street, and near the corner of Hanover Street; in its day it was the best hostelry of the town.

The celebrity of the "'Green Dragon," however, is not due to any remembered excellence of hospitable entertainment, but for the social and political public and private gatherings of the people, with other interesting local incidents, for three-fourths of a century antecedent to the American Revolution: and above all, for tje stirring, patriotic, no less than timely measures determined under its root by the heroic men of '76, who brought to pass that memorable epoch.

It was indeed the cradle of Rebellion; the chosen asylum, where the Revolutionary master spirits who organized successful resistance to British aggression on the liberties of the colonies took grave counsel together.

To the Masonic Fraternity of Massachusetts, the old "Green Dragon' presents associations of a special significance. It was here within its walls that the Free Masonry of the Commonwealth was preserved in Grand Lodge jurisdiction, bright and vigorous; where its charities, its hospitalities, and its good tidings were kept up between the years 1775 and 1792, a period which witnessed the disruption by reason of the war for Independence of important branches of the Order in Massachusetts. Still further, this was the scene of Warren's most intimate political and Masonic associations, with the patriots and Masons of his time.

No picture of the "Green Dragon Tavern" of any description is known to be in existence, save the one presented with this sketch which was engraved for the Lodge of St. Andrew from a model which the Hon. N. B. Shurtleff prepared some years since with his usual accurate and thorough Knowledge of ancient noted Boston houses. From this model in wood, llle present picture has been made.

With perhaps the single exception of Faneuil Hall, there was no public building in Boston at the close of the eiRhteenth century which had acquired a more extensive notoriety or filled a larger place in the local history of the town than the old Green Dragon Tavern. In 1697 the Tavern was kept by John Cary, and was at that early day and perhaps earlier known as the Green Dragon Tavern. In 1764 the property was purchased by St. Andrew's Lodge, when it took the name of Freemasons' Arms, at which time a Square and Compasses was placed on the front of the building. It however soon after dropped this title, and was popularly known as Masons' Hall, by which name it continued to be designated until the removal of the Lodge, when it resumed its ancient title of Green Dragon Tavern.

Feasts were frequently held in the long room of the famous tavern by the Masons of that time, one of which occurred December 20, 1773 at which was present Joseph Warren. Esq., Grand Master, and other brethren to the number of thirty-eight. An incident of the festival is mentioned as follows:—The Lodge having reached a convenient resting place in its "work", the brethren were called from labor to refreshment,— and refreshment in those days was what the word in its common acceptation implies. At this interesting period of the proceedings, Brother Oliver (the Closet Steward) never failed promptly to present himself at the door, in his best "bib and tucker," hearing a huge Punch Howl!— one half resting on his correspondingly huge abdominal protuberance, the other supported by his brawny arms. Thus prepared for the encounter, the brethren being seated in order with their glasses in hand, he with dignified solemnity and fully impressed with the magnitude of the business before him, slowly commenced his tour of duty, paying his respects first to the Master in the 'East", and then passing regularly around the hall, until the members were all supplied, or in the technical language of the day "all charged,"'and waiting the order of the Master. He then slowly retired, with the benedictions of his brethren, and a consciousness of having faithfully performed his share in the "work" of the evening.

Such a scene would not commend itself to favor at the present time; but it was one of a class common, not only in the Lodges, but with modifications, in the social, civil, literary and religious society of that early day, when

"The funeral bak'd meats
Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables."

But it is perhaps to the political associations which cluster around its name, that the Green Dragon Tavern is more particularly indebted for its historic celebrity. It was here that many of the most important and eventful of the political transaction preceding the Revolution were, if not positively inaugurated, discussed, matured and put in execution. This was undoubtedly due to the fact that the hall in this building was the only room in the northern section of the town, excepting one used for popular assemblies, that was suitable for this purpose.

It must not be inferred that the Revolutionary patriots who held their meetings in this Tavern met as Masons, or used Masonry as a cover for their purposes, for others than Masons were associated with them.

The hall was used as a central ami safe place for the meetings of private committees and rallying clubs, with which Warren as chairman of the "Committee of Safety"' was in frequent consultation and directed their movements.

Boston was full of clubs and caucuses at that time which were used with effect to secure unity of action; among these was "The Sons of Liberty"' and the "Caucus—Pro Bono Publico", of which Warren was the leading spirit. Among the most active of the Sons of Liberty was Paul Revere. They were so careful that their meetings should be kept secret that every time they met every person swore upon the Bible that nothing should be revealed except to Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Dr. Warren and Dr. Church. It is undoubtedly true that the famous Boston Tea Party was organized in this Tavern and largely by the members of the Lodge of St. Andrew. It may safely assumed, that from the year 1767, when the Revenue Acts were passed imposing a tax on tea, creating a Board of Customs, and legalizing Writs of Assistance, to the close of the War of Independence, there was not another public house in the whole country and assuredly not in Massachusetts where so much of the secret history of the Revolutionary period was made, as at the Old Green Dragon Tavern.

NEW ENGLAND CRAFTSMAN, 1923

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XIX, No. 1, October 1923, Page 5:

THE GREEN DRAGON TAVERN, OR FREEMASON'S ARMS
by BRO. CHARLES W. MOORE, Massachusetts

What the Goose and Gridiron Tavern is the ancient annals of London Freemasonry, the Green Dragon Tavern is to the memories of the Freemasons of Boston and New England. In it and about it revolved many of the most exciting activities of the Boston Revolutionary times, not the least of which were the patriotic caucuses and plottings of the brethren who in those days held their lodge in that historic building. But there is no need here to expatiate upon that subject: the whole story is told at length and in colorful detail in the article printed below, which is an extract beginning on page 155 of "The Lodge of St. Andrew and the Massachusetts Grand Lodge," printed in Boston, 1870, "by vote of the Lodge of St. Andrew."

FREEMASON'S ARMS

Noted Landmarks, which call to mind associations with the early history of a nation, always possess a peculiar interest to lovers of their country, and the story belonging to them is awakening, as well as instructive. Among the famous places of Boston, in past days, was a widely known and celebrated building called The Green Dragon Tavern, situated on the border of a mill pond, in what is now Union Street, and near the corner of Hanover street; "in its day," it was the best hostelry of the town. The celebrity of the "Green Dragon," however, is not now due to any remembered excellence of hospitable entertainment, but for the social and political public and private gatherings of the people,— with other interesting local incident,— for three fourths of a century, antecedent to the American Revolution; and above all, for the stirring, patriotic, no less than timely consequential measures determined under its roof by the historic men of '76, who brought to pass that memorable Epoch. It was indeed the cradle of "Rebellion"; the chosen asylum, where the Revolutionary master spirits,— who organized successful resistance to British aggression on the liberties of the colonies,— took grave counsel together.

