VICTORIA HALL MUSEUM
Victoria Hall as it stands today.
More photos HERE.
The Masonic Society was one of the first of such organizations to
come to the town of Fortune. Victoria Lodge #1378 was constituted on
July 17, 1871 with the first meetings being held in the large home of Henry
J. Haddon. Founders and Chartered Members were James P. Snook, the first
Master; William P. Lake; George Tuck; Henry J. Haddon; Eli Tuck; Elias
Mauger; and John Spencer.
Building materials to begin construction of the first, and present, Lodge were
ordered on February 5, 1883 at a cost of 22 pounds, 18 shillings British.
Materials ordered for the frame of this 46-foot long by 26-foot wide
building were:
60 Posts 18 feet long x 4 inches thick and Two Sides Flat
40 Rafters 9 feet long x 5 inches square with 9 inch bend
20 Top Beams 22 feet long 8 inch x 4 inch
20 Large Shoes 5 feet long
2 Wall Plates 46 feet long 4x5
This two-story building remained in use by the Society until 1996 when
declining membership forced its closure. In May of 1977, it was designated
to Heritage Fortune Inc., on indefinite loan, for the purpose of establishing
a community museum. As such, it is known as Victoria Hall Museum,
in recognition of the historical significance of its name.
Minot changes occurred to the roof and exterior finish over the years, during
the execution of maintenance and repair work, but the main structure and
design has not been altered. This building, which was designed by Henry J.
Haddon, still has its original narrow, curved staircase with the carved
wooden bannister. Another outstanding feature is the two Masonic Emblems
which form part of the upstairs ceiling.
Through hard work and government-funded projects, the now 117-year-old
building is gradually being restored as closely as possible to its original state.
Interior work was carried out in 1999 and the exterior was refinished in the
early part of 2000.
Victoria Hall Museum opened its doors to the public for the 1999 tourist
season (July-August). A seasonal attraction, it is staffed by post-secondary
students, through government grants. The ground floor, which is the main
focus of the museum, is wheelchair accessible.
As a community museum, Victoria Hall Museum is a tourist attraction.
However, it can also fill an important role as an information center for
students, historians, and genealogists. Future plans include the possible
development of the top floor as an Archive and Research Center.
Meanwhile, this floor has been left pretty much as when the Masons
last used it.
Hours are usually 10 am to noon, and 1-4 pm daily, during the months
of July and August. Special visits can be arranged by using the contact
information at the bottom of this page.
This site owned exclusively by HERITAGE FORTUNE (1997) INC.
P.O. Box 489, Fortune, Newfoundland, Canada A0E 1P0
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 1-709-832-2210
Nothing may be removed from this site without written permission.
Thank you