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Shakespeare Lodge No. 750 Free & Accepted Masons of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York M.˙.W.˙. Vincent Libone, Grand Master W.˙. Michael Daniels, Master |
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Shakespeare Lodge No. 750 Free & Accepted Masons of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York M.˙.W.˙. Vincent Libone, Grand Master W.˙. Michael Daniels, Master |
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A History of Shakespeare Lodge
[Most of this information was derived from the history in our Centennial celebration booklet. Much of that came from the 75-year announcement. We are indebted to RW Daniel Semel and the late Bro. Ezra Samuels]
Shakespeare's earliest development is indeed unique, having received its original warrant on February 3, 1870, from the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, as Progress Lodge #12. It was also referred to as Downstate Lodge #12. There is an excellent article by Brother Joseph Walkes.
Shakespeare had its origin in the filing of a petition by:
All of these Brothers, with the exception of Brooks and Bennett, eventually returned to their Mother Lodges. The first meeting was held at 96 Bowery.
The petition for our Shakespeare Lodge was granted and our Dispensation issued on February 16, 1874. The new Lodge was instituted March 10, 1874 and at once became a member of the Eighth Masonic District. The Dispensation was returned on May 15, 1874. During the three month period of Dispensation, 13 men were made Master Masons, 11 more reached the Fellowcraft Degree, and eleven candidates were initiated. These, added to the original ten petitioners, made a total of 45 men on the rolls when the warrant was granted on June 5, 1874. The Charter was granted on June 16, 1874 and Grand Master MW Ellwood Thorne formally constituted the Lodge six days later. [View some old lodge documents, including our charter in the Lodge's on-line photo album.] It was but a little more than three months from the time the Lodge was instituted to the time it was constituted, indicating the remarkable proficiency in the work by the first line of officers. This tradition has continued. Shakespeares officers have always been first rate and while other lodges have had a shortage of available talent, Shakespeare has been fortunate in having a surplus. Our ritual work has received worldwide acclaim. Shakespeares degree teams have a reputation dating back to the 19th century. Records disclose that Shakespeares degree teams performed the Hiramic drama for countless thousands both within and without New York. When our team performed, the Grand Lodge room had to be procured for the performance. The attendance was so large that admittance was by invitation only. 
In 1874 the Lodge met on the second floor of Bennetts Hall at 96 Bowery, between Hester and Grand Streets. In those days it was considered a good location. Meetings were held every Monday and Wednesday throughout the year. 
It wasn't too long before Shakespeare was advised by Grand Lodge that its Bowery Lodge room was unfit for Masonic work and the Lodge was ordered to cease meeting in that insecure place. By coincidence there was a room for us in the new Masonic Temple on 23rd Street, which had not yet been fully rented. When the present addition to the Temple was completed in 1909, we moved into the Corinthian Room. In 1925, we moved to larger quarters in the Koran Room at Mecca Temple (now the City Center on West 56th Street). In the late 1930s, we returned happily to the Masonic Temple on 23rd Street, to the beautiful but un-air conditioned Colonial Room where we now meet.
Shakespeare's early years were marked by a sincere through often difficult effort to make the Lodge a success. Membership grew slowly but steadily. From a membership of 17 our first year, we grew to 229 after 25 years. At 50 years we were 864 strong. At 75 years the membership totaled 703, and at this Centennial year (1974) we number 575. We almost reached the thousand mark in 1928 when we attained 954 members. 
Our early years were also characterized by a struggle to achieve fiscal solvency so that we could contribute to the many charitable needs of the members. In 1874 the Initiation fee was $20 and dues were $6.35. Some paid by warrant (as checks were called in those days) but most paid cash and the Lodge's Cash Ledger is a magnificent example of Spenserian script. Early on it became customary to support the widows and orphans as wells as to contribute to any worthy destitute brother. Supplies of coal in the winter, food and clothing for the needy, passage West for the consumptive are just some of the ways the Lodge helped out. Contributions were also made to victims of the Civil War and collections were repeatedly made to help rebuild Southern Lodges destroyed in the conflagration. Charitable endeavors have continued throughout the years. Shakespeare has always been first to answer the call. Brotherhood is evidenced in many ways. For example, before the turn of the 20th century, it was a Lodge custom that, when a brother passed away, the entire Lodge was summoned by telegram to meet at the decedents home. There, in funeral cortege, the coffin was carried by pallbearers, followed by solemn brothers, many of them in full dress (required garb for members at Masonic Balls and for officers at meetings) t the cemetery, where the Master convened the Lodge to show appreciation and respect for hard work and general esteem the Lodge
customarily gives gifts. Today we give aprons, gavels, wallets, books and sometimes money. In our early years the gifts were of gold inset with diamonds,
silver tea sets and dinner services from Tiffany. District Deputies regularly received cut crystal bowls on their visitations. A popular gift was the
Grandfather Clock. In 1921, the Lodge gave such a clock to the Masonic Home in Utica, which stands in the lobby of the Soldiers and Sailors Hospital,
marking time as accurately today as it has since 1921.
Some customs die hard. In 1974, our Centennial Master, W LeRoy Kramer, considered
resuming afternoon degrees to be followed by convivial evening meetings.
There was a precedent for this. As far back as 1881 the pressure of too many
candidates led the Lodge to hold afternoon sessions. 
In fact, before World War I, Grand Lodge gave us
dispensation to conduct more than one degree a day, without the usual
proficiency, on candidates enlisted, drafted or commissioned in the Forces
in the Great War, regardless of age! Private Arnold Landres and Seaman Jerry Feiman were among those who received all three degrees in one
day. Under date September 1, 1918, dispensation was granted by MW William S. Farmer, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York,
empowering Shakespeare Lodge No. 750 to confer the three degrees of Masonry
upon Benjamin J. Sheldon and Meyer J. Feinan, the second and
third degrees upon Ralph J. Frank and the third degree upon Arnold
G. Landers and Isidor Weinberg, who are now in the service of
the US Army and Navy, at a communication called for September 21, 1918 at
2 pm, waiving the provisions of Section 20 Regulations, Book of Constitutions.
The special communication was held on September 21, 1918, and the degrees
conferred, with W Jacob S. Sheldon in the East.