To the Masonic Fraternity of Massachusetts, the old "Green Dragon," which, a century ago, began to be called also "Freemasons' Arms,"— presents associations of especial significance. It was here within its walls that the Freemasonry of this commonwealth was preserved in Grand Lodge jurisdiction, bright and vigorous; where its charities, its hospitalities, and its good tidings were kept up between the years 1775 and 1792, a period which witnessed the disruption, by reason of the war for Independence, of important branches of the Order in Massachusetts. Still further, this was the scene of Warren's most intimate political and Masonic associations, with the patriots ind Masons of his time.

To the members of the Lodge of St. Andrew, this estate,— their own magnificent possession for more than a hundred years,— was endeared by ties which run over a still longer period.

No picture of the Green Dragon Tavern of any description, is known to be in existence, save the one presented in this "Memorial." This was engraved recently for the Lodge of St. Andrew, from a model which the Hon. N. B. Shurtleff prepared some years since, with his usual accurate and thorough knowledge of ancient noted Boston houses. From this model in wood, with much painstaking on the part of the Lodge, in the way of exhibiting it for criticisms to old inhabitants who were familiar with the look and details of this ancient structure — which was removed forty-two years ago,— the present picture has been made. It is believed to be a faithful representation, and it may also be affirmed that it is unanimously recognized as such by every one who is competent to judge.

From the records of the Lodge at a Quarterly Communication, March 4, 1864, the Worshipful Master, Edward Stearns, called the attention of the Lodge to the fact that the Green Dragon Tavern was purchased by this Lodge, March 31, 1764, id that Thursday next, the 31st instant, would complete a period of one hundred years from the date of the deed of that estate. Thereupon, on motion of Brother Wellington, it was

Voted, That a committee of five be appointed, with full power to make arrangements for celebrating the Centennial Anniversary of the purchase of the Green Dragon Tavern.

The following brethren were appointed: A. Wellington, Charles W. Moore, J. R. Bradford, Samuel P. Oliver, and Isaac Cary. On motion of Brother Palmer, it was

Voted. That the above committee be increased to eight, that being the number of the original committee appointed January, 1764, "to purchase a house for the benefit of the Lodge of St. Andrew."

The Worshipful Master, Brother Wm. F. Davis, Senior Warden, and Brother John P. Ober, were thereupon added to the committee.

The following is the Ledge record of the celebration.

A special meeting of the Lodge of S Andrew was held in the new building on the "Green Dragon" estate, Union Street, on Thursday evening, March 31, 1864, at 6.30 o'clock, for the purpose of celebrating tin Centennial Anniversary of the purchase of the Green Dragon Tavern.

An apartment in the building was suitably decorated for the festival and a bountiful dinner provided.

The Worshipful Master presided, and in a dignified, appropriate address, invoked the attention of the brethren to the ceremonies of the evening, and to the remarks of members whom he should call upon to speak upon the pleasant Masonic memories suggested by the spot whereon the Lodge was then assembled, and to the historical incidents connected with the "ancient Inn." After a proper allusion to the distinguished men who had held Masonic intercourse together in times past in the hall of the "Green Dragon," the Worshipful Master called up M. W. Brother Wm. Parkman:

Who stated that on the 12th day of January, 1764, the Lodge resolved by vote to purchase a house; accordingly Thomas Milliken, Samuel Barrett, Edward Foster, Caleb Hopkins, Moses Deshon, William Hoskins, Joseph Webb, and John Jenkins were chosen a committee for that purpose. On the succeeding 31st of March Catherine Kerr, by her deed of that date, conveyed in fee the premises known as the Green Dragon Tavern unto the above named committee. The estate was managed by committees of the Lodge until 1832, when the estate was conveyed to Brothers Benjamin Smith, Henry Purkitt, Zephaniah Sampson, David Parker, Thomas W. Philips, John Suter, and Ezekiel Bates, to be held by them as trustees for the use and benefit of the Lodge of St. Andrew. In January 1852, Brothers Smith, Purkitt, and Suter being deceased, a new board of trustees, consisting of Brothers David Parker, E. Bates, T. W. Philips, Z. Sampson, J. P. Ober, Thomas Restieaux, and Wm. Parkman were chosen, to whom the premises were conveyed for the use and benefit of the Lodge. Brother David Parker was chosen chairman, Brother T. W. Philips treasurer, and Brother Wm. Parkman secretary. In 1855 Brother Parker having removed from the city resigned as chairman, and Brother John P. Ober was elected to fill the vacancy. In 1859 Brother Philips died, and Brother Restieaux was elected treasurer.

The Most Worshipful Winslow Lewis then addressed the Lodge, and said that:

By the dispensation of the Supreme Grand Master, a severe domestic affliction has deprived us all of the presence of Brother Charles W. Moore, from whom we should have received the fullest information of those memorials of the past, which are so hallowed to the memories of every member of the Lodge of St. Andrew, who are now assembled to commemorate, on this spot, the associations connected with a locality dear to every Masonic heart, to every patriot's breast! But, Worshipful Master, our Brother Moore, though absent, and stricken by bereavement, was not willing to let this Centennial occasion pass by, without communicating such interesting facts relating to the Green Dragon Tavern as he had from time to time preserved. And I therefore shall, with your permission sir, read a communication on this subject, which my Brother Moore has handed me, to be presented to the Lodge at this festival.

Reminiscences of the Green Dragon Tavern

With perhaps the single exception of Faneuil Hall, there was no public building in Boston at the close of the last century which had acquired a more extensive notoriety or filled a larger place in the local history of the town, than the old "Green Dragon Tavern." I need not trouble you with any particular description of it, for that will be given by one who is pre-eminently distinguished for his extensive and accurate knowledge of all the interesting historical localities of the city.

