On Valentine's Day, my wife and I were invited by friends to join them at an unusual event of the local Masonic lodge, "Ladies at the Table." It's a ceremony occasionally held to honor select women, and men and women can participate in the fascinating banquet and series of formal toasts. I really enjoyed it, not just for the great company of outstanding citizens from our local Masonic lodge, but also for the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of the Mason's in the Fox Valley. They organized the local Waverly Lodge in 1854 and have occupied seven different buildings over the years, most notably the large building now owned by the Outagamie Historical Society, which was build as a spacious Masonic lodge.

Many of the most significant citizens of Appleton have been Masons, including Amos Lawrence (of Lawrence University fame) and Appleton's namesake, Samuel Appleton. Current officers of the Waverly Lodge are listed on the Waverly Lodge Website. One of them that I chatted with is Chad Wolf, who is currently running for Alderman in my area (see Vote4Wolf.org).

Overall, my wife and I has a great time with that kind and friendly group of Masons and their wives. They are a very civic-minded group that has done much for the community. Kudos to the local Waverly Lodge of Masons!

The dinner was catered by Choices in Neenah, and I was happy with the food. (Nice place, by the way.)