Argus Park Civil War Reenactment

In 1970 another forward step was taken by Argus with the purchase of 44 acres of land near the junction of State Route 11 and Route 62. The land is bisected by a small brook and 33 of the acres are densely wooded with majestic trees of many varieties

A long cherished dream was finally to come true - - - land of our own to be converted into a recreation area for the enjoyment of the members and their families, and for a future Temple site, a place to put down roots and to establish ourselves. Much had been inherited from the past now it was to become our privilege to contribute to the future.

Fired by the enthusiasm and imagination of W. Bro. Moore, the brethren willingly set to work to create a veritable wonderland. Since most of the land is wooded, it was the intention of the Argus Park Commission to keep it as undisturbed as possible.

Several miles of nature trails were laid out. The first, the E A Path, winds through the woods, passing a replica of the North East Corner of the Building. Close by are the tools and instruments needed for its erection, and a stone tablet upon which are carved the names of selected Brethren of Argus.

The second, the F C Pass, follows the gently rising contour of the ground up a winding stair of three, five and seven steps between two stately trees.

The third, the M M Way, also winds through the forest, passing through a rock covered mound designated "The Cleft in the Rocks."

All three of these projects were built by Bro. Alan D. Patterson who gave unstintingly of his time and talent toward their creation.

There is also a fourth trail, constructed by the brethren, called the P M Trail. Upon posts, spaced 23 cubits apart, are stainless steel plates inscribed with the name and year of each P M.

Between the M M Way and the F C Pass is a glade wherein Bro. Robert Cashon constructed an outdoor chapel. He fashioned an altar in hand carved sandstone complete with an open Bible with square and compasses thereon. The three lesser lights are surmounted on carved sandstone pillars, and a carved sandstone bench, where the brethren may come to rest and meditate, is placed in front of the altar. The altar, lights and bench are enclosed by the letter "G" made of railroad ties. Hemlock pines were planted around this clearing to give some privacy. Sunlight filtering down through the surrounding trees gives this area an aura of indescribable beauty.

In the rear of the property is a cleared space of some five acres. Scooped out near its western end is a bowl-shaped amphitheater, with gently rising curved slopes, providing a superlative view for hundreds of spectators. The bowl opens toward the south to a backdrop of towering trees, overshadowing clusters of dark pines. At the very center of the amphitheater is a potato-shaped rock, flat-topped, and 16 feet in circumference which serves as an altar.

East of the amphitheater is a large pavilion containing two washrooms, a combination kitchen and recreation room and a huge double fireplace to warm the kitchen on one side and to give pleasure and enjoyment to those using the picnic area on the open-air side. The fireplace holds a dominant place in the structure, weighing more than 50 tons and constructed entirely of brick salvaged from the Republic Steel coke ovens. The brick, donated by Bro. Samuel C Boak, was cleaned of the old mortar by Bro. Seth I. Wehr.

North of the pavilion, provisions were made along the wood line to park a number of trailers or recreation vehicles. Electrical hookups were installed under the direction of Bro. Norman T. Barnes with the materials paid for, or donated by, the brethren who hope to use the facilities.

All of this construction was the result of thousands of hours of labor, voluntarily given by members and friends of Argus. The rewards have been many fold. Close working friendships were formed that never could have been established in any other manner.

Early in 1974, a proposal was advanced to provide a suitable playground and equip it with swings, slides, merry-go-round, etc., for younger children. Projects planned to supply the necessary funds, were a paper drive, spaghetti supper, chicken barbecue. Unfortunately, the bottom dropped out of the paper market and the returns from the combined projects left a shortage of $1,200.00.

At this point, Bro. George W. Stephenson, Jr., stepped into the breech and contributed the necessary amount. Bro. George claimed that since he had no children of his own, the joy of seeing other children having fun on the equipment was reward enough for him.

1975 was auspiciously opened by the burning of the mortgage on Argus Park. Present and assisting on this occasion were M. W. Bro. Royal C. Scofield immediate Grand Master of Masons in Ohio, and R. W. Bro. Clifford M. Powell, PDDGM and Honorary member of Argus.

In October, 1976, W. Bro. Moore was recognized for his contributions to Argus Park. This sterling brother was the spark that ignited most of the action relative to the purchase and development of the property. He had said, many times, that no one person should be singled out for his contributions to the park. That all that had been achieved was due to the combined efforts of many. However, a few of the members who worked closely with him would not accept his theory because they felt that his foresight and prodigious efforts for the advancement of the park should be recognized.

So, while W. Bro. Moore was away on vacation, the great stone, previously mentioned, that had been the original altar in the amphitheater was moved to a place at the entrance to the woods just east of the pavilion. An aluminum plaque, suitably inscribed, was attached to the stone. It read:

ENTRANCE WALLACE R. MOORE TRAILS ARGUS PARK 1976

The presentation that night was a moving experience for all who attended. W. Bro. Moore had won a firm place in the hearts of his brothers and the presentation of this plaque was not a reward for his accomplishments, but an expression of heartfelt gratitude.