We have no record or other authentic evidence of the fact, but there can be little doubt that St. Andrew's Lodge, which was, m its incipiency, composed largely of North-End men, originated and was informally organized in the "Long Room," so-called, in the northerly end of this Tavern, in the year 1752. It is nevertheless proper to say that this inference is predicated on the known fact that it was in this Hall that in 1756 it was re-organized and commenced work under a Charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland,— a circumstance that would not have probably occurred, had not the Hall been previously occupied by it, and was then in a condition suited to its purposes. And this hypothesis is strengthened by the additional fact that it continued to hold its regular monthly meetings here until the year 1818, when it was removed to the Exchange Coffee House.

It was in this "Long Room," also, where so much of our Revolutionary history was made, that the Massachusetts Grand Lodge — an offshoot of St. Andrew's Lodge — with Joseph Warren for its Grand Master, was organized on the 27th of December, 1769, and continued to hold its meetings until its union with the St. John's Grand Lodge in 1792.

In 1697 the tavern was kept by John Cary, and was at that early day, and perhaps earlier, known as the Green Dragon Tavern.

In 1764 the property was purchased by St. Andrew's Lodge, when it took the name of "Freemasons' Arms,"— the new proprietors having placed a large Square and Compass on the front of the building. It however soon after dropped this title, and was more popularly known as "Masons' Hall"; by which name it continued to be Masonically designated its ancient title of "Green Dragon Tavern."

On the 24th of June, 1772, the festival of St. John the Baptist was celebrated by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge by a public procession, formed at Concert Hall, the brethren marching in full regalia to Christ Church in Salem Street where "a very suitable and pertinent discourse was preached by the Rev. Samuel Fayerweather, of Narragansett"; after which they returned to Masons' Hall, and "dined together in the Garden, under a long Tent erected for that purpose; and the remainder of the day was dedicated to mirth and social festivity."

The garden here spoken of was in the rear of the house, and extended northerly to the water, covering the ground now occupied by Mr. Riddle as a salesroom. Our late Brother Sampson has said to me that he was accustomed in his boyhood days to fish for flounders at the lower end of this garden; which in early times extended to what was then known as the "Mill Pond,"— a large basin of salt water, cut off from Charles river by dykes, and used for mill and other purposes. It was here that in the winter-time the "North-End Boys" and the "West End-ers" used to fight their mimic, and not always bloodless, sectional battles, until, after the occurrence of several serious mishaps, they were interfered with and their sports forbidden by the Selectmen of the town. It is hardly necessary to say that the area formerly occupied by this pond is now an extensive business section of the city.

There were present at the above celebration, M. W. Joseph Warren, Grand Master; R. W. Joseph Webb, D. G. M.; Paul Revere, S. G. W., pro tem.; Thomas Crafts, J. G. W. pro tem.; Samuel Barrett, G. Treasurer; Wm. Palfrey, G. Secretary; and the Masters, Wardens, and brethren of St. Andrew's, Tyrian, Massachusetts, and St. Peter's Lodges, together with a sufficient number of visitors to make a company of ninety-seven brethren, which at that early day was a very large and full attendance.

Public Masonic Processions were at this time of rare occurrence. One of the earliest of which we have any record took place on St. John's Day, Dec. 27, 1749, and was the occasion of unusual curiosity and interest in the community. It called forth from a learned wit a short poem, in which the circumstance is treated with much satirical humor and ridicule. The author of this poem was Joseph Green, a merchant of the town, and undoubtedly an Anti-Mason, though it would be difficult to tell from what motive, unless it was that he had failed to obtain admission into "the Lodge." But whatever the motive may have been, the poem is so well done and so keen in its satire, that I do not hesitate to quote a few passages for your amusement. The marching of the Procession is thus described:

"See! Buck before the apron'd throng,
Marches with sword and book along;
The stately ram, with courage bold,
So talks before the fleecy fold,
And so the gander, on the brink
Of river, leads his geese to drink."

The keeper of the Royal Exchange Tavern, where Masonic meetings were at one time held, is taken notice of in this wise:

"Where's honest Luke? that cook from London;
For without Luke the Lodge is undone.
'Twas he who oft dispell'd their sadness
And filled the Brethren's heart with gladness.
Luke in return is made a Brother,
As good and true as any other,
And still, though broke with age and wine,
Preserves the token and the sign."

In another place comes in with less credit:

"The high, the low, the great and small,
James Perkins short, and Aston tall;
Johnson as bulky as a house,
And Wethered smaller than a louse.
We all agree, both wet and dry,
From drunken Luke to sober I."

The poet designates Lewis Turner as "Pump Turner," probably from his occupation. Dr. Thomas Aston figures as "Aston tall." Francis Johonnet is called "laughing Frank," and is thus nicely introduced:

"But still I see a numerous train:
Shall they, alas! unsung remain?
Sage Hallowell, of public soul,
And laughing Frank, friend to the bowl;
Meek Rea, half smother'd in the crowd,
And Rowe, who sings at church so loud."

Aston was an apothecary and grocer; Hallowell, here referred to, was probably Captain Benjamin Hallowell, an active and influential Mason; John Rea was a ship-chandler, and kept in Butler's Row; John Rowe, afterwards Grand Master, was a distinguished merchant and importer, and lived in Essex Street, and was the owner of Rowe's pasture, through which Rowe Street now runs; Buck probably means Buckley, a member of the First Lodge, as were also Henry Whethered and Henry Johnson.

Our brethren, in these early days of the Institution in the colonies, were more particular in the observance of the winter and summer festivals of the Order (Dec. 27th and June 24th) than their successors have been. These celebrations, however, were not always public. On the contrary, I believe that of the 24th of June, 1772, was an exceptional case in the history of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge and, consequently, in that of our own Lodge; for the two bodies on all occasions moved as a unit, and held their festivals together at the Green Dragon. I will not occupy your time by referring to them in the order in which they gathered; but that of 1773, being the last with which General Warren's name is connected as being present, I deem worthy of special notice in this connection; and this cannot be done more satisfactory than in the words of the record. The annual communication of the Grand Lodge was held this year on the 3d of December, and after the ordinary business had been disposed of, the record says:

The Most Worshipful Grand Master (Warren) then desired the opinion of the Grand Officers present, with respect to Celebrating the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, 27th Instant.

• Motioned and Seconded, The Feast be Celebrated the 27th Instant, at Masons' Hall (at the Green Dragon).
• Voted, The Stewards of the Grand Lodge of St. Andrew's, and the Massachusetts Lodges, agree for and provide the dinner, and that three Brethren be desired to joyn the Stewards.
• Voted, Brothers Bruce, Proctor (and) Love.
• Voted, The Festival be advertised in the Public Prints.

