History
Masonic Temple
This site in Princeton’s Witherspoon–Jackson Historic District has a long history of housing social activity, Between 1905 and 1906 according to historical background provided by the Free Masons, Princeton residents who had “received the degree of craft masonry at King David Lodge #15 located in Trenton” began a club in Princeton with the aim of becoming a “duly constituted lodge” of the Freemasons.
According to the Historical Society of Princeton, “Membership in fraternal organizations such as this was common among African Americans, who were barred from joining all-white groups and denied services in many restaurants and bars.” (The Albert E. Hinds Memorial Walking Tour: African-American Life in Princeton.)
In 1913, these members achieved their goal, being “duly organized” as Aaron Lodge No. 9 F. & A. M. (“Free and Accepted Masons”)Records of the New Jersey Office of Historic Preservation show that around 1905, a building called the “Colored Elks Home” was erected on this site. No images of this structure have yet been discovered, and that building was destroyed by fire in April of 1922. The Elks rebuilt, completing the current stucco and brick building in 1924. As traditional fraternal organizations, the Elks and the Masons have different origins, but their history in Princeton overlaps in this neighborhood. When the Elks lost ownership to foreclosure during the Great Depression, in 1936, they moved to 124 Birch Avenue. In 1945, Aaron Lodge No. 9 purchased 30 MacLean to be a Masonic Temple, continuing the stately building’s role as the home of a fraternal organization.
Today, the property was purchased by J3 Management with the intention of preserving its communal character and providing a beautiful habitable space for local residents.
Witherspoon - Jackson Neighborhood
The migration of African Americans from the South to the North saw the influx of African American migration to Princeton, where the Witherspoon Jackson neighborhood became their home. Many leaders and members of the Witherspoon Jackson Presbyterian Church aided in the battle against slavery and helped with the Underground Railroad. Princeton historically has been looked at as one of the economic and cultural centers of Central New Jersey. Welcoming immigrants throughout the early 20th century, the town accommodated its growing population by creating a compact developments. Because of this Princeton quickly became a very accessible and walk-able town where residents could go to the library, go to school, buy groceries and even get a haircut all within walking distance of where they lived.