by Richard Vang (Compiled by)
Published in honor of the bicentennial of the village of Cooperstown, this volume gathers together for the first time a collection of historical writings on the history of Otsego Lodge No. 138. First chartered by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York in 1795, this Masonic lodge has existed for over two centuries as part of the very fabric of one of America's most scenic and legendary villages. Established on the western frontier of the early Republic, Otsego Lodge lists among its members such notable men as Elihu Phinney, printer and newspaper publisher, Erastus Beadle, the "Dime Novel King," and Stephen C. Clark, philanthropist, art collector and founder of several museums. Reproducing three official histories not previously made available to the public and illustrated with photographs, this book was compiled with new writings and commentary by the Otsego Lodge historian, and presents a vivid portrait of the Masonic fraternity's involvement in American community life.