I accordingly find in the Boston Evening Post of December 20, 1773 the following advertisement:

"THE Brethren of the Honorable Society of Free and Accepted MASONS are hereby notified, That the Most Worshipful JOSEPH WARREN., Esq., Grand Master of the Continent of America; intends to Celebrate the Feast of St. JOHN the Evangelist, on Monday the 27th of December Inst, at Free Masons' Hall (at the Green Dragon), Boston, where the Brethren are requested to attend the Festival.

By Order of the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
Wm. Hoskiss, G. Sec'y

"N. B. Tickets may be had of Mess. Nathaniel Coffin, junr., William Mollineaux, junr., and Mr. Daniel Bell.

"The Table will be furnished at Two o'clock."

This "Feast" was held in the Long Room of the Green Dragon on the 27th, and the record names as being present, "M. W. Joseph Warren, Esq., Grand Master; Hon. Wm. Brattle, Esq.; and thirty-eight others including the Grand Officers."

There had formerly been some degree of coldness between the two Grand Lodges in the Province; as was natural enough in view of the causes which led to the organization of the younger body. It is therefore the more gratifying to find on the record such unmistakable evidence of the fraternal feeling existing between them at this time, as the following:

"The Most Worshipful Grand Master was pleased to direct three Brethren, viz: Jona. Williams, Elisha Thatcher, and H. Hatch to wait upon The Most Worshipful John Rowe, Esq., Gd. Master, the Grand Officers and Brethren at Their Feast, at Col. Ingersoll's (Bunch of Grapes Tavern), to acquaint them, their Healths would be drank at half after 4 o'clock. The committee returned for answer, that Grand Master Rowe and the Brethren concerned would return the Compliment at that period."

I give the following summary of the "Reckoning" on this occasion as a matter of] curious reminiscence:

• 50 dinners a 3s: 7. 10 0
• 13 dbtle. Bowles Punch: 1. 14 8
• 13 Bottles Port a 3s: 1. 16 0
• 17 do. Medaira, a 4s: 3. 8 0
• Advertising: 8 0
• TOTAL: $14. 16 8

• Collected—10 Tickets a 6s 12. 0 0
• After Collection: 2. 16 0
• TOTAL: $14. 16 8

"Punch" was a favorite Beverage in the days of which we are speaking, and very large "double Punch Bowles" were a fashionable, if not a necessary appendage to the dinner table on all public occasions; nor were they dispensed with until a much later date.

Our late Brother John J. Loring was initiated into Masonry at the Green Dragon and used to describe with quiet humor the appearance of Brother Eben'r. Oliver, one of the old-school North-End mechanics and the Closet Steward of the Lodge,— while in the discharge of what the brethren there doubtless held to be one of the most important of his official functions. He was large portly man, and without exaggerate might exclaim with Falstaff,

"I am in the waist twa yards about."

He was

"fat, Sleek-headed, and such as sleep o'nights …"
"In fair, round belly, with good capon lined."

But withal a most excellent, amiable, and faithful brother.

The Lodge having readied a convenient resting place in its "work," the brethren were called from labor to refreshment,— and refreshment in those days was what the word in its common acceptation implies. At this interesting period of the proceedings Brother Oliver never failed promptly to present himself at the door, in his best "bib and tucker," bearing a huge Punch Bowl!— one half resting on his correspondingly huge abdominal protuberance, the other supported by his brawny arms. Thus prepared for the encounter,— the brethren being seated "in order," with their glasses in hand,— he, with dignified solemnity, and fully impressed with the magnitude of the business before him, slowly commenced his tour of duty,— paying his respects first to the Master in the "East" and then passing regularly around the hall, until the members were all supplied, or in the technical language of the day, "all charged," and waiting the order of the Master. He then slowly retired, with the benediction of his brethren, and a consciousness of Laving faithfully performed his share in the "work" of the evening!

Such a scene would not commend itself to favor at the present time; but it was one of a class common, not only in the Lodges, but with modifications, in the social, civil, literary and religious societies of that early day. when

"The funeral baked meats
Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables."

It was in the "Long Room" of the Green Dragon that on the 28th of August. 1769, the present St. Andrew's Chapter was organized as a Royal Arch Lodge, under the authority of the Charter of St. Andrew's Lodge. This degree was anciently given in Masters' Lodges; which arrangement was subsequently changed, and it was conferred in Royal Arch Lodges, attached to and working under the authority of the Charters of Craft Lodges. The present Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Ireland still retain a nearly analogous provision in the following words: "Every Warrant to hold Councils or Encampments, shall be granted to some warranted or acknowledged Lodge to which a Royal Arch Chapter is attached; and shall not only bear the same number, but shall be held in the same place where the Lodge and Chapter usually hold their meetings."

General Warren was a member of this Lodge, and being present in 1770, the year after its organization, the record says he "gave his opinion in favor of holding (continuing) the Royal Arch Lodge until he should receive instructions from Scotland. If then so directed, he will grant them a Charter therefor." There is no evidence that such a charter was required or issued, and the Lodge continued to hold its meetings at the same place, and under its original authority, until tlie 25th of November, 1790, at which date we find in the records the following vote:

Voted, That Brother Matthew Groves be a committee to return the thanks of this Lodge to St. Andrew's Lodge for their politeness in granting us the use of their Charter.

General Warren, as before stated, was a member of the Royal Arch Lodge, as were also Col. Joseph Webb, Col. Paul Revere, and other prominent members of St. Andrew's Lodge. Indeed, of the twenty-one members who composed the Royal Arch Lodge. In 1791 this Lodge assumed the name of a "Royal Arch Chapter," and in 1798 it united with King Cyrus Chapter of Newburyport, and at Masons' Hall, in the "Green Dragon Tavern," organized the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts.

On the 17th of May, 1770, the petitioners for "the Massachusetts Lodge," which a scion of St. Andrew's Lodge, met at "Masons' Arms," in the "Green Dragon Tavern," and organized that body. It held its second meeting at the same place on the following 1th of June, and was then removed to "Concert Hall." And on the 10th of November, 1795, Columbian Lodge also held a meeting at the "Green Dragon." These were the only occasions when the "Long Room" was ever occupied by any other private Masonic Lodge than our own. Columbian Lodge was at this date located at Concert Hall, and its occupancy of the room on the occasion referred to, was probably a matter of accommodation to the proprietors of that establishment, which was then the popular resort for dancing parties and other social purposes.

