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113trunks, and forgotten suitcases. Inside, were a few ostrich-plumed black hats, reminiscent of the headgear worn by the captain of the HMS Pinafore. On wire coat hangers, inside lockers and closets, we could see old dress uniforms and sashes%u2014now covered with dust.As Ritchison picked up a disintegrating hat, he said that many of these marvelous accouterments had been left behind, as members died, became incapacitated, or moved away. Because the York Order hadn%u2019t required members to wear elaborate outfits for some time, the dressing room had been retired years ago. John and I felt like Howard Carter entering King Tut%u2019s tomb, and I was reminded of my father, a 32nd-degree Mason in Detroit, who had worn one of these outfits and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow members. When I was a child, he told me how his Lodge building had been specifically designed to withstand the thundering vibration of the men marching in unison.The uppermost level of the Lodge building housed a prestigious ballroom. With huge glass windows overlooking the Courthouse, it had been a spectacular space but, now, was unused, dingy, and rundown. Stan said there was a glass wall behind some recently installed plywood, with doors opening onto the roof for guests to enjoy outdoor dancing or a bit of fresh air. The high cost of heating had necessitated the plywood barrier%u2014but the original structure had been saved for possible reuse in the future.Almost as an afterthought, Stan opened a closet door adjacent to the elevator. Inside was a giant %u201c60%u201d Universal Blower%u201d which had once been the lungs of the original air-handling system. Quite a marvel in ventilation for its day, it was no longer in use but, always impressed by mechanical devices, John took several photographs of it. And, with that, what we had assumed would be a 20-minute tour, was over%u2014after an hour and a half. %u2014LBStorage room (Masonic Lodge), Bedford%u2014Lawrence Co. (512-07)