John Wildi came to America in 1872 with a strong knowledge of machine embroidery
on fine cloth and the ability to speak three (3)languages. Because of his
unique skills and abilities he entered into partnership with Johan Rusch
and John Spindler to found the Highland Embroidery Works. Later joined
the forerunner of the Pet Milk Company, then known as the Helvetia Milk
Company where he served as the secretary / treasurer for 20 years.
In 1893 the Wildi’s purchased three (3) city lots for $2,900.00. On this
site the New Switzerland Hotel had once served weary Railroad travelers.
Wildi commissioned M. O. Ulrich to build a French revival-style home and
carriage house for his family. The home was built with rough-faced lime
stone for the basement and smooth yellow brick for the first and second
floors. The house is symmetrical in design, with two (2) rounded turrets
with pointed roofs. Because in those days you were unable to go to a local
lumber yard and purchase materials to build this home; all the wood was
brought in and cut to fit each application on site. All the mill work on
the two (2) fireplaces and through-out the rest of the house is of dark
Cherry. The main entrance door is solid oak with parquet flooring running
from the entry foyer to the Social Hall thus creating a wonderful home
which is now on the Historic Registry in Highland.
Upon his death in 1910 John Wildi’s widow , Louise, continued living in
the home. Then in1920 Mrs. Wildi deeded her home in a trust to the Brothers
of the Highland Masonic Lodge#583 with the stipulation that if for any
reason the Masons were to disband, that one of the affiliated organizations
should take over the house.
Mrs. Louise Wildi also donated $10,000.00 to the Masonic Lodge if they
could match it for the purpose of adding on a Dining Hall and Lodge Room.
On March 4th, 1922 the addition was dedicated. In 1933 Mrs. Wildi set up
an endowment trust fund for the maintenance and upkeep of the building.
The John Wildi Masonic Temple has served for over eight decades as the
home of the Highland Masonic Lodge #583; the Royal Arch Masons; the Highland
Chapter #524 of the Order of the Eastern Star; the Hannah Shrine #104 Order
of the White Shrine of Jerusalem; Unity Court #21 Order of the Amaranth;
Bethel #91 of the Order of the Jobs Daughters; and DeMolay. The Temple
has served as host to countless other community organizations and activities
over the years.
The Brothers of the Highland Masonic Lodge are very fortunate to be the
recipients of such a wonderful facility. But along with these benefits
comes a tremendous responsibility for its proper care and preservation.
So our future generations will be able to have the same benefits as we
have enjoyed. It is for this reason that the Lodge sponsors the Annual
Sausage Super each year.
We hope you have enjoyed a little bit about the History of the John Wildi
Masonic Temple , please check out some of the pictures both outside and
inside of our Lodge and Museum. And if you are traveling about , please
feel free to stop by and sit in on a stated meeting with your Brothers
and share in our refreshments for All Freemasons Will Be Warmly Received
and Welcomed.