But it is perhaps to the political associations which cluster around its name, for which the Green Dragon Tavern is more particularly indebted for its historic celebrity. It was here that many of the most important and eventful of the political transactions preceding the Revolution were, if not positively inaugurated, discussed, matured and put into execution. That this was so, is undoubtedly in some measure to be accounted for by the fact that the Hall in the building was the only room in the Northern section of the town, excepting Deblois's Hall, on the corner of Queen and Hanover streets, which at that time was adapted to popular assemblies; and by the additional and perhaps more significant fact that the principal leaders of the Revolution in Boston were members of the Masonic Fraternity, and many of them of the Lodge which held its communications there,— a circumstance which would very naturally influence them in the selection of the place for their private consultations. It is not however to be inferred from this, that they either met as Masons or used Masonry as a cover for their purposes; for others than Masons were associated with them. But be this as it may, it will not be irrelevant nor perhaps wholly uninteresting to the members of the Lodge, to refer briefly to some of the more popular purposes to which the Hall, in the early days of its history, was appropriated.

One of the largest, and perhaps one of the most efficient of the political clubs which sprung into existence during the troublous times of 1768 and onward, was that known as "The North-End Caucus." This body was composed almost exclusively of North-End mechanics,— distinguished for their daring and activity,— and held its meetings in the Hall of the "Green Dragon Tavern." Warren who, Frothingham says, "was idolized by the North-Enders," was an influential member of it as were Revere and others of his personal friends.

The Hall was also used as a central and safe place for the meetings of private committees and rallying clubs, with which Warren, as chairman of the "Committee of Safety" was in frequent consultation, and directed their movements. Barry, in his History of Massachusetts, says: "The town (Boston) was full of clubs and caucuses, which were used with effect to secure unity of action; and the hardy mechanics who had done so much to promote the industrial prosperity of the metropolis, and who now acted as patrols, were the steady supporters of the patriot cause. In vain were the artifices of loyalists employed to seduce them to compliance with the wishes of his excellency and when their services were required at the barracks, 'all the carpenters of the town and country' left off work; and British gold was powerless to tempt them, though 'hundreds were ruined, and thousands were half starved,' nay, they went further and obstructed the works of the governor. His supplies of straw were set on fire; his boats conveying bricks were sunk; and his wagons laden with timbers were overturned.

The character and services of these important Clubs are well illustrated by our Brother Paul Revere, in his narrative of the events of 1775, when he says about thirty persons, chiefly North-End mechanics, had agreed to watch the movements of the British soldiers and the Tories, in anticipation their descent on Concord. These patriots met at the Green Dragon Tavern. "We were so careful," he says, "that our meetings should be kept secret, that every time we met, every person swore upon the Bible that they (he) would not discover any of our transactions, but to Messrs. Hancock, Dr. Warren and Church, and one or two more leaders. They took turns to watch the soldiers. two by two, by patrolling the streets all night."

In reference to this club, Elliott, in his history of New England, has the following: "Among the most active of the Sons of Liberty was Paul Revere. In the Fall and Win of 1774-5, some of the best Boston mechanics formed themselves into a club, to watch the doings of the British soldiers. These were 'High Sons of Liberty,' and men of action, who met at the Green Dragon Tavern; and every man swore on the Bible that nothing should be revealed except to Sam Adams, John Hancock, Dr. Warren, and Church" (the latter a traitor). Revere, a leading man in this club, and was sent by Warren on the night of the 18th of April to notify Hancock and Adams of the movement of the British troops on Lexington and Concord, at the former of which places the two patriots were concealed.

Another of these Clubs which held their meetings at the Green Dragon Tavern was the "Caucus—Fro Bono Publico," of which Warren was the leading spirit, and in which, says Elliott, "the plans of the Sons of Liberty were matured."

It is to be regretted that no authentic record of the names of the persons who composed the Boston Tea Party in 1771, has come down to us. "But," says Frothingham, "as Warren was presented to the Privy Council as one of the prominent actors in these proceedings, and was held up by his political opponents at home as one of the Mohawks," and as "he was not one to shrink from any post of duty, it is not more improbable that he was one of the band who threw the tea overboard, than that his friend John Hancock (captain of the Cadets) should have been one of the guard to protect the actors."

The tradition of the Lodge is that all the preliminary measures in this affair were matured at the Green Dragon, and that the execution of them was committed mainly to the members of the North-End Caucus,— that stalwart and fearless band of North-End mechanics, whose directing genius was Warren,— having the cooperation of the more daring of the "Sons of Liberty." That Warren was present as a leader in the affair does not admit of any serious doubt; nor is there any question that his personal friends Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Joseph Webb, Paul Revere, Thomas Melville, Adam Collson, Henry Purkett (who used modestly to say he was present only as a spectator, and in disobedience to the orders of his Master, who was actively present), and other patriots of the day, were cognizant of it,— and some of whom at least are known to have participated In its final consummation. It was the first act in the great drama, the conclusion of which was the independence of the country.

The "Master" referred to above, with whom our late Brother Purkett served his apprenticeship, was Samuel Peck, a cooper by trade, and one of the leading and influential members of the "North-End Caucus." He was also an active member of St. Andrew's Lodge,— a connection which strengthens the tradition of the Lodge that the table for the famous Tea Party was first spread in its "Long Room." Among the members of the Lodge who are known to have taken an active part in the affair, were Adam Collson, Thomas Chase, Samuel Gore, Daniel Ingollson, Samuel Pack, Edward Proctor, Henry Purkitt, and Thomas Urann.

I have looked in vain for a copy of an old revolutionary song said to have been written and sung as a "rallying song" by the "tea party" at the Green Dragon. The following fragment, though probably not in all respects an exact transcript of the original, will indicate its general character:

Rally, Mohawks!— bring out your axes!
And tell King George we'll pay no taxes
On his Foreign tea!
His threats are vain—and vain to think
To force our girls and wives to drink
His vile Bohea!
Then rally boys, and hasten on
To meet our Chiefs at the Green Dragon.
Our Warren's there, and bold Revere,
With hands to do and words to cheer
For Liberty and Laws!
Our country's "Braves" and firm defenders,
Shall ne'er be left by true North-Enders, Fighting Freedom's cause!
Then rally boys, and hasten on
To meet our Chiefs at the Green Dragon.

