Masonic Building in New Bern, NC, 1808 - Vintage Photo

This vintage photograph, attributed to Frances Benjamin Johnston, showcases a Masonic building located in New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina. Constructed in 1808, the three-story brick structure features a gabled roof, reflecting the architectural style of its time. The image captures the interior, emphasizing the arrangement of chairs and the overall layout of the space, highlighting its purpose as a gathering place for the Masonic community.

Johnston’s work is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a significant collection that documents historical architecture across the region. This photograph not only contributes to the understanding of Masonic buildings but also serves as a valuable resource for those interested in early 19th-century architecture in North Carolina.

Published in Thomas Tileston Watermans The Early Architecture of North Carolina in 1941, this image is an important artifact that connects viewers to the rich history of New Bern and its architectural heritage.