RW Dan Semel provides some additional insight into this unique event: "What is most interesting is the fate of these Lodge brothers. Of the five
raised by Shakespeare in 1918 in a single day, three became intensely active
and dedicated officers and at least four were longtime members. "Jerry"
Feiman was Treasurer. He then became the lodge accountant for decades.
One of our most ardent adherents, he attended frequently, bringing in his
son Richard, and even saving his "Club Sandwiches" (the newsletters
of the Shakespeare Fellowcraft Club) and lodge notices. Ralph Frank fulfilled his father Abram's dream by becoming Master in 1926. Arnold
Landres became Master two years later in 1928 and was the star (Jubalum)
of Shakespeare's famed Hiramic drama team. He had the look and bearing of
a matinee idol. There is extant a photograph of our degree team in costume
and Arnold Landres is pictured in the center. I am not sure if Arnold's
son became a member - he was an actor and may have joined Masonry in another
area like California. The 1918 Master, Jacob Sheldon, raised his father, Benjamin Sheldon, in that one day class. I knew Ralph Frank, Arnold and Jerry Feiman and they attended meetings even in
their old age and loved our lodge." 
Masonic social activities, picnics, excursions, etc., are more
than just fun for the members and their families. They are also money-makers
for the charity funds. It became a 
yearly custom for the Lodge to hold a
dinner and Masonic Ball usually on Thanksgiving Eve. The choicest location
was selected and the finest musicians engaged. Dancing til morning has been
a Shakespeare tradition that has continued to the present. Our Centennial
Ball saw the dance floor overflowing as the clock struck midnight.
The 19th Century Shakespeare Lodge customarily held public installations
of officers followed by social activities.
Our early members were a hearty lot. Many lived close enough to walk, but
some had to come from Brooklyn by horse drawn carriage. A few came by horseback
or carriage and train from Philadelphia. It is also noted in the minutes
that a number of brothers regularly arranged their schedules to arrive from
Connecticut and Rhode Island by packet boat.
In 1901 a disagreement as to the expenditure of Lodge funds caused twenty
brothers to demit. They formed William McKinley Lodge No. 840. In following
years other members split off to found Marshall Lodge No. 848 in 1904, Civic
Lodge No. 53 in 1906, and Courland Lodge No. 885 in 1911. All these Blue
Lodge are still thriving and are now fellow members in the Sixth Masonic
District. Despite these losses, Shakespeares strength is evidence by the
fact that we continued to grow and prosper. In
the 20th Century Shakespeare has been fortunate in having outstanding
secretaries. It began in 1904 with Abram Frank, whose long reign ended in
1938, to be followed by our ever lovin Max Zigas, who served until 1972,
when Ralph Katz assumed the role.
Shakespeare has been fortunate in its 100 years by having many brothers selected
to wear the purple. This Tyrolean color is attained only by dedication and
achievement.
The Lodge was host to Bro. William Jennings Bryan, on April 21, 1921.
He arrived with a committee composed of RW Louis A. Sable and Max
Monfried and the Master that year, W Charles Kroll. He orated
for nearly two hours. He said, "If you can get people near together, it is
easier to talk to them than if they are scattered. Personal magnetism that
goes from human being to human being cannot pass so well over vacant chairs
as it can when they touch each other." Brother Bryan was a member of
Lincoln Lodge No.19, Lincoln NB. He was a very gifted orator, and was a President
nominee three times: 1896, 1900 and 1908. He was well-known for his attacks
on the teaching of evolution in schools, culminating in the 1925 Scopes Trial,
where he was pitting in the courtroom against Clarence Darrow. Brother Bryan
spoke in Shakespeare Lodge on April 21, 1921. The minutes for the meeting as well as a transcript of his speech are on our Lodge website. It is a fascinating study. 
The Middle Years
1924-1949 - The Middle Years
1924 The Golden Jubilee Year with W Julius Kaplove as Master.
On November 22, the lodge celebrated with a dinner at the Astor. 
1925 On January 15, with W Morris Beskind as
Master, the Lodge moved to the swank Koran Room at Mecca Temple, 130 W. 56th
Street. A Fellowcraft Team worthy of the name "Shakespeare" was developed
under the direction of W Benjamin Barondess. 
1926 W Ralph Frank was Master, when on November 4, Bro Samuel I. Siegel made an address on George Washington as a Mason.
1927 W Harold Vorzimer was Master. On February 11, the Honorable Albert Goldman, Commissioner of Plants and Structures of the City of New York, addressed the Lodge. "La Premiere Soiree de 1927" was a gala performance of "Gay Paree" at the Winter Garden on February 21. There followed a Supper Dance and Divertissement at "Brooke John's Ross Fenton Club in the same edifice." It was a formal attire event, costing Seven Dollars per person. W Isidore Hirschfeld chaired the Entertainment Committee and hosted the event. On Saint Patrick's Day, Arthur Garfield Hays addressed the Lodge on "Civil Liberties in America." Then on April 21, The Honorable Albert Ottinger, Attorney General of the State of New York spoke to the Lodge. On May 5, we had another speaker of note, Bro Royal S. Copeland, who was a U.S. Senator.
1928 W Arnold Landres was Master, when on September
30, a "Ladies Smoker and Entertainment" was served up. The annual
Dinner-Dance-Entertainment was in the Cascades Room of the Hotel Biltmore
on November 3. It was one of our most gaudy affairs.
1929 On June 6, with W Philip Horowitz as Master, we were addressed by Bro Dr. Frederick B. Robinson, president of the College of the City of New York. Then on June 20, the Honorable Bro Ferdinand Pecora, Chief Assistant District Attorney of New York County, gave the Historical Lecture of the Master Mason Degree. Our annual affair, held on November 16, included a vaudeville show at the Palace Theatre, and a summer dance at the Hotel Astor, all for $5.00 per person.
1930 In spite of the Wall Street crash only a couple of months previous,
W Sigmund Schnarch will always be remembered for his swell year. He is the
only Master that we can recall who footed his collation bills. One of his
big nights was the appearance of Samuel Rothaphael, the beloved "Roxy." 