I regret not being able to give the balance of this song, but perhaps some curious antiquary may hereafter discover it, if it ever appeared in print. I am inclined to think, however, that it was a doggerel made for the occasion, and passed away when it ceased to be of use, or appropriate. The two stanzas I have reproduced, are given as nearly as my memory serves, as they were often recited more than a third of a century ago, by the late Brother Benjamin Gleason, who, born near the time, was curious in gathering up interesting reminiscences of the revolutionary period of our history.

In January 1788, a meeting of the mechanics and artisans of Boston was held at the Green Dragon Tavern, and there passed a series of resolutions urging the importance of adopting the Federal Constitution, then pending before a Convention of delegates from the different parts of the State. Hon. Daniel Webster, in a speech delivered by him at Andover, in the autumn of 1843, referring to this meeting and these resolutions, holds the following language: "There was a particular set of resolutions, founded on this very idea of favoring home productions, full of energy and decision, passed by the mechanics of Boston. And where did the mechanics of Boston meet to pass them? Full of the influence of these feelings, they congregated at the Head-Quarters of the Revolution. I see, waving among the banners before me, that of the old Green Dragon. It was there, in Union Street, that John Gray, Paul Revere," — both members 0f the Lodge,— "and others of their class, met for consultation. There, with earnestness and enthusiasm, they passed their resolutions. A committee carried them to the Boston delegation in the Convention," then in session. Paul Revere, whom Mr. Webster ;n a previous address, delivered on another occasion, says, was, "a man of sense and character, and of high public spirit, whom the mechanic of Boston ought never to forget," was chairman of this committee. He placed them in the hands of Samuel Adams. "How many mechanics," said Mr. Adams, "were at the Green Dragon when these resolutions were passed?" "More, sir," was the reply, "than the Green Dragon could hold." "And where were the rest, Mr. Revere?" "In the streets, sir." "And how many were in the streets?" "More, sir, than there are stars in the sky."

The late Hon. Edward Everett, in an address on the Battle of Lexington, delivered at Lexington on the 19th of April, 1835, speaking of the patriot Samuel Adams, says:

"He was among the earliest and ablest writers on the patriotic side. He caught the plain, downright style of the Commonwealth in Great Britain. More than most of his associates, he understood the efficacy of personal intercourse with the people. It was Samuel Adams, more than any other individual, who brought the question home to their bosoms and firesides, not by profound disquisition and elaborate reports,— though these in their place were not spared,— but in the Caucuses, the club rooms, at the Green Dragon, in the ship-yards, in actual conference, man to man and heart to heart."

The Old Church was, in these stirring times, called by the patriots, the Sanctuary oi Freedom; while, on the other hands, the Green Dragon Tavern was denounced by the Tories as a Nest of Traitors! The distinction in these appellations is more obvious than the difference! The enemies of the tyrannical and oppressive measures of the government, were all either patriots or traitors, according to the standard by which they were tried.

I give these anecdotes as striking and forcible illustrations of the popular character of the Green Dragon, and of the important part which the mechanics of the North-End played in public affairs, at that day. It is not however, to be inferred that the mechanics residing in other sections of the town were inactive. That the former appear more prominently than others of their class, is probably owing to the circumstance that the North-End was then the business part of the town, and where most of the mechanical trades were carried on.

It may, I think, be safely assumed, that from the year 1767, when the Townshend Revenue Acts were passed, imposing a Tax on Tea, creating a Board of Customs, and legalizing Writs of Assistance, to the close of the War of Independence, there was not another public house in the whole country, and assuredly not in Massachusetts, where so much of the "secret history" of the Revolutionary period was made, as at the old Green Dragon Tavern; and it is to be deeply regretted that the subject was not attended to when that history could have been intelligently and reliably written. It is now too late. The patriotic men who alone could have furnished the material have passcd| away,— and they have taken their "secret" with them.

When Mr. Webster, who was perhaps better read in the early local history and events of the Revolutionary period than any other public man of his time, described the Green Dragon Tavern as the "Head-Quarters of the Revolution," he wrote the title page, and opened a volume, which, if written as he alone could have written it, would have been an addition to the early political annals of the Commonwealth of surpassing interest and importance.

NEW ENGLAND CRAFTSMAN, 1951

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XLVI, No. 2, February 1951, Page 21

© 1950. by The Masonic Service Association of the United States. Reprinted by permission.

In the early days of Freemasonry in England and subsequently in America, lodges met in inns and taverns.

These were not of the often casual type which the automobile made so popular in this country: the early inn and tavern was often the largest and most substantial edifice in a town. It was often built with a large room expressly for meetings of societies, clubs, circles, groups of many varieties and characters.

A writer of the 17th Century stated: "Taverns are the busy man's recreation, the idle man's business, the melancholy man's sanctuary and the stranger's welcome." Prominent men met in taverns in London to discuss problems of science, religion, government, philosophy. Mackey said: "The coffee house was the Londoner's home and those who wished to find a gentleman commonly asked not whether he lived in Fleet Street or Chancery Lane but whether he frequented the Grecian or the Rainbow," in which tavern it may he noted met Lodge 75 in 1731, of which Henry Price, "Father of Freemasonry in America", was a member.

In the time in which the Mother Grand Lodge in London was formed (1717) lodges not only met in inns and taverns hut often described themselves by their meeting place.

The four old lodges which formed the Grand Lodge in London, can be described, as they were by Robert Freke Gould, noted English Masonic historian as

• Original No. 1, "Kings Arms", St. Paul's Churchyard
• Original No. 2. "Rose and Buffler", Furnival's Inn
• Original No. 3, "Queen's Head", Knaves Acre
• Original No. 4, "Horn"', Westminster

Other famous taverns associated with the beginnings of organized Freemasonry in London are "Goose and Gridiron". "Rummer and Grapes", "Apple Tree", Cheshire Cheese", etc.

In America the same practice continued; our early lodges met in inns and taverns long before the first Masonic Temple was built.

