Sunday, August 16, 2026 – A Door from the Blackwell House with the markings of the American Revolution

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Where to Find
the Door to a Blackwell House?
In a
Masonic Temple
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Judith Berdy
Issue # 1732
The notice announced that you could see the door to a Blackwell House this Sunday at the Advance Service Mizpah Lodge No. 586, 21-14 30 Avenue, Astoria.
I had see the door once before when it was displayed at the former Greater Astoria Historical Sociey headquarters. The society has moved and the door is on temporary loan ato the Masonic Temple, until August 30th.
An easy drive and I was in front of a whiote columned building.

The temple has a grand entrance with a majestic doorway.

The temple is a communtiy asset with space available to groups looking for venue. Inquiries are welcome and on their websire at https://www.astoriamasons.org/

On the Main Floor is a large meeting room and on a stage the door was in plain view.


A history of the door is on site and time to review some history.


There a series of owners, the bronze door knocker ended up at the FDR Library in Hyde Park, New York, far from the door in Astoria.

The Blackwell home was located on what is now 37th Avenue near Vernon Blvd.
Advance Service Mizpah Lodge No. 586

Meetings for members take place on the second floor.

The room is filled with important symbols of freemasonry.

The Temple is open to the public and has very imformative members who offer the educational tours. The news is that this Temple has a growing membership of young candidates.
Part two of our book sale is coming.

Our booksale yesterday was most successful. If you missed it, we will probably have Part 2, next weekend. Watch for details.
Judy Berdy
CREDITS
Judith Berdy
All image are copyrighted (c) Roosevelt Island Historical Society unless otherwise indicated
THIS PUBLICATION FUNDED BY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER JULIE MENIN & ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION PUBLIC PURPOSE FUNDS.


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rooseveltislandhistory@gmail.com
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