Treadwell Lodge No. 213

Treadwell Masonic Lodge came into being on January 23, 1866.   On December 12, 1866, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Virginia granted a Charter for Treadwell Lodge No. 213, A.F. & A.M.   It was the fifth Lodge to be chartered in Clarke County, Virginia.

The first Clarke County Charter was for George Washington No. 57; chartered December 15, 1840; extinct December, 1855.   The second Lodge was Greenway Court Lodge No. 94; chartered February 14, 1853; charter surrendered in December, 1877.   The third was Chandler Lodge No. 148; chartered December 10, 1856; extinct as of December, 1870.   The fourth was Saratoga Lodge; chartered December 10, 1856; name changed to Prospect Hill No. 157 on December 15, 1857.

While there is no reason known for the chartering of so many Lodges so close together and two (Chandler and Treadwell) located in Berryville, Virginia, it must be remembered that these events were taking place just after a most bloody page in the history of our country - and emotions ran deep.   The formation of a second Lodge in many communities after 1865 was a common enough occurrence in areas where loyalties were divided.   In some areas, the two Lodges, one oriented with a northern viewpoint and the other with southern views, continued to exist down to the present time - although the reasons, if it is believed that they stemmed from the Civil War, have completely faded away and the Lodges work in complete harmony.

Treadwell Lodge No. 213 was named for Treadwell Smith, a veteran of the War of 1812 and a very prominent and respected citizen of Berryville.   Being such a prominent and substantial member of the community, it is very likely that he assisted in the formation of the Lodge in both a pecuniary manner and in providing a meeting place.   The records, however, are silent as to his being a Mason.

Several treasures entrusted to Treadwell Lodge exist.

One is a "good luck horseshoe" with all the emblems of the York Rite on it.   This memento is made from brass from the U.S.S. Maine.

A York Rite rug of great age is also in possession of the Lodge.   Again the records are silent as to how or when the Lodge acquired this unusual rug, but experts have determined that it was created around 1900 and is very unusual.

Treadwell Lodge also is in possession of a Masonic apron which had belonged to the statesman, Henry Clay.

Treadwell Lodge has existed for over 100 years and hopes to continue for many years to come.