In the area in which I live, there are a number of stone buildings. In part due to the abundance of fieldstone, the stone masons were quite active in this area more than a century ago. The specific history has fo far eluded me.

This particular house, one that I have featured before was built in 18?6. The question mark is necessary because that numeral is missing on the building.

The craft of stone masonry has existed almost since the beginning of man. Stone materials have been used to construct many of the long-lasting, ancient monuments, artifacts, cathedrals and cities in a wide variety of cultures. One of the most famous stonemasons is the famous artist, sculptor, and architect, Michelangelo. The medieval mason was a highly skilled lay craftsman who combined the roles of architect, builder, craftsman, designer and engineer. Contemporary illustrations of master masons show them to have been prosperous middle class professionals.

During construction, the stones were carved on the ground before they were set in place. Larger blocks were carved at quarries which made them lighter and easier to transport. Individual masons used special symbols to ensure that they were paid for the blocks they carved. Most of the actual construction was done during the spring and summer months, allowing the mortar to set and the laid stones to settle over the winter. Breaking during the winter also gave the masons a chance to carve more stones for the following summer.

The History of Freemasonry studies the development, evolution and events of the fraternal organization known as Freemasonry. This history is generally separated into two time periods: before and after the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. Before this time, the facts and origins of Freemasonry are not absolutely known and are therefore frequently explained by theories or legends. After the formation of the Grand Lodge of England, the history of Freemasonry is extremely well-documented and can be traced through the creation of hundreds of Grand Lodges that spread rapidly worldwide.