1931 The Lodge hosted an outing at Lakewood
during March 12-15, with W Solomon S. Leff as Master. For years afterwards,
Bro Hugo Esberg tried to get the Lodge to duplicate that weekend. Time has
not obliterated the memory of some of W Sol Leff's performances, especially
that of King Solomon in the Temple Drama, and his peerless presentations
of the lambskin aprons. 
1932 With W Max Zigas as Master, it was Dues, Dues, Dues. If you cannot remit in full, pay part. On February 4, Bro Chief Running Bear spoke on "What does the Indian know about Masonry?" The Fellowcraft Team performed in Vigilante Lodge Nr. 1108 on June 6. Then on December 1, Bro Abe Deutsch spoke on "What is this Machine Age?" After the meeting a collation was held at the Brass Rail. A huge hungry crowd attended.
1933 W Louis Cutler was Master. On April 20, we were addressed by Commander Harry U. Ross, US Navy Retired on the "Wilkins Ellsworth Expedition of the Submarine Nautilus to the North Pole." Talking on May 4 was Arthur J.W. Hilly, Corporation Counsel of the City of New York. On May 18, there was an open forum on "Shall the U.S. open trade relations with Russia?" On December 21, our pre-meeting dinner was held at Maison Louis. Finally on New Year's Eve, the Fellowcraft Club ran an affair at the Roger Smith Restaurant on East 41st Street. Supper, dancing, entertainment, noisemakers, and headaches, all for $4.00 per aching head. All this was under the auspices of Bro Dr. Joseph Axelrod, president of the Fellowcraft Club.
1934 W Irving Israel was Master. On July 1st, we went fishing under the sponsorship of W Benjamin Barondess. It was the last time our fishing was swell and our fishermen well. RW Louis Cutler arranged a pre-meeting dinner on September 17 in the Cocoanut Grove: $0.75 for members and $1.00 for ladies. (The ladies had cream sauce on their lamb croquettes and dancing.) On October 18, it was Italian Night. RW Louis Pace of Archimedes Lodge Nr 953 and his ruthless ritualists gave the Entered Apprentice Degree.
1935 W Gerson T. Margolish was Master on January 5, when a dinner-dance was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel McAlpin, with over 400 guests attending. RW Louis Cutler arranged everything, for $1.50 per person. Then on February 2, 22 brothers enrolled in a Glee Club organized by Bros Jefferson Vorzimer and Leo F. Heidelberg. They proposed singing in the Lodge Room and visiting other Lodges in the District to annoy them. On February 7, a pre-meeting dinner at the Café Tokay, 52nd Street and 7th Avenue, cost members $0.75 for dinner, music and entertainment.
1936 W Richard Monfried was Master. On January 16, the man in the public eye was Harold G. Hoffman, the Governor of the State of New Jersey. He had just stayed the execution of Bruno Hauptmann (Lindbergh kidnapping). That night, under police escort and protection, Honorable Bro Hoffman gave a great monologue in our lodge. Over 600 members were present. W Morris Bonderefsky organized a bowling club in January, but it disbanded about a year later when it became increasingly difficult for the members to lift the bowling balls.
1937 W Arthur Markewich sat in the East. The Lodge enjoyed a shish
kebab dinner at the Golden Horn restaurant. On April 1, Mr. John Mulholland,
the world's greatest magician, mystified us. Then on October 7, Arthur Donovan,
referee and authority on boxing, made his appearance. 
1938 W George Friedman was Master when, after 35 years of service as Secretary, our beloved Brother Abram Frank, died. A Lodge of Remembrance was held on November 17 under the direction of W Arthur Markewich. Honest emotion held sway. It was one of the most poignantly beautiful services ever held at Shakespeare Lodge.
1939 W Benjamin Barondess took time off from his lifelong studies of Abraham Lincoln to become Master of Shakespeare Lodge. The February 16 pre-meeting dinner was in the Coffee Room of the Essex House. The Master also arranged for the appearance on May 3 of Mr. Eleanor Roosevelt in the Grand Ballroom of the Pythian Temple on 70th Street. Her address was "Mason's Whither?" On May 24, the Lodge held a theatre party at the Adelphi Theatre. The show was "Sing For Your Supper." It was a most forgettable show.
1940 W Hilton Leff was Master. On May 7, we packed our belongings and took leave of the Koran Room of Mecca Temple. The Lodge Room had become tawdry and the building down at the heel. The elevator operator was wearing a dilapidated uniform trimmed in baby blue - the same one he wore fifteen years before; and it looked as though he had slept in it for fifteen years. So we moved back to the Masonic Temple. We've been in the warm Colonial Room ever since. It's a nice room, but a little small for us on our infrequent Ladies Nights. And it's a hot box from May to September. On November 21, according to the Lodge Notice, a "Gigantic Ladies Night" was to be held. Our ladies have since reduced. Now we hold "Slender Ladies Nights."
1941 W Samuel P. Pritz was Master, and his year was replete with interesting evenings. On January 16th, the "Boys" discovered Gertner's Restaurant at 168 5th Avenue. Dr. Adolph P. Link, Professor of Psychology at NYU, demonstrated Hypnosis. He made may Markewich sway, W Gerson T. Margolish swoon, and Bro Irving Liechtenstein unconscious for years. On February 6th, dinner was at Enrico & Paglieri's Restaurant. Speaking were Drs. Marie and Benjamin W. Warner on "Two Doctors Look at Married Life." Pre-meeting dinners were held at Gene's Restaurant, 71 West 11th Street on February 20th; and the Chelsea Chop House on March 6th. On March 20th, humorist Irving Davidson was found to be vastly entertaining. On May 15th, Mr. John J. Anthony took up our problems. [?] On June 5th, a dinner at Zucca's, 118 West 49th Street, was negotiated. On October 16th after dinner in the McAlpin Grill, Miss Dell O'Dell plied her magician's trade in the Lodge Room, with delightful results.
1942 On April 16th, with W Maurice Adler as Master, Dr. Tehyi Hsich, the "Chinese mark Twain," fascinated the Lodge. A Chinese supper followed in the Masonic Club Rooms. A waiter attempted to serve ice cream. The ice cream worshippers pounced on the hapless servitor every time he fearfully emerged from the kitchen bearing a tray stacked with dishes of the precious cooling stuff. The battered and bruised him. They bled him and they tore his clothes to shreds. He had no complaints. Under the circumstances, he was happy to have escaped utter annihilation. On May 21st, Harry Hirschfield proved why he is rated "America's Number One Story Teller."