The first meetings of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire were held in "The Earl of Halifax" tavern, in Portsmouth. In 1738 a lodge was holden at the "Harp and Crown" in Charleston. South Carolina, as reported in the South Carolina Gazette. The New York Gazette in 1739 advertised the meeting of a lodge at the "Montgomery Arms Tavern". Lodge No. 18, Dover. Delaware, was opened and established "at the Sign of General Washington," Dover. The first lodge on record in New Jersey, St. John's in Newark, met in "The Sign of Rising Sun" tavern in 1761. An early lodge in Providence, Rhode Island, met in the "White Horse" and later in the "Two Crowns" tavern. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts met many times in the "Bunch of Grapes" and the "Royal Exchange" taverns.

Most famous in American Masonic annals, however, is the "Green Dragon Tavern" in Boston, built at the end the seventeenth or beginning of the eighteenth century. No actual picture of it exists; a picture drawn from contemporary descriptions, and corrected by old residents of Boston who had seen tbe old structure before its demolition shows it to have been a substantial house of two stories and a mansard roof upper story with dormer windows.

ft was perhaps fifty or sixty feet front and forty or fifty feet deep. There was a great chimney at each end. Inside was the famous "Long Room"— apparently a room the length of the house, in which not only St. Andrews Lodge, but many societies, clubs and associations met. Behind the tavern was a garden and pond; in good weather, when the lodge was called from labor to refreshment, meals were served in the garden in sight of the pond.

The tavern was sometimes called the cradle of the Revolution, because of the noted Revolutionary figures who there gathered, and the great event — the "Boston Tea Party" — which was there planned. Between 1775 and 1792 Freemasonry in Massachusetts was largely nourished in the Green Dragon Tavern, particularly St. Andrews Lodge and its Masonic activities.

St. Andrew's Lodge is believed to have been organized in 1752. There is no evidence to attest the fact, except circumstantial evidence, but it was here, four years later, that it reorganized under a charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland. St. Andrews would likely not have chosen this place for that reorganization had they not been accustomed there to meet. It did meet in the Green Dragon Tavern — soon to be called Freemasons Hall — until 1818 when it moved to the "Exchange Coffee House".

Here, too, the Massachusetts Grand Lodge was organized on St. John's Day in Winter, 1769, with the great Joseph Warren, who was to fall at Bunker Hill, as Grand Master. This Grand Lodge continued here to meet until the union with St. John's Grand Lodge in 1792.

The old tavern was bought by St. Andrew's Lodge in 1764 and a large Square and Compasses were erected on its front — it was this which led to the renaming of the tavern. The tavern resumed its old name when the lodge moved to the Coffee House.

Our forefathers were more particular as to the celebrations of the feasts of the Sts. John than we moderns; St. John's Day in winter (December 27) and St. John's Day in summer (June 24) were religiously kept by Colonial Masons.

A note will suffice to show the importance of these festivals in Grand Lodge eyes. At the annual communication of Grand Lodge, December 3, 1773, the record reads:

"The Most Worshipful Grand Master (Warren) then desired the opinion of the Grand Officers present with respect to celebrating the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, 27th Instant.

• "Motioned and Seconded. The Feast be Celebrated the 27th Instant, at Masons' Hall (at the Green Dragon).
  
• "Voted, The Stewards of the Grand Lodge of St. Andrew's, and the Massachusetts Lodges, agree for and provide the dinner, and that three Brethren he desired to jovn the Stewards.
  
• "Voted, Brothers Bruce, Proctor (and) Love.
• "Voted, The Festival he advertized in the Public Prints."

In the Boston Evening Post of December 20, 1773, the following advertisement appeared.

"The Brethren of the Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons are hereby notified, That the Most Worshipful Joseph Warren. Esq., Grand Master of the Continent of America: intends to Celebrate the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, on Monday, the 27th of December Inst, at Free Masons' Hall (at the Green Dragon), Boston, where the Brethren are requested to attend the Festival.

"By Order of the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
"Wm. Hoskiss, G. Sec'y.

"N.B. Tickets may be had of Mess. Nathaniel Coffin, jnnr.. William Mollineaux. junr., and Mr. Daniel Bell.

'"The Table will be furnished at Two o'clock."

This "Feast" was held in the Long Room of the Green Dragon on the 27th, and the record names as being present, "M. W. Joseph Warren, Esq., Grand Master: Hon. Win. Brattle, Esq.; Rev. Dr. Samuel Mather; Worshipful Joseph Webb, Esq.: and thirty-eight others, including the Grand Officers."

This is not the place nor is there space to retell much of the early Colonial sentiment against Great Britain which culminated in the War of the Revolution. There was a long period of preparation, a time during which resentment at many of the acts and enactments of the mother country seethed and fomented, spread and became more intense throughout all the Colonies. Anti-British sentiment was particularly rife in Boston.

England began to bring things to a head by sending two regiments of troops to Boston, partly to quiet "the radicals" and partly to aid in the enforced collection of taxes. Boston was then a city of some twenty thousand people; a prosperous colony. Its citzens had the stiff-necked independence of the New England descendants of the Pilgrims, pioneers who fought Indians and cold, poverty and the wilderness, for the right to be independent and worship as they please. They were hardy of character and stern of justice.

Bostonians in general and Masons in particular resented the British troops. There was doubtless much baiting and persecution of individual soldiers by hoodlums and riff-raff, but the resentment of the solid citizens of Boston was probably hardest to bear.

All this culminated in the "Boston Massacre" when on March 5, 1770, a riot occurred in which British soldiers fired on citizens and killed four.

As an immediate result Great Britain withdrew the troops and repealed many of the objectionable taxes— but not the tax on tea!

The patriots were determined that no tea should be landed to be sold, with the tax for the benefit of the East India Company added. Tea ships were sent home from New York and Pennsylvania, and others were interned in Charleston, but the governor refused clearance papers for three tea ships in the Boston Harbor.

Many political associations and clubs met at the Green Dragon Tavern. Of these some were small, some large, some formed of men of one trade or craft, some of men from various walks of life. Among them were "The North-End Caucus" largely made up of North-end mechanics and the "Sons of Liberty".

Warren was a member of one— perhaps both - as was Revere and other noted members of St. Andrew's Lodge.

It is not possible to prove that the "'tea party" was a St. Andrew's Lodge idea, or that it was executed entirely by members of the lodge. It was probably a combined action by the "North-end Caucus" men, the "Sons of Liberty", members of St. Andrew's Lodge and there cam be no doubt that the whole plan was made, and doubtless rehearsed, in the ""Long Room" of the Green Dragon tavern.

John W. Barry, Iowa, told the story briefly and well in The Builder, 1916.

