Masonic Temple, Boston, Mass. 1861 - 1888

This stereograph card shows the Masonic Temple in Boston, and was produced by John P. Soule in the late 19th century. Soule operated in a world deeply shaped by industrialization, urbanization, and the aftermath of the Civil War. Masonic societies held a certain power at this time. While presenting themselves as fraternal and civic organizations, they often held exclusionary practices based on race, religion, and social status. This photograph, therefore, exists at the intersection of public visibility and private exclusivity. The image emphasizes the architecture, but we might wonder about the unseen rituals and social dynamics occurring within its walls. Stereograph cards like this were a popular form of entertainment, offering a sense of three-dimensionality that captivated audiences. The Temple, depicted in a somewhat romanticized manner, mirrors the architectural aspirations of the Masons themselves. The photograph encourages us to consider the symbolic weight of such structures within the urban landscape.