1943 W Jerome H. Brill was Master. It was during his administration that we settled down to steady and disgusting eating at Gertner's. Said Bro Mike Oestreich in the Lodge Room one night admiringly of the magnificent Jerry Brill, "Matthew (W Matthew Margolish) sure knows how to pick a son-in-law!"
1944 W Morris Bonderfsky was Master. His delivery was a nice, easy, slow drawl. On June 15th, Harry Tanner, the world's most unentertaining entertainer, offended. W Gerson T. Margolish came frequently to heckle Secretary W Max Zigas
1945 On October 4, with W Anthony Turano as Master, "Judge Not," a One Act Masonic Play was presented by Justice Lodge Nr. 753. It was excellent both in content and in acting. It could be seen again, with profit.
1946 On May 16, with W Harry Storin as Master, W Lester N. Neulen gave his exciting version of the Middle Chamber Lecture. The use of colored slides and recorded music heightened his performance. On June 23rd and 27th, the Degree work began at 4:30 pm. On October 31st, former New Jersey Governor A. Harry Morre was our speaker, with collations in the Café de la Stewart Cafeteria.
1947 On April 3rd, with W George Feldman as Master, the Fellowcraft
Team performed in the Grand Lodge Room. Masons from all over the eastern
seaboard were invited. The SRO sign was hung out early. By 8 pm, visitors
arriving in busloads were told by the police to turn around and go home again.
There wasn't an inch of space left for them. November 27th was the night
of a thousand knishes. They were made by Mrs. George Feldman, and served
in the Masonic Hall Banquet and Knish Room 
1948 A man with an enormous capacity for friendship
and a strong desire to please was Master, W Samuel Littman. The sumptuous
collations during his year glorified the American bagel trimmed with lox.
After these Lucullian feasts in the bowels of the Masonic Hall, the members
adjourned to the Bicarbonate of Soda Room. Sam's accelerated pace gave us
ample time to visit Clermont Lodge. The presentation ceremonies for the District
Deputy, RW Arthur Markewich, occurred on September 16. This marked the beginning
of the tour of the Shakespeare Repertory Company. This gallant band of loyal
and abject Shakespeareans accompanied the DDGM on all his visitations in
the Sixth Masonic District of Manhattan. They saw to it that he stayed away
from Shakespeare Lodge for a year. 
1949 In our Diamond Jubilee Year, our destinies were guided by W Louis Ziskin as Master. Our surprise nourishments of the year included Turkish Halvah on St. Patrick's Day, and ice cream on the coldest night of winter. We also had a Macintosh and Barton night - apples and chocolates were served. On March 3rd, we were startled by Prince Hara, magician and pickpocket. He nearly went too far. He picked Bro Merny Milman right out of his clothes, leaving him draped only in his nylon shorts. On April 21st, we celebrated the Homecoming of the DDGM, RW Arthur Markewich. By the time he was scheduled to enter the lodge Room, it was so packed and the crush was so great, there was absolutely no space for him. All that could be admitted was his smile and his mellifluous voice.
The Next 25 Years - More Modern Times
1949-1974 - More Modern Times
1949 The Diamond Jubilee Year saw W Louis Ziskin assume the East. In his previous
year, MW Frank Totten had appointed a young lawyer in No. 750 to serve as
his District Deputy of the Sixth Manhattan District. This started the rise
of our beloved brother MW Arthur Markewich to the position of Grand Master
of Masons in the State of New York.
The Colonial Room was bulging at his homecoming, after all his visitations featuring large contingents of officers and members of his own lodge. Shakespeare and Markewich were synonymously on the lips of all in the district. Our 75th Annual Dinner and Dance, the Night of Nights, was held in the Hotel Astor on Saturday, November 12th, with over 500 in attendance.
1950 W Abraham J. Berk sat in the East. He was known for his perfection in ritual
throughout the area. And they say there was none like him.
The famous Fellowcraft Team performed in the Grand Lodge Room before a packed overflowing crowd of more than 1200 brothers. Hundreds were unhappily turned away. A Surprise Package Party (an annual affair) drew a great gather and raised more than $400 for charity, with Brother Nat Ressler starring as auctioneer. The June Strawberry Festival at the Grand Street Boys Club attracted 280 people for the sumptuous food and happy entertainment. The Annual Dinner Dance, up in the Star Light Room of the Astor, was a smashing success. To enhance his collations, the Master engaged a caterer who served a roast beef dinner name of Ralph Katz.
1951 W Eli Cohen, our Master, was famous for his great ability to ad-lib and never
faltering in his ritual.
A long list of lecturers included: Dr. Samuel Standard, who spoke on Hospital and Social Conditions in the New State of Israel. Mr. Benjamin A. Cohen, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations whose topic was Present World Crisis. The Art of Hypnotism by Dr. and Mrs. Frank Marion. An Evening with Dr. Stanley S. Jaks sopped off with a fabulous Chinese collation with the ladies.
1952 W Herman Schneider was Master of the Lodge, and a noted perfectionist and
ritualist. The year was full of well-planned eves, many with the ladies.
Talks by W Benjamin Barondes (What We Dont Know About The Gettysburg Address);
Honorable Hugh Heung-Wu Cynn, Korean Ambassador to Japan; W Abraham Strachstein
(Recent Advances in Medicine); and an exhibition on hypnosis by Dr. John
L. Levberg.
W Abraham J. Berk was appointed Assistant Grand Lecturer. The final performance of the nationally famous Shakespeare Fellowcraft Team before an Admission by Ticket Only packed Grand Lodge Room.
1953 W Samuel Scholnick assumed the chair in the East of the Colonial Room.
A night of honor to RW Louis A. Sable, District Deputy in 1912. An evening of song by Betina Kasher followed by a package party that brought in $300. Following a meeting in his honor, W Matthew Margolish invited the entire lodge to enjoy a collation in the Masonic Club at his expense! The standard collation after almost each meeting was cookies and ice cream!
