320 E. Main
Address: 320 E. Main
Franklin Hall This block, once known as the Old Wooden Row, was the first business block in Dansville (Lowell). Built between 1846 and 1870, it contained 11 wooden buildings along the south side of Bridge (Main) Street between Monroe and Washington Streets. This building was nearly in the center of the row. This two-story wooden building, which appears to be two-colors, was built during the 1850s. It was home to the Lowell Masonic Lodge during the 1850s, 60s, and 70s, and was then known as Franklin Hall. Lowell Lodge No. 90 F. & A. M. (Free and Accepted Masons) was organized in 1856 and chartered in 1857. By 1880, the number of members was 157, according to Chapman’s History of Kent County, 1881. In 1882, the lodge moved out. The building was used as a warehouse during the 1880s and became a dwelling in the 1890s. At the time of the photo, about 1896, there is a “Meals 15c” sign on the post in front of the building and people entering the premises. There are also spectators of the parade peering out of the 2nd story windows. In 1909, the lot was purchased by the Peckham family for the new Lowell Auto Body factory. The newspaper reported a “striped front” building being moved up Washington St. to the corner of Avery St. where it would be used for livery purposes. This may have been the “striped front” building described. However, the building to the east (322 E. Main) could have been called “striped front” instead of “checkered front” in this newspaper article. Images: This was the 8th building east of Monroe St. on the south side of Bridge (Main) St. The print was developed from a glass negative taken during a parade on the Fourth of July. Notice the dirt street, wooden sidewalk and electric power pole. Electricity came to Lowell in the 1890s. This building or the one to the east of it was moved to Washington and Avery to be used by a livery. |