Ca. 1810 W.P. Dobson Store/Rockford Masonic Lodge
The 1810 W. P. Dobson Store and Rockford Masonic Lodge is situated on 1.12 acres. It is a two-story, Federal-style structure of about 1,600 square feet on a raised-stone cellar. The structure has two open main floors with limited interior walls. To the rear of the main floor is a small room. The interior of the Masonic Lodge building features simple Georgian-Federal detailing, including paneled mantels, six-panel doors, and some marbled woodwork. Among the interior features are an enclosed staircase at the rear of the structure, original flooring and a decoratively painted interior door. In the attic, the wooden pegs and roman numerals used during the construction are visible.
Recent Improvements
2002: Broken upstairs windows were removed and the openings were temporarily sealed.
2004: A contractor, officials from the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina, and a restoration expert visited the lodge to provide guidance.
2005: Missing clapboard siding was replaced. The porch roof was repaired, and the rock foundation on the north and east sides of the building was replaced. A later chimney that was not part of the original building was removed.
2006: The siding on the Post Office annex of the lodge was repaired and painted.
2008: Volunteer work days – painted porch level walls and porch posts.
2009: The six front windows were restored by a professional window restoration company.
2010: The deteriorating front porch was removed and replaced.
2013: Repaired/replaced sill on rear wall. Removed rear siding and replace with new siding. Replaced siding around rest of building where needed. Installed louvered windows in rear attic windows.
2013: Windows restored, mantels restored, front porch removed.
2014 - 2015: Replaced sill along north side of building, repaired and replaced damaged structural components in cellar along north side of building.
2016: Reconstructed two story porch with staircase on north side of building.
2017 - 2018: Continued restoration of exterior and interior floors, windows, doors and trim.
Masonic Lodge Development Plan
With funding from the RPS, the Masonic Lodge has been stabilized but not restored. Significant renovations are needed in order to bring this structure back to life. The development plan for the building is based on evaluations by the Restoration Branch of the N.C. Division of Archives and History. The historical and architectural qualities of the structure will be maintained while installing electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems that meet current standards and a single-stall bathroom will be added. A septic system will be installed at the rear of the property, and water is available from an existing well on RPS-owned property across the street. Additional improvements will include replacement of some of the clapboard siding, windows, reconstruction of north side porch, as well as needed insulation, caulking and painting. The property has open space to the north of the building that can be utilized for parking, events or general uses. Once completed, the structure will house various historical displays and will provide substantial open space, facilities and administrative space for future leaseholders to conduct business. The location of this structure, generally in the center of the Rockford Historic District, will provide a focal point for visitors and for business interests.