1954 W Gerald D. Schwartz was elected Master a kind, humble man, loved by all.
Famous baseball great Sid Gordon drew a packed lodge room, and thrilled all with his talk, followed by a question and answer period. The appointment of RW Samuel Scholnick as Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Lodge was another honor for the lodge.
1955 A somber year unfolded as our Worshipful Master, Joseph Aripotch, passed
away on April 24, 1955, and the sagacious leader of the lodge and the district,
RW Louis A. Sable shocked all with his sudden death just three weeks later,
on May 14th. Both were eulogized in a lodge memorial meeting held on June
2nd.
Senior Warden Harold B. Kramer acted as Master for the rest of the year. There was further confusion as the Hotel Grossman, proposed site of the winter weekend, burned to the ground. The event was ultimately held as the Berkeley-Cataret in Asbury Park.
1956 W Harold B. Kramer assumed the stewardship of the Lodge.
In his appointments of line officers, the Master set some sort of record, as four of his appointees eventually became Masters. Featured a Ladies Night Music Festival Ward the Wizard A talk by Mr. Yakow Saphis, of the Israel Office of Information on the Arab-Israel Problem. A Spring stay at the Pines was followed by a winter weekend at the Laurel in the Pines. The Fellowcraft Club celebrated an eve at the Boulevard Night Club in Forest Hills where a new unknown comic was featured Brother Don Rickles!
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Standing: Harry Gochman, Sidney Warren (SW), |
1957 W Merny A. Milman rose to Master
| Sudden illness forced him to be sidelined for much of the early part of his year when again the Senior Warden, this time Sid Warren, stepped in and did an outstanding task. Great team work! | |
| In honor of his 25th year as Past Master, W Max Zigas did a yeoman job, as he did all the work for the First Degree (Masters work, lecture, tools, aprons, charge and demand!). He was feted over a large and luscious cake prepared by Brother Harry Abend | |
| Further honors to our perennial and efficient organist, Leo F. Heidelberg, after 25 years of supplying the happy background to our meetings. | |
| Mrs. Ruth Mondschein displayed her many talents before a packed Ladies Night gathering. | |
| Fifty-Year awards were presented to Brothers Samuel Markewich and Isidor Tachna. |
1958 W Sidney Warren now the Master.
| The Max Monfried-Louis A. Sable Memorial Fund of the Legal Aid Society founded in honor of two Shakespeare greats. |
| MW Jona Ron, Grand Master of the State of Israel, made an Honorary Member |
| Our lovable secretary joins the purple of the Fraternity upon his appointment as Grand Directory of Ceremonies, RW Max Zigas. We were all so happy and very proud of our Max! |
| The year was full of honoring the RWs of our lodge as nights were given to Arthur Markewich and Louis Cutler. |
1959 W Max Cohen assumed the reins of the lodge as he strode t the Masters chair.
| First meeting a social smash as the Milos entertained a great turnout of the Ladies. |
| W Irving A. Israel honored on the 25th anniversary of his Mastership. |
| Dr. Murray Banks, noted psychologist, gave his dissertation on living happily, like each day was the last day of your life! |
| Brooklyn Link, Order of the Golden Chain, performed a degree in the Colonial Room |
| A great night out On The Town included a family Chinese dinner for all, followed by a choice selection viewing of a top Broadway theatre show. |
1960 W Harold S. Besser, a very eligible bachelor, became Master.
| Folk songs by Miss Elise Simon and a playlette by the Sixth District Players opened the social calendar. |
| A Broadway show was featured in the Spring Ladies Night. |
| A free weekend was raffled to all who had donated a pint of blood this year to the Masonic Blood Bank. |
| Weekends were enjoyed at Kutschers and the Laurel In The Pines. |
1962 W Milton Pelikow, congenial storyteller and famous writer of prose, assumed the serious role of Master.
| A system of collations catered by the stewards after all meetings was instituted. |
| A timely film from the U.N. featured The Man In The Blue Helmet and was shown after the first meeting. |
| Entertainers Vickie Stuart and Lou Menchell drew a standing room only Ladies Night gathering. All went home happily after a sumptuous collation. |
| The lovable young ladies of Menorah Triangle No. 56 presented the Initiatory Degree |
| Brother LeRoy A. Kramer gave valuable hints on the preparation of tax returns. |
| The Lodges Blood Bank, after floundering 20 pints in the red in 1959, was reported to hold a balance of 56 pints due to the efforts of Senior Warden Ralph Katz, Chairman. |
1963 W Ralph Katz moved into the East to the Masters chair.
| The officers wore tuxedo and white gloves for most of the meetings. | ||||||||||
| The year stared with a Zoom, as No. 750 hosted a weeks stay at San Juans newest hotel, the Americana, at only $376.80 a couple! | ||||||||||
| Brother Henry A. Barnes, dynamic Commissioner of Traffic, drew a capacity crowd as he spoke on Me and My Traffic Problems. | ||||||||||
Honors were extended to many:
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| Before a record turnout, Honorary Membership was conferred upon RWs Charles Hollender and Emanuel Kreisel | ||||||||||
| A solid ringside gathering of 375 members of friends enjoyed a full dinner and the antics of comedian Milton Berle at the Town and Country Night Club for only $7.50 per person! | ||||||||||
| In the lodge room, the Charles Lowe Revue rewarded a lodge full of members and their families, only in the Spring | ||||||||||
| A display by World Renowned Pickpocket Jack London was the entertainment in a Fall Ladies Night. |
1964 W Morris M. Karp picked up the gavel and assumed the Mastership.
The second trip to a Caribbean resort proved a tremendous social and financial success when more than a half load of a 707 traveled t the new Puerto Rican Sheraton for a full week of Fun In The Sun
| Many tickets were sold in the lodge room as the famous Masonic Brotherhood Exhibit at the Worlds Fair started to take shape. |
| Author Harold Flender was the feature in Why The Danes Ladies Night |
| Nudism and Mental Health was the topic of the next social evening as Miss Zelda R. Suplee, the First Lady of Nudism was the guest speaker |
| Great honors came with the appointment of RW Abraham J. Berk as the District Deputy of the Sixth Manhattan District. Many attended the eve in which our lovable Abe was presented. |
| Rev. John Stanley Grauel, leader in the Battle of the Exodus, told of his celebrated exploits in this moment in history which led to the establishment of the State of Israel. |
| A dinner and show at the Town and Country featuring Jackie Carter drew a sellout crowd |
| The year was climaxed with the 91st Annual Dinner Dance at the Sheraton-Atlantic. |
1965 This year of the New York City Worlds Fair, W Daniel Berman was elected Master in time to lead the Lodge on a junket to Jamaica, BWI. Headquartered in the Colony Hotel at Montego Bay, the legendary minions of Shakespeare spread our fame to yet another corner of the world
| Back home we were treated to Wine Tasting, courtesy of Cresta Blanca, and the World of Sholem Aleichem. |
| We returned to the new Kutchers for our Spring Weekend. |
| The Town and County again hosted our Fall Festival. Not to be outdone, the Fellowcraft Club held a Night at the Baths. |
1966 W Martin Manes planned his installation to be our first Public Installation in many decades, only to be foiled by the Citys first transit strike ever.
