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Kit Carson Home - Continued, Page 3
Carson was not apt to care if his name was associated with a building or place where the family aspect of his life was public. He hid much of the details of family life from his biographers and in his own remembrances.
The other "shaping force" that continues at work today and, possibly, of greater importance is the accumulation of efforts precipitated by the Masonic Lodge Brethren in NM and Taos to preserve the House.
The first of these events, in the undercurrent of the Masonic Order's expansion in New Mexico, was the inclusion of Kit Carson as a Brother in 1854. This would not have been a shaping force if the members had not also prevailed in their efforts to continue the work of the Lodge despite very small numbers.
Later, extensive forces came together again in the efforts of the Masonic Bent Lodge #42 members who made a fateful decision to focus substantial efforts to save the Kit Carson House. In the early 1900s the members recognized the need to preserve the house by acquiring the property. The efforts exerted resulted in the purchase of the property by the Grand Lodge of New Mexico in April of 1910. This event was followed by continued tireless efforts by the Masons and their wives to raise funds for restoration of the very dilapidated property. (See photos 1908).
Their goal had a stated purpose of preserving the "place" that best served as a monument to fellow Brother Kit Carson. He was one of several well-known local historic figures that were members of the Bent Lodge, but Carson's star shined a little brighter on a national basis and was certainly the most recognized name in the group.
Continued... here. |
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