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Vintage Postcards of Indiana Health FacilitiesOn October 21, 1915, the cornerstone was laid for the Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin. The much heralded event was celebrated with a massive parade, and girls were seated on the grass in a square-andcompass formation of the Commanderies of Knights Templar. Because of the event%u2019s extremely popular appeal, 14 extra interurban cars were needed to bring visitors from Indianapolis for the festivities. In addition, 80 automobiles chauffeured more than 15,000 visitors to the grounds. One year later, on October 21, 1916, the home opened its doors. As originally planned, it was intended to house 50 adults and 60 children, with an Administration Building (containing adult guest rooms), residence halls for both boys and for girls, a hospital, and a service building. But, within a few short years, it was obvious that expansion was required. Auspiciously, donations and dues provided the funds to install a well, build barns, poultry and hog houses, plant an orchard, buy farm and gardening equipment, and purchase surrounding farmland. Thus, the home became a self-sustaining community. While children haven%u2019t lived at the Indiana Masonic Home since 1972, a plaque was erected to remember those who spent their childhoods at this special place. It reads, %u201cIn memory of the 816 children who found sanctuary on these grounds from the tragedies that separated us from care by our own families. While here we were taught to be proud of a job well done, to be responsible for our deeds, to represent ourselves by saying what we meant and meaning what we said, to value keeping our promises and to respect one anothers%u2019 differences.%u201d The home, now exclusively a retirement center, is populated by some of the children who were raised here%u2014now, as aged adults.Indiana Masonic Home%u2014%u2014Franklin, Indiana%u2014%u2014Established 1916Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons inthe fourteenth century. Lodges are typically supervised and governed at the regional level.Its women%u2019s auxiliary is the Order of the Eastern Star.Homes and Orphanages