| From that inauspicious beginning, things had to pick up, and W Manes did just that, by having a BOAC Rolls Royce jet carry a great many of the brothers and their ladies to Nassau, BWI. |
| He was elected President of the Masters and Wardens association, and we can only assume that such dignified honors lead to the choice of a better Business Bureau Speaker for Ladies Night. |
| The social hit of the year was our 93rd Dinner Dance, honoring Max Zigas at the Utopia Jewish Center. |
1967 This year when our plane left the USA, it went a trifle north and landed in Bermuda. We located at the Castle Harbor Hotel.
| We also switched to the Windsor for our Catskill weekend. |
| RW Larry Pollock was made an honorary member. |
| Our Master, W Carl Liss, had some unusual programs. We saw films about your Vital Heart and The Mets Are Coming. |
| We went outside the Lodge to see Thoroughly Modern Millie. |
| Returning, we were entertained by the Charles Lowe Revue, Mr. Gil Eagles (an ESP specialist), and finally by a Korean karate exhibition. |
1968 W Michael Gold took us on the most recent of our big trips, this time to Puerto Rico.
| He also switched our weekend to the Nevele, a pleasant change. |
| We had debates on politics and a combined ladies night with Clermont and Justice Lodges for a theatrical production by the Hofstra Repertory Theater, which drew over 500 people. |
| We had films on Football and Investing and Imbibing. |
| We had a talk about Masonry in the Far East by MW Mauro Baradi. |
1969 W Daniel Semel perked things up right from the start
with his bright yellow notices, replete with cartoons and quotes.
| Once again we gave up on the Masonic Club and ate at Fils. |
| The Lodge sold out its Decoration Day weekend at the Concord. |
| W Bro. Semel arranged for the Head of the Knights of Columbus, James E. Foley, to talk to us, as well as the District Attorney of Nassau, W William Cahn. |
| A most controversial speaker at Ladies Night was Rabbi Neil Gellman of the Jewish Theological Seminary, who spoke on the Crisis on our Campuses. |
| We honored Bro. Arthur Markewich on his elevation to the Appellate Division with a Law Day Celebration in the American Room. |
| We had a guest ritualist at each meeting and were treated to the Hiramic Drama as performed by Alpha Lodge of New Jersey. |
| Our own ritual was of such note that we were selected (at the suggestion of our own Grand Lodge) to perform a Fellowcraft Degree at a friendship evening for Triluminar Lodge No.112 of New Jersey. |
| The years highlight was a gala dinner dance at the Terrace on the Park, Flushing Meadow. It was a lush affair and featured a profitable journal run by Senior Warden Frank Mandelbaum. Ws Semel and Mandelbaum repeated their dinner Dance Journal success in our centennial year. |
1970 W Frank Mandelbaum had his own unique way of getting brothers to come to meetings. Each night he displayed a valuable oil painting worth thousands of dollars in the anteroom. At years end it was raffled off in a Grand Attendance Drawing, and won by W Ralph Katz.
| An unusual Ladies Night was a Mystery Train Ride on the LIRR to Ronkonkoma and back. |
| Back in the lodge room we were privileged to hear Theodore Sorenson talk on foreign policy. |
| A high point of the year was the presentation ceremonies for Brother Arthur Markewich as grand Treasurer, our first Grand Lodge Officer. We switched to the American Room for the evening and it was SRO. |
1971 W Nicholas Ferraro began his year as all good CPAs should with a lecture by LeRoy Kramer on the highlights of the income tax law of 1969.
| The start of meetings was reduced to 7:00 pm. |
| We had a lecture by Marshal Ed Slade on flying saucers, and a salute to Israel for Ladies Night. |
| We journeyed to Browns Hotel for our summer weekend, |
| And to Greenwich Village for an Israeli evening at Club El Avram. |
| A grand evening was the presentation Ceremonies for RW Ralph Katz as Grand Steward. |
1972 W George Lipkin didnt have any transit strike t compete with. He had only rain, rain and more rain! But to his credit, by years end he devised a program replete with contingency plans.
| No such alternatives were needed in September when over 400 of us crowded around to see the ceremonies attendant with Arthur Markewichs election as Deputy Grand Master. |
| We saw Fiddler on the Roof, and Sleuth. |
| We had a number of Beer and Bs Nights, |
| And stated the great Trivia Quiz. |
| Ladies night was heralded with a pink lodge notice and feature comedian Van Harris. |
1973 W Walter Schraeter began his year with newly elected secretary RW Ralph Katz, and together they helped lay the foundation for our upcoming centennial.
| Our ladies were twice treated to a group of youthful entertainers from the staff of Catch a Rising Star. |
| Lodge photographer Michael Britt began to compile a picture book of lodge memories. |
1974 Our 100th Year. W LeRoy A. Kramer sat in the East. His theme for the year was Getting to Know You. It started with an informative program, a Florida reunion for our brothers who, because of age or distance, could no longer attend our New York meetings. Each meeting was planned around an enjoyable dinner, a brief but interesting meeting, allowing for an increased amount of time for socializing and a lovely collation afterwards.
