DeSoto Lodge No. 105

𝑆𝑇𝐴𝑅 𝑇𝑅𝐸𝐾™:THE ORIGINAL SERIES TRICORDER Limited Quantities Available

The first bridge spanning the Alafia River, connecting the early settlements of Peru, on the South side of the river and River View of the North side. The impressive ironwork was formerly used on the first Lafayette street bridge, over the Hillsborough River, in Tampa. The wooden plank bridge was built with a section allowed to open, when needed to allow riverboat and steamer passage. The bridge was completed and opened in January of 190. Doctor G.H. Symmes, Peru's first medical doctor, is pictured eight from left. The bridge was located about seventy yards West of the present day bridge.

G.H. Symmes was Worshipful Master of DeSoto Lodge No. 105 for 20 years. 1894-1913.

Peru was initially settled in 1843 when settlers came to claim land under the Armed Occupation Act of Florida which was passed in 1842. The Act granted 160 acres of land to any head of family or any single man who would bear arms and live on the land in a house for five years. The name "Pe-Roo", as Peru was a native name meaning " straight part of the river".

In 1879, the first post office was established in Peru on the South bank of the Alafia River. Riverview would be established on the river's North bank in 1885, with postal service beginning on November 19, 1891, with the Post Office in Peru closing on December 31, 1900. The two communities, Old Peru, known to have existed for nearly one hundred years and Riverview established in 1885, were connected by the bridge in the post photo, would coexist until the late 1940s, when the town of Peru was absorbed into Riverview.

It was said, that in Peru, the grapefruit trees grew to such heights that the children would climb to the top of the tallest of these to view the Peoples Gas tank in Tampa, some fifteen miles distant.

Don’t forget the Blood bus will be on site at the Pancake Breakfast Sunday July 27th. The is no better charity than the gift of Life. Please come and enjoy breakfast on us if you donate and save a life.

We had a great time handing out beads and candy at the Brandon 4th of July parade. The fun and Fellowship at DeSoto Lodge is the best. Enjoy your Holiday and remember how we got here.

Last night we had the pleasure of initiating William Mark Barthle IV Son of Mark Barthle. The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Florida Don Cowart was in attendance along with many other Brother. Brother Barthle is also a member of Water Fishback Chapter Order of DeMolay. Welcome aboard Brother Barthle.

Mike Roberts of Hook a Hero foundation with Worshipful Master Daniel Allen who presented him with a check for $2001 to Hook a Hero for their work with first responders. For more information visit Hookahero.Com

It was a great day for a lodge work day. Fun and Fellowship lighten the burden of the task at hand and the work went by quickly. Thanks to the many Bothers for their dedication to the Lodge.

Congratulations to our new Master. Masons Richard Resto, Randy Killebrew and David Mehalshick.

Coming 9/22/2024
Save A Life!

It is with deep sadness that we offer our condolences to Most Worshipful Don Cowart on the loss of your beautiful bride, Sister Dell. Please know that DeSoto is here for you and your family during these times. Prayers for peace and comfort Most Worshipful.