Twain stayed at local cottage

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The Oconomowoc Masonic Temple was built by a riverboat captain in 1895. From Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum collection.

The Oconomowoc Masonic Temple was built by a riverboat captain in 1895. From Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum collection.

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This building in Oconomowoc was built in 1895 by Mississippi Riverboat Captain John Scudder as a summer residence. Locally it was known as "Scudder's Cottage."

Many distinguished guests stayed here including Mark Twain, songwriter Alfred Robyn, composer Percival Thorne, and local opera star William Wegener.

It was owned by the Kohl family theater chain briefly in 1920. At that time, the veranda on the west and south sides were removed. The original narrow clapboard siding was replaced. However, the oval window in the triangular gable has survived.

Then in 1922 it was purchased by Lodge No. 42 of the Free and Accepted Masons who were known as the Royal Arch Masons. On their 150th anniversary in 2003 they had 146 members.

The blue lodges are basic memberships. Other levels of membership include Scottish and York rites and Tripoli Shrine.

Freemasonry is not a religion, but to be a member you must believe in a supreme being. The lodges are known to be very charitable organizations.

This site features a Waukesha County historical marker erected and maintained by theWaukesha County Historical Society and Museum. Please visit our website at www.waukeshacountymuseum.org to see information on all of our historical markers. To find the markers, go to the bottom of the home page. For each marker you will find pictures, maps on how to find them, and history.