| TV sets and gifts were raffled off at many of our meetings. |
| Perhaps the Grand Lodge Election of our own son, MW Arthur Markewich as the Grand Master of Masons in the state of New York, brought about the greatest impetus to the revival of interest in our Lodge in May. This produced the second cause for celebration in our centennial year. |
| Four new honorary members, giants in our fraternity, were taken into our midst in a gala evening: RW Wendell K. Walker, RW Frank H. Wikstrom, RW Robert L. Brusaw and RW Martin Klein. The MW Arthur Markewich participated. |
| We eulogized RW Max Zigas, our secretary for over 25 years, at a Memorial Night. |
| We entertained our ladies at six different functions during the year. |
| A centennial dinner dance on May 18, 1974, saw 228 of us dance until 3:30 in the morning. |
| There was standing room only for our Charter Night on June 6, 1974, commemorating our 100th year, when the MW Arthur Markewich rededicated our charter. This was a first for a grand Master I his mother lodge. |
| Our 100th anniversary weekend away at the Windsor Hotel was attended by close to 95 of us. |
| Our Journal copy was stolen and then fortunately recovered. |
| Innovations were made in our meeting notices with new columnists, W Milton Pelikow and W Daniel Semel and our new columns, Meet Your Officer and Shakespeares Pony Express. |
| All of this was reflected most gratifyingly in our increased attendance figures, which coincidentally averaged out at about 100 in this our 100th year. It was a beautiful year, and provided the icing to our centennial birthday cake. |
1975-2001 - Into a New Century
1975 Isidore Kratka
1976 Jerome Katz
1977 Lawrence J. Rossnick
1978 Raymond Shapson
1979 Michael H. Ackner
1980 David G. Rosenthal
1981 Raymond Puro
1982 Jeremiah J. DeNonno, Jr.
1983 Jeffrey S. Liss;
1984 Robert L. Tenny
1985 Jerold C. Liss
1986 Michael B. Daniels 
1987 Sheldon B. Richman, the Kosher Virginia Ham, developed
a program to honor two popular Past Masters on their Milestone Anniversaries.
After 8 Masons were raised in April, they were presented in May as the MW Arthur Markewich Golden Anniversary Class. Our "good judge" was honored
by over 100 Masons in the American Room, where we conferred Honorary Membership
on MW Robert C. Singer, Grand Master. The Dedicated Service Award
was conferred on Bro. Barnard J. Daniels. By November, 3 Masons were
raised and presented in November as the W Milton Pelikow Silver
Anniversary Class. Good humor and good fellowship permeated the Table Lodge
festivities.
1988 Sheldon B. Richman continued to serve as Master
because neither Warden wanted to advance. The Lodge co-sponsored with Keystone
Lodge of the Second Manhattan District a "Celebrity Roast" on the Silver
Anniversary of RW Barry B. Balogh as Secretary of Keystone. Barry's
brother, Arthur, a PM of Keystone, and W David Rosenthal were
Co-Roastmasters. Every Roaster had to contribute at least $25 to a specific
Masonic charity; the Shriners Hospitals received $1,300 from 52 roasters
out of the 130 Masons assembled at the 200 Fifth Avenue Club. In the autumn,
the Lodge celebrated the 40th anniversary of Arthur Markewich's
appointment as District Deputy Grand Master; the address was delivered by
the Deputy Grand Master, who had served as the judge's DDGM.
1989 Barry Balogh- Barry B. Balogh and Sheldon B. Richman conducted an unusual switch of offices, which took at least two meetings for even veteran Craftmen to adjust to seeing Balogh in the East and Richman in the Southeast. The Master, who, together with RW Raymond Shapson, helped form the Metropolitan Assistant Grand Lecturers Association, focused on ritual proficiency for the Officers. The Master obligated a three-Mason class, which included his son, Bro. J. Franklin Balogh, in all three Degrees. The Third Degree was conferred by a Line of Officers containing Past District Deputies, who had served as Assistant Grand Lecturers; the Drama was portrayed by the New York City Police Square Club Degree Team. After he left office, he was elected to another term as Secretary.
1990 David G. Rosenthal; Barry Balogh died; Sheldon B. Richman took over as interim secretary
1991 Daniel M. Semel
1992-1993 Jay B. Azneer
1993-1994 Sheldon B. Richman became Shakespeare's first Master to serve in the new Lodge year running from May to May -- to coincide with the Grand Lodge year. The Lodge held an Honor Night to mark the Silver Anniversary of W Michael H. Gold as Master. On the eve of congressional debate over the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Lodge hosted a law professor, a trade lawyer, and a union lobbyist to outline the virtues and evils of free trade among Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. A delegation of 35 Masons, under the escort of W Charles K. Sanders, Master of Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120, traveled from Virginia to pay a fraternal visit on Shakespeare. The Dedicated Service Award was conferred on W Harold S. Besser. The Grand Master, MW Gary A. Henningsen, accepted Honorary Membership in Shakespeare as he delivered the Commission as Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Ireland near the Grand Lodge of New York to RW Daniel M. Semel, J.A. An unusual feature of the post was the Brother Semel was granted the rank of Past Senior Grand Warden in the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
1994-1995 Basilio Whyte
1995-1996 Daniel M. Semel
1996-1997 David G. Rosenthal
1997-1998 Sheldon B. Richman again focused on interesting
honor nights during his fourth term as Master. The Dedicated Service Award
was conferred on W Michael H. Gold. The Lodge conferred the DeWitt
Clinton Award for community service to Robert Abrams, former Attorney
General of New York, for his tireless service in protecting consumers from
fraud and deceit. Continuing on the consumer protection theme, the Master
invited a succession of experts to explain federal, state, and foreign regulation
of different businesses and how such regulation affects consumers. The Master
regretted that he was unable to get MBAs conferred on those Brothers who
attended these meetings. When he left office in June 1998, the Master apologized
for a projected 18-month absence from stated communications because of his
progression from Senior Warden to Master of Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120
in Alexandria. 
