Secret Societies in Downtown Portland

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Fraternal lodges, also known as secret societies, played an important social role in Portland in the early 20th century. These organizations not only provided an active social outlet in the pre-electronic age, but also offered a financial safety net before government programs fulfilled that need. We'll view six of these architecturally significant and historic fraternal buildings and have a brief look inside several:

• Masonic Temple (1927) - now Mark Building and the annex to the Portland Art Museum

• Odd Fellows Building (1925) - now Chaucer Court

• Masonic Lodge (1907) - now Pythian Building

• Elks Temple (1923) - now Sentinel Hotel

• Neighbors of Woodcraft (1928) - now Tiffany Center

• Scottish Rite Masonic Center (1902)

This is a downtown walk covering less than 1 mile and will last up to 3 hours, depending on interior viewing times.

The fee for this narrated tour is $15. You may pay by cash, check or credit card at the start of the tour. You may also use PayPal by following this link: http://bit.ly/22q0waD

Parking in the neighborhood is limited. There is good access to the South Park Blocks on public transit.