The Haunted Charm Of The Grand Lodge

The Lavender Lady at McMenamins in Forest Grove, Oregon

The Grand Lodge is located 25 miles west of Portland in the former Masonic and Eastern Star property. Construction began in 1920 and was built for a Masonry home and it was briefly used as an orphanage. The Masons stayed until 1999 and the renovations and reopening as McMenamins Grand Lodge was in 2000.

Historic brick building with tall columns, a pediment, and large entry steps, surrounded by greenery and outdoor seating.
Grand Lodge main entrance featuring outside dining

Visitors will enjoy spending time admiring the artistic style of the lodge as they make their way around. A former resident of the 1920’s rest home loved the lodge so much that she is known to still roam the third floor today. Guests and staff describe her as an elderly woman in a pale blue dress. She carries a scent of lavender, and reportedly passes out books to the guests. And for all the skeptics you are free to examine the ghost log maintained by the Grand Lodge.

An open orange door leading to a staircase that descends into a basement. The walls are adorned with decorative molding and a framed artwork is visible down the stairs. Soft lighting illuminates the entrance.
Basement door
An ornate elevator door with decorative designs, accompanied by a red warning sign reading 'DO NOT USE ELEVATOR IN CASE OF FIRE'. Beside it is a framed advertisement for an event at the 'Crystal Ballroom'.
elevator door
Exterior view of a restaurant entrance featuring green double doors and a brick wall. A sign that says 'PLEASE SEE HOST FOR SEATING' is prominently placed in front.
Front entry
Interior view of a doorway with a mosaic wall and promotional posters, showcasing a decorative and inviting space.
interior front entry
Close-up of two brass door handles on a green door, featuring a keyhole and weathered finish.
double handle center twin door
Exterior view of the Grand Lodge featuring entrance doors, sign with amenities, surrounded by green foliage.
Entry to the pub
A corridor featuring decorative doors, framed wall art, and benches along the sides, with an EXIT sign visible at the end.
Interior corridor of guest rooms at the Grand Lodge

The interior decor features symbolic, historical, and fixtures traditionally found in Masonic Lodges. Common design features would include columns, wall art, altars, checkered flooring, celestial paintings and deep sky blue ceilings.

A mural depicting a bearded man in yellow and blue robes holding a staff, set against a textured background featuring a moon and a sun with faces. The floor is a black and white checkered pattern.
Grand lodge celestial painting

The checkered flooring in the painting represents “good and evil”.

The Lodge offers a variety of dining options and relaxing areas throughout the facility.

Outdoor seating area with black metal table and chairs under a green umbrella, next to a brick building and landscaped garden.
Outdoor seating at the Grand Lodge
Cozy living room featuring a purple sofa, wooden coffee table, and vintage decor with a fireplace and paintings.
Parlor and artwork
Menu highlighting seasonal specials and daily dinner specials at a restaurant, including various dishes and their prices.
Ironwork Grill Menu

The main restaurant at the lodge is the Ironwork Grill. It is a popular dining spot for the local community as well as guests of the hotel.

Thanks for stopping by 🙂

Alice DeForest

Enjoying my retirement plan of gallivanting from one place to another. I’m inviting you to tag along to explore Coastal Georgia, South Carolina and beyond.

A Little bit about me

This post was written for Dan Antions “Thursday Doors”.

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