1998-1999 Stanley A. Schimmel moved from his bench at the Organ to the Oriental Chair with no song or dance for the Lodge. He organized a delegation of Brothers and Ladies to travel to Alexandria to attend the Public Installation of RW Sheldon B. Richman as Master of Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120. He appointed and oversaw the arrangements committees for the 125th Anniversary and Grand Representative Presentation ceremonies, which was chaired by W Michael H. Gold, DSA
1999-2000 Bernard A. Liss became the fourth Liss in 32 years to be
installed as Master -- joining his brother, Carl ('67), and his nephews, Jeffrey ('83) and Jerrold ('85). Less than a fortnight after
his installation, the Master presided over the 125th Anniversary of Shakespeare
and the Public Presentation Ceremonies of RW Sheldon B. Richman as
Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Pernambucco (Brazil) near the
Grand Lodge of New York. Honorary Membership was conferred on MW Stewart
Wilson Miner, Grand Master of Virginia in 1974, who served simultaneously
with MW Arthur Markewich. The Master prevailed upon his son, Bro. Jay C. Liss, to use his skills as a chiropractor to explain the holistic
approach to maintenance of one's health. Finally, the Master revived the
Spring Weekend in the Catskills by organizing an outing at the Nevele Hotel. 
2000-2001 The theme for W William J. Thomas was
"2001-A Masonic Odyssey," and what a trip it was. The Officers all received
commissions as Kentucky Colonels, while three members of the Class of 1950
received their 50-year pins: W Walter Schraeter, W Milton
Pelikow, and W Harold Besser. And Walter joined the other two
by receiving the Dedicated Service Award. We had our first table lodge in
many years to honor the Silver Anniversary of W Isidore Kratka who
sat in the East in 1975. The Secret Service alerted everyone to the problem
of Identity Theft. And the lodge has never heard the likes of music like
the Philadelphia Jug Band, with the Worshipful Master on guitar and jug!
Finally, our long-time Organist and Master of 1998, Stanley Schimmel,
was appointed Grand Organist. 
2001-2002 Robert S. Byer began his stewardship with an
honor night to W Samuel P. Pritz on his 60th Anniversary as Master
of our Lodge. Dark days followed almost immediately, with the destruction
of the World Trade Center on September 11. W William Thomas had worked
in one of the buildings which fell, and reflected on the pain of the event
along with others in the lodge. The Master organized a delegation to attend
Andrew Jackson Lodge's Homecoming Ceremonies for RW Sheldon B. Richman,
the recently installed District Deputy Grand Master of District 1A in Virginia.
The Master led a delegation to Kane Lodge, which conducted the Presentation
Ceremonies for RW Stanley A. Schimmel as Grand Organist. Our table
lodge honored our dedicated and long-time Tiler, RW Enrique Castillo,
who has patiently guided the development of a degree team. Shakespeare hosted
the Sixth District's Grand Lecturer's Convention. The crowning event of the
year, however, was the presentation of RW Daniel M. Semel, J.A., as
Grand Representative of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge near
the Grand Lodge of New York; the Grand Masters of both Grand Lodges addressed
the Colonial Room overflowing with Masons, brotherhood, and good cheer. 
2002-2003 Ihsan Toksu brought the theme of "Remember
the Past, Enjoy the Present (with Masonic Evenings), Build the Future" to
the Lodge. In his term, Shakespeare Lodge became the leader in the Sixth
Manhattan District in terms of lodge growth by adding 24 new members in the
lodge through affiliations and initiations for the first time in 30 years.
Our by-laws were also amended. In 14 stated and special meetings, which mostly
started at 6:30 p.m. and ended with a fellowship and bountiful dinner,
Shakespeare Lodge hosted an average of 26 brothers per meeting and met 3.9
hours per meeting with teamwork, harmony and synergy. The Master, who conferred
three degrees, represented the Shakespeare lodge in almost every district
meeting. Some other important events of his term are the Grand Master's One-Day
Class (10 Shakespeare brothers received three degrees on March 29, 03), our
annual Table Lodge honoring our veterans, including a special tribute to
RW Sheldon B. Richman, who had just been appointed Grand Representative
of the Grand Lodge of Oregon near the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Also, a special
education meeting of Shakespeare, Allied Lodge No. 1170, and Boyer Lodge
No. 1 (MW Prince Hall GL of NY) was held.
2003-2004 William J. Thomas sat in the East for a second
term and developed a very active program. We went to baseball games and theater,
ate BBQ at the home of Walter and Maria Schraeter, visited the Masonic
Home in Utica, exchanged many Lodge visits, and particpated as a sponsor
of the Masonic Charity Tennis Tournament to benefit the Grand Lodge of Virgina
Scholarship Fund. Who can forget the return of the Philadelphia Jug Band
in December, with the Worshipful Master on jug and guitar? The Lodge ran
several sets of degrees and brought many men into the Craft. We were particularly
honored by the appointment of Walter Schraeter as Grand Representative
of the Grand Lodge of Iceland! Our education exchanges with Allied Lodge
and Boyer Lodge No. 1 (MW Prince Hall GL of NY) continued, as we raised several
Shakespeare Brothers in Allied Lodge for the benefit of Boyer Lodge -- with
the Grand Junior Deacon of Virginia in attendance. The cherry on the whipped
cream was the appointment of Bill Thomas as Shakespeare's first District
Deputy since Dan Semel was appointed in 1976.
2004-2005 Sheldon B. Richman was coaxed out of Masonic retirement to assume Shakespeare's Oriental Chair for the fifth time. With his line of Officers, he remarked that it was the first time he was the only Past Master in his Line. His first meeting was the Public Presentation Ceremonies for RW Walter Schraeter, DSA, the new Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Iceland near the Grand Lodge of New York. In the fall, our Lodge held the Public Presentation Ceremonies tendered for RW William J. Thomas, District Deputy Grand Master of the Sicth Manhattan District; besides dozens of Masonic dignataries in the Colonial Room, Shakespeare Lodge hosted the Deputy Grand Master, RW Neal I. Bidnick, and the Grand Master, MW Edward R. Trosin. A special treat was presentation of the DDGM Apron worn by RW Abraham J. Berk in 1964-65; Abe, from his retreat in Boca Raton, Fla., instructed Bill to continue productive Labors with a reinvigorated Apron. With the active assistance of his Officers, the Lodge raised two classes of eight Masons. The second class -- the Bro. Robert Anthony Plumb Proficient Class -- was named to honor the Lodge's Junior Warden who obligated five Brothers in all three Degrees. Finally, Brother Schraeter attended the Grand Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Iceland, and he established informal fraternal relations for our Lodge and Grand Lodge.
2005-2006 Christopher Winnicki
2006-2007
Robert B. Anthony