"Mistaking the attitude of the Americans, as we that of their King, The English East India Company had offered to refund the tax by selling tea at a lesser price in America than in England. The King of England claimed right to tax without consent. So HurLtf resolution of conciliation was voted down in England's Parliament by 270 against 78. The issue was joined; England claimed the right to tax without consent: the Americans denied such claim. England said: "Land the tea" — A gathering Dec. 16, 1773, in The Old South Meeting House said "No." A messenger had been sent to Milton to urge Hutchinson, the King's representative, to order the tea back to England. Long after dark the refusal was delivered by Rotcb the messenger. At one Adams announced: 'The meeting can do nothing to save the Country." When the church doors opened there were 40 to 50 men disguised as Indians. Says Avery, 'in two or three hours, 342 chests of tea valued at about 1800 pounds sterling were emptied into the sea.

"The smoothness of the performance suggests a master playwright and many rehearsals. When the work had been completed the crowd quietly dispelled before daybreak Paul Revere was riding fast to Philadelphia with the glorious news that Boston had all thrown down the gauntlet for the King to pick up."

"The "Sons of Liberty" met at the Green Dragon Tavern where St. Andrew's Lodge also met regularly. This was the lodge of Paul Revere and Joseph Warren. It was a 'North-End Lodge' whose secret meetings alternated with the 'Sons of Liberty", who controlled early Revolutionary movements. The men were same in both.

"The record of that lodge on Nov. 30, 1772. showed only seven members present and in the record is the statement: 'M.B. Consignees of Tea took up the brethren's time.' On December 16, the night of the Tea Party, the secretary, after noting that the lodge closed till the next night, makes the T entry thus: —'On account of few members in attendance' and then fills up the illi the letter 'T' made big. Gould says this record is the only one of that now famous Tea Party at Boston. That Tea Party was as dignified a Masonic event as the laying of a Corner Stone — as indeed in very truth it was. Here is what that eminent authority John Fiske says of it:

"For the quiet sublimity of reasonable hut dauntless purpose, the heroic annals of Greece and Rome saw no greater scene than that which the Old South Meeting House witnessed on the day (night) when the tea was destroyed."

Avery says: *An authoritative answer to the oft asked question., "Who emptied the tea?" has never yet been found. But Paul Revere was well on his way to Philadelphia before morning."

Who made up the band of "Indians" who threw the tea into Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773? There is no authentic record. But historians are convinced by circumstantial evidence that the Mohawk Indians made cold tea of Boston Harbor included Joseph Warren, Paul Revere. Samuel Adams, Joseph Webb, Thomas Melville, Adam Collson, Henry Purkitt and Lemuel Beck.

It is stated as a matter of fact by some historians that among the St. Andrew's Lodge members of the tea part were Collson, Chase, Gore, Ingollson, Peck, Proctor, Purkitt and Urann.

Over emphasis on incidents alone is decried by all historians: it is the overall picture, not the highlights which must be studied to see the correct perspective of an era.

The Boston Tea Party was such an incident. There would have been a Revolution without it. The Green Dragon Tavern, its "Long Room", the "North End Caucus", "the Sons of Liberty" and St. Andrew's Lodge did not cause the revolt of the American Colonies.

But they helped. They crystallized sentiment. They produced a happening which had all the inspiration which mystery, picturesqueness, patriotism and daring could add. They did something which has rung down through the years as an expression of the determination of Colonial Americans not to be slaves. They produced a deathless story for posterity.

It is, therefore, with considerable pride that Freemasons can recall the Green Dragon Tavern, and exult that in days when a brave heart and a determined spirit were essential if the United States was to come into being Freemasons were in the front ranks of those who said "No one shall pay tax on this tea!"

TROWEL, 1992

From TROWEL, Summer 1992, Page 29:

The Cradle of Rebellion
by R. W. James T. Watson, Jr.

From 1767, when the Townsend Acts imposed a tax on tea to the close of the War of Independence, no other place in the country made so much "secret history" of the period as the Green Dragon Tavern. With the exception of Faneuil Hall, "the Cradle of Liberty. " and perhaps the Old South Meetinghouse, "the Sanctuary of Freedom." no building acquired greater notoriety as the "Cradle of Rebellion" than the Green Dragon Tavern. Here many of the important and eventful political meetings preceding the Revolution were held.

The North End Caucus," a political club of Local mechanics largely responsible for the "Tea Party," held their meetings here in the only room in that part of town large enough for popular assemblies. The "Committee of Safety" and other clubs supporting the patriots' cause also met at the tavern and formed patrols, checking-up on the activity of British soldiers. The "High Sons of Liberty" swore on a Bible at each meeting to reveal their discussions only to Samuel Adams. John Hancock. Dr. Joseph Warren and Dr. Church, who later proved a traitor.

The old mansion that was later to become the Green Dragon Tavern was built about 1680 on three-quarters of an acre of marsh and upland bounded by the Mill Pond. Around 1695, it was first used as an inn. being operated by several innkeepers over the next 69 years. The Lodge of St. Andrew purchased the property from Mrs. Catherine Kerr on March 31, 1764. and changed its name first to Freemasons' Arms and later to Masons' Hall. When the Lodge of St. Andrew moved to Exchange Coffee House in 1818. the building once again became the Green Dragon Tavern and remained so until it was razed in 1828 because of the widening of Union Street to accommodate increased traffic from buildings constructed on the filled-in Mill Pond.

Originally, the name of the street was Green Dragon Lane leading from Hanover Street to Mill Pond. Built of brick, in front it showed only two stories and an attic. But in the rear, from the slope of the Land and the peculiar shape of the roof, three stories and the basement were visible. Its 50' x 34' format connected with a large stable and other buildings.

The lower story served as the common rooms of a tavern, while in the second, on the street front, was a large hall used for public as well as Masonic purposes. This long room was sometimes used for religious services and after the Revolution as a dancing academy. The attic afforded ample accommodations for sleeping apartments, while its windows on the front of the roof and the railed-in walk at the top added much to the appearance and comfort of the building. Substantial chimneys were built into the center of the sidewalls. and over the front entrance projected an iron crane upon which was attached a green dragon.

This particular mark of designation was very ancient. It was made from a thick sheet of copper with a curled tail and a fearful tongue projecting from its mouth. Today a replica of this dragon stands in the area of the elevator on the second floor of our